UC Davis volleyball superstar Jade Light has signed a professional contract with the Okayama Seagulls, playing the 2026-27 season in the Japan SV.League. Photo courtesy of UC Davis Athletics

DAVIS, CA (MPG) - One of the most prolific players in program history, former UC Davis volleyball superstar Jade Light has signed a professional contract with the Okayama Seagulls, playing the 2026-27 season in the Japan SV.League.

Light continues the long tradition of professional players who have come through the Aggie pipeline, succeeding former player Olivia Utterback, who is currently preparing for her second season with ASP Thetis W in Greece.

Founded in 1999, the Seagulls are the latest in a long line of professional teams that have played volleyball in Okayama going back to 1953. Last season, the club finished 12th in the SV.League, the second level of professional volleyball in Japan while also securing a ninth place finish in the Empress’ Cup All Japan Championship, a 24 team tournament featuring some of the best programs in the country.

No stranger to high level play, Light finished her career at UC Davis with one of the best seasons in program history in 2025, being named the Big West Player of the Year and an AVCA All-American, the first All-American for the program since 1996.

During the season, she collected 1,000 career kills to become the 13th player in program history to hit that mark. She was also named the Big West Offensive Player of the Week three separate times and a First-Team Big West selection.

The Seagulls season begins on Oct. 16 when the team takes on the Osaka Marvelous at home. To learn more about the club, visit: https://women.volleybox.net/osaka-marvelous-t2147

The whole Aggie family wishes Jade the best of luck as she begins her professional career.