BVB | Gaels Hit the Portal for the First Time in the 2025-26 Recruiting Class, Add Alisia Silverthorn

MORAGA, Calif. — Coming off of a program record tying 20 win season in 2025, the Gaels are hard at work adding to their 2025-26 roster, and have gone to the portal for their most recent signing, as Alisia Silverthorn will join the Gaels, heading to Moraga from Houston Christian University. Silverthorn will come to Saint Mary’s as a senior after three years of competition with the Huskies. 

Originally hailing from Auburn, Washington, Silverthorn prepped at Auburn Riverside High School, where she was teammate with Hannah Couch. There, the dynamic duo led the Ravens to four straight district titles. At the prep level, Silverthorn was three times named All-Conference, seeing time as both a setter and outside hitter, demonstrating the versatility that she would go onto use throughout her beach career. Her outstanding indoor high school career was culminated by being named the 2021 3A/4A North Puget Sound Cascade District MVP.

Silverthorn chose Houston Christian to be her home for her collegiate career. After appearing in six matches in her first two collegiate seasons for the Huskies, split between the four and five spots, she made her way into the everyday lineup this last season, appearing in 30 of 33 matches at the twos. She went 9-21 for the campaign, including her first collegiate win against Central Arkansas (Feb. 23), and her first two match clinching wins against Cal State Bakersfield (Feb. 28) and New Orleans (Apr. 11). At the culmination of her junior year, Silverthorn entered the portal, where she was found by Coach Harrer and her staff. 

About Alisia, Coach Harrer noted, “Given her background as a beach volleyball player and her academic pursuits, we are pleased to welcome Alisia to the Gael family!  Saint Mary’s College aligns with her athletic and educational goals.” She went on to say, “Silverthorn has made significant strides in her volleyball career. Transitioning to beach volleyball, she found her groove in the sand. Beach Volleyball showcases her adaptability and passion for the sport!”

About her choice to commit to Saint Mary’s, Alisia stated, “My dream is to play volleyball at the highest level I can for as long as I can while still prioritizing my education.”

This statement reflects her commitment to balancing athletic excellence with academic achievement.

The first transfer to be added to the 2025-26 Saint Mary’s Beach Volleyball, the Gaels have had good success with transfer players in recent years, including Hawley Harrer (UCLA), Paola Peralta (MiraCosta College), Sedona Sherman (Pacific), Sadie Shipman (Stephen F. Austin) and Chloe Swanson (Irvine Valley College)

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