Meet the Newcomers: Whitney Wallace
August 19, 2026 | Women's Volleyball
#6 Whitney Wallace
Year:Β Junior
Height:Β 5-9
Position:Β Libero/Defensive Specialist
Hometown:Β Los Gatos, Calif.
Previous School:Β Oklahoma
High School: Saint Francis HS
Major:Β Sociology
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Whitney Wallace is a junior transfer who is making her return to California after spending the last two years at Oklahoma. The Los Gatos native graduated from St. Francis High School where she was a two-time all-league selection and helped her team to the 2023 West Catholic Athletic League title. She also played for Vision Volleyball Club.
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How did you get started playing volleyball?
I was kind of just born into the sport. My dad coached collegiately for 20-plus years. My mom played in college, my dad played in college, and my brother played in college, so I was always around it. I also played other sports growing up, but I always came back to volleyball.
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When did you know you wanted to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level?
It was actually kind of later. I took some time away from volleyball to focus on soccer for a little bit, but then came back and around my junior year of high school I knew this is what I wanted to do.
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How much of an influence did your parents have on your volleyball career?
Oh, I would say a lot. They supported me in whatever I was doing, whether it was volleyball or not. My dad always coached me through things, and my mom is my number one supporter so they're always right there in my back pocket when I need them.
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Why UCI?
I knew a few girls when I was transferring and just talking to them, I knew this was a place where I would be treated like family. It's also closer to home which is really nice; I have a lot of family who live in Orange County. I wanted to go to a place where I felt like I could be myself, and that's UCI.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Honestly, just enjoying what I'm doing in the moment. I love the girls on the team and then I love playing volleyball. So I'm looking forward to competing and enjoying where I'm at right now.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
I love the campus with Aldrich Park and all the trees; it's so gorgeous. I also love how the athletic facilities are close to each other so getting to hang out with the other sports is super fun too.
Year:Β Junior
Height:Β 5-9
Position:Β Libero/Defensive Specialist
Hometown:Β Los Gatos, Calif.
Previous School:Β Oklahoma
High School: Saint Francis HS
Major:Β Sociology
Β
Whitney Wallace is a junior transfer who is making her return to California after spending the last two years at Oklahoma. The Los Gatos native graduated from St. Francis High School where she was a two-time all-league selection and helped her team to the 2023 West Catholic Athletic League title. She also played for Vision Volleyball Club.
Β
How did you get started playing volleyball?
I was kind of just born into the sport. My dad coached collegiately for 20-plus years. My mom played in college, my dad played in college, and my brother played in college, so I was always around it. I also played other sports growing up, but I always came back to volleyball.
Β
When did you know you wanted to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level?
It was actually kind of later. I took some time away from volleyball to focus on soccer for a little bit, but then came back and around my junior year of high school I knew this is what I wanted to do.
Β
How much of an influence did your parents have on your volleyball career?
Oh, I would say a lot. They supported me in whatever I was doing, whether it was volleyball or not. My dad always coached me through things, and my mom is my number one supporter so they're always right there in my back pocket when I need them.
Β
Why UCI?
I knew a few girls when I was transferring and just talking to them, I knew this was a place where I would be treated like family. It's also closer to home which is really nice; I have a lot of family who live in Orange County. I wanted to go to a place where I felt like I could be myself, and that's UCI.
Β
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Honestly, just enjoying what I'm doing in the moment. I love the girls on the team and then I love playing volleyball. So I'm looking forward to competing and enjoying where I'm at right now.
Β
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
I love the campus with Aldrich Park and all the trees; it's so gorgeous. I also love how the athletic facilities are close to each other so getting to hang out with the other sports is super fun too.
Players Mentioned
L/DS
/ Women's VolleyballWednesday, August 19
Wednesday, August 19
Tuesday, August 18
Monday, August 17
