FULLERTON, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton women's volleyball head coach Ashley Preston announced that two student-athletes will be joining the program for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year.
Anna Hawthorne
"The coaching staff is amazing so welcoming and the program has amazing goals and a unique culture I wanted to be apart of," Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne, a 5-8 libero, is set to graduate from Chaparral High School in Temecula in the spring of 2021 as a two-time member of the women's volleyball varsity team.
During 2019, she helped her team reach the second round of the CIF tournament and second place in the Southwestern League. In the same year, she also assisted with the team earning the championship title of the Queen's Varisty Tournment. Most recently, her squad captured the City Champions title in 2021. Fun fact, Hawthorne enjoys crafts and making jewelry when she is not on the court. Hawthrone also played softball for six years before picking up volleyball.
In the classroom, Hawthorne has been a member of Honor Roll for all four years. She also earned the Seal of Biliteracy during her time at Chaparral High School.
The daughter of Jessica and Victor Hawthorne. She was born in Oceanside and has two older brothers. She aspires to be a marine biologist so she can learn more about ocean life and its unique ecosystem. Hawthorne has volunteered her time at the Circle of Care Ministry to help distribute and organize food and goods for those in need.
Mia Jerue
"I love the enivronment the volleyball team encourages and I love the campus," Jerue said.
Jerue is a 5-9 outside hitter, set to graduate from Orange Lutheran High School in spring 2021. She is a four-time member of the women's volleyball varisty team.
As a freshman, Jerue helped her team capture the CIF champion title. For the remainder of her high school career, she was named second team all league as a sophomore and first team all league her junior year as well as the Whittier Tournament champions. As a senior and team captain, Jerue led her team to becoming Trinity League Champions.
The Orange County native is the daugther of Roseanne and Kenneth Jerue and older sister to Tessa Jerue. She is interested in studying business because "of the broadness and ability it has to be used in various areas". Jerue has volunteered her time with several charities which includes; Operation Christmas Child, Ronald McDonald House, and The Map Sports Facility. At Operation Christmas Child she packed presents for children in need. During her time at the Ronald McDonald House, Jerue assisted with preparing food for families in need. She also mentored special needs athletes with their volleyball skills at The Map Sports Facility.
The two newest additions will help contribute to the change in Titans volleyball's culture. Prior to the postponement of the 2020 season, the Titans had a turnaround year in 2019 with the most wins since 2012. The team had also earned a Top 25 ranking within that same year.