SEASIDE, Calif. — Malia Thorne's journey as a student-athlete at Cal State Monterey Bay is a testament to her unwavering dedication, passion for the beachside community, and the significance of forming deep connections in a smaller university setting.
From the moment she set foot on the CSUMB campus, Thorne knew she had found her home away from home.
"I chose CSUMB because of its location and proximity to the beach, which was super important to me because I truly never wanted to leave a beachside community," said Thorne. "I also chose CSUMB because of the size of the university. I believe that going to a smaller university helps you truly form those connections and foster relationships with people such as other classmates, professors, and even the athlete community at CSUMB."
For Thorne, the best part of her collegiate playing experience has been the relationships she has developed with her teammates and coaches. They have become her second family, pushing her to become the best version of herself both on and off the court.
"The best part of my collegiate playing experience has simply been the relationships I've been able to develop with my teammates and coaches, especially," said Thorne. "Both these groups have been able to push me to become the best version of myself as well as the best athlete I can be. They truly are like family to me, and I couldn't imagine not having them as my coaches or having my teammates my teammates."
Thorne has set ambitious goals for the season ahead, both individually and as part of her team.
Individually, she aims to achieve a hitting kill percentage of over .275, a goal she believes is attainable through hard work and dedication to herself, her teammates, and her coaches. As a team, Thorne hopes to make a strong run in the conference tournament and ultimately leave a legacy for future Otters.
"The end-all be-all is winning the Division II National Championship, but before that, it is surely to win the CCAA Tournament and to leave a legacy for future Otters," said Thorne. "I also want to build a team culture where we are able to push each other, communicate well, and always have each other's backs on and off the court because I know and my teammates know that we are like family to one another."
Looking beyond her time at CSUMB, Thorne has her sights set on earning an MBA, preferably at a university located in California. She hopes to expand her knowledge of business and apply it to her future career, whatever that may be.
Thorne's journey at CSUMB has been about more than just volleyball. It has been about building connections, forming a family, and leaving a lasting impact. Her dedication to her sport, her teammates, and her future aspirations is a testament to her character and drive.
With each serve, spike, and victory, Thorne is not only representing CSUMB but also leaving her mark on the university and the community she holds dear.
Thorne's journey is far from over, and the legacy she is building will continue to inspire future generations of Otters.
GO OTTERS!
