Meet the Newcomers: Kaia Ciszewski
August 17, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
#2 Kaia Ciszewski
Year:Β Freshman
Height:Β 5-8
Position:Β Outside Hitter
Hometown:Β Irvine, Calif.
High School: Mater Dei HS
Major:Β Undeclared
Β
Kaia Ciszewski is a local product out of Mater Dei High School. She helped the Monarchs win the 2025 CIF State Open Division Championship as a senior and was a member of the 2024 squad that won the CIF-Southern Section title. Kaia also played club for SC Rockstar.
Β
When did you get started playing volleyball?
I used to live in Chicago and played a lot of sports growing up. I did track, soccer, swim, gymnastics, and tumbling. Then when we moved here to California about nine years ago, I tried volleyball and it has stuck ever since.
Β
Did you have a favorite player or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?
Probably my dad. He made me go through everything and pushed me to my limits. He played soccer and he's a baller. He can do anything; he's insane at golf and can really play any sport.
Β
Why UCI?
The whole environment. Initially I didn't think I wanted to be that close to home, I'm 10 minutes away from here, but then I met all the girls and the coaches, and I've never been to a place that has made me feel more wanted. So now the location is a bonus. I get to live on the beach next year which is amazing; I love the beach. And the academics, you can't ask for more. It's a UC school and it's a great opportunity for going out into life.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Just balling out and having a great time. You have to earn everything you get. Not everything is given to you, so I can't wait to ball out and work so hard to earnΒ the opportunity, and really just excel in that.
Β
What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?
Definitely the team and also The Anteatery, it is good! But besides that, just the girls here and the coaches; it's all I could ask for.
Year:Β Freshman
Height:Β 5-8
Position:Β Outside Hitter
Hometown:Β Irvine, Calif.
High School: Mater Dei HS
Major:Β Undeclared
Β
Kaia Ciszewski is a local product out of Mater Dei High School. She helped the Monarchs win the 2025 CIF State Open Division Championship as a senior and was a member of the 2024 squad that won the CIF-Southern Section title. Kaia also played club for SC Rockstar.
Β
When did you get started playing volleyball?
I used to live in Chicago and played a lot of sports growing up. I did track, soccer, swim, gymnastics, and tumbling. Then when we moved here to California about nine years ago, I tried volleyball and it has stuck ever since.
Β
Did you have a favorite player or anyone you looked up to when you were growing up?
Probably my dad. He made me go through everything and pushed me to my limits. He played soccer and he's a baller. He can do anything; he's insane at golf and can really play any sport.
Β
Why UCI?
The whole environment. Initially I didn't think I wanted to be that close to home, I'm 10 minutes away from here, but then I met all the girls and the coaches, and I've never been to a place that has made me feel more wanted. So now the location is a bonus. I get to live on the beach next year which is amazing; I love the beach. And the academics, you can't ask for more. It's a UC school and it's a great opportunity for going out into life.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Just balling out and having a great time. You have to earn everything you get. Not everything is given to you, so I can't wait to ball out and work so hard to earnΒ the opportunity, and really just excel in that.
Β
What is your favorite thing about UCI so far?
Definitely the team and also The Anteatery, it is good! But besides that, just the girls here and the coaches; it's all I could ask for.
Players Mentioned
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