West Valley beach and indoor volleyball stalwart Rene Wash has accepted a scholarship to play beach at the University of Saint Katherine in San Marcos, CA. Wash played indoor and beach for two years for coach Armen Zakarian's Vikings and played key roles in the 2018 indoor Elite Eight team and the 2019 indoor and beach Coast Conference champion squads. She is the third Viking to sign with the Firebirds in the last two years, joining Kaylin Henderson and Angelica Reyna from 2019.

Wash teamed with Jaida Ward in West Valley's #2 pair to go 4-0 in the virus-shortened 2020 season, taking wins over top-tier pairs from Feather River, Marin, Sierra and San Joaquin Delta. The 6-1 outside hitter from San Jose's Leigh High School compiled 358 kills (2.37KPS), 104 digs and 65 blocks in her two indoor campaigns and was named to the All-Coast 2nd Team in 2019.

Zakarian, upon announcing the Wash signing, said, "I am very happy with her choice. She will play a lot, and she's in a great area. This will be great for her overall well-being." He added, "Rene came to West Valley with a goal to pursue the sport she loves and to test her limits. Our Viking family is so proud of her commitment to continue her playing career ar Saint Katherine. She took no shortcuts on the court and was all business in the classroom. She did it the right way, and we are excited for her future. Good luck Rene! Everything really is fine!"

The University of Saint Katherine is a member of the NAIA's California Pacific Conference. The Firebirds are coached by Lauren DeTurk, who also plays on the AVP Pro Beach tour.