By Tim Heiduk
 
(SANTA BARBARA, Calif.) Fresh off its furthest postseason run in program history, Westmont volleyball has signed setter Malia Yim of San Clemente, head coach Ruth McGolpin announced. Yim is a transfer from NCAA Division I George Washington University.
 
"Malia Yim was someone we had recruited when she was a junior in high school, but she took a different direction to play at George Washington University," McGolpin said. "Malia, her family and I had always stayed in contact and when the opportunity opened up for her to come back to Westmont College to play volleyball, I welcomed her with open arms."
 
Yim appeared in three matches and six sets during her freshman season last year at George Washington before suffering an injury. She was granted a medical redshirt season, so she has four years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
 
"Malia is very talented, a technical-based setter, and has good flow to her sets which are consistent," McGolpin added. "What she also brings is a kind heart, a level head and a passion for the game."
 
Yim is in her second semester at Westmont after transferring to the college before the 2020 spring semester.
 
"As much as I was drawn to the Christian education and location of Westmont, the quiet and peaceful environment along with the kind people at Westmont were really what drew me to the school," Yim said. 
 
Yim graduated from San Clemente High School, where she earned MVP honors as a freshman. Then as a senior, she served as team captain and led her team to the Sea View League championship. She was also a First Team All-Sea View League selection.
 
"I am most looking forward to being a part of the team," Yim said. "These women are so positive and supportive, and I am really excited to be a part of this family."
 
Yim, who is undecided on her major, also played for Prime Volleyball Club.
 
"As a student-athlete, I hope to push myself and excel both on and off the court," Yim said. "There are so many amazing life lessons and long-term benefits of being a student-athlete, and to be able to continue to develop those aspects at Westmont really excites me."
 
Yim is the sixth newcomer to the Warriors' team, joining Jessie Terlizzi, Phoebe Minch, Jordan Cusator, Emma Galloway and Lilian Reininga. Westmont is scheduled to begin its conference season on Feb. 2 against William Jessup, after the NAIA and Golden State Athletic Conference postponed fall sports championships to the spring because of COVID-19.