By definition of her position, The Master’s University junior Kayla Sims’ job is to set the table for teammates to succeed.

In a more figurative sense, Sims’ decision to attend Master’s three years ago helped pave the way for a new chapter of women’s volleyball at the school.

TMU coach Allan Vince recruited Sims out of South Anchorage High School in Alaska, and it was Sims who helped draw Vince’s attention to recent TMU signee Emilye Grace Williams – and Williams’ attention to TMU.

As a senior at South this year, Williams tallied 393 kills, 307 digs and 54 blocks. The Wolverines went 29-14-2.

“She can come in and make an impact as a freshman,” Vince said of the 5-foot-11 outside. “She’s been the leader on her team probably since her junior or sophomore year, and she has the ability to take the team on her back and work. Once she transitions to the speed and the vision required to play at this level, I think her skill and training will catch up immediately.”

Williams will join a Mustang team that grew up mentally and physically during this season’s 11-17 run that ended in the Golden State Athletic Conference tournament. The Mustangs graduated just two seniors and will look to work Williams into the mix for 2018.

“She’s very versatile,” Sims said of Williams. “She plays right side and outside and plays great defense. … We’re excited about that. She has a really good work ethic. She’s always in the gym, always training. She’s very humble and takes criticism very well. “