EL PASO, Texas – UTEP volleyball head coach Ben Wallis announced the addition of junior-college transfer Syenna Masaki Wednesday morning. This is the first signee of the Wallis era at UTEP.
"Syenna is a complete volleyball player," Wallis said. "We are really excited to have her join our Miner family because she can help us do a lot of things in the game well."
Masaki is joining the UTEP roster from Western Nebraska Community College, where she spent the first two years of her college career. She was an extremely versatile player who excelled in passing, attacking and setting for the Cougars. The junior is a two-time All-Nebraska JUCO first-team honoree. She was also named the captain of the 2018 All-Nebraska team.
This past season Masaki posted a 12-match streak of double-digit kills, including a 24-kill performance versus McCook Community College (9/20) at a blistering .439 clip. In 2018 she led her team in points (425.0) and service aces (50). Masaki rated second on her squad in kills (331), assists (267) and digs (339).
"She may have been the best passer, attacker and setter at Western Nebraska. She is going to come in and compete for us in all three areas for us as well." Wallis said. "Not only is she very competitive, but also she is a gym rat, which I love. Volleyball is important to her, and it shows."
Masaki is a native of Kaneohe, Hawaii. Her nickname is "Enna", and her favorite TV show is the Vampire Diaries.
"I am really excited to join the Miner family." Masaki said. "The coaching staff and the girls made me feel at home. I am ready to start over and change the program around with them."
