Gulbranson Signs With Northridge to Play Volleyball

Gretchen Gulbranson, a setter for the Thousand Oaks High girls’ volleyball team, has signed a letter of intent to attend Cal State Northridge, giving the Matadors their first signee of the off-season.

Gulbranson had a school-record 819 assists last season while leading the Lancers (20-5) to a Marmonte League championship and the second round of the Southern Section Division II playoffs. She also had 187 service points and 130 blocks.

“It’s a good school and it’s really nice there,” Gulbranson said of Northridge. “I wanted to play there.”

Northridge Coach John Price said the addition of Gulbranson will strengthen the Matadors (27-8), who were eliminated by USC in the first round of the NCAA Division I playoffs. However, Price noted, Gulbranson, 5-foot-6, is shorter than most players.

“That’s definitely her liability,” Price said. “But I think she’s just a great athlete and a good catch for us. All the other pieces are there.”

Gulbranson will join redshirt freshman Erin Balderama to give the Matadors two setters.