As the energy in Coppell High School Arena quiets, her eyes scan the court. Coppell senior setter Carolina Ufret focuses on her next set, repeating to herself the words that have driven her through years of training: one play at a time, one win at a time.
Committing to play volleyball at Emory University in September, Ufret is prepared to bring her leadership as a setter and her academic aspirations to a new level. Balancing her commitment to both her team and studies, she will pursue anthropology, studying on the pre-medical track at Emory — a school known for its excellence in both.
“Choosing Emory felt like putting the last piece into the puzzle,” Ufret said. “The academics, the volleyball program and the support system there are everything I was looking for.”
Ufret’s love for volleyball goes back to her youth, joining her first recreational team at 8 years old. By 11, she was playing club volleyball at the competitive level at Texas Advantage Volleyball (TAV), later moving to Areté Athletics. She then began to play for Coppell and now is setting for Skyline’s 18 Black team.
“As a team, we spend six days a week together so all of us have become family and with Carolina and I being one of the three seniors on the team, we’ve learned a lot from each other and are close,” senior defensive specialist Campbell Scrudder said. “I’m so proud of Carolina for committing to Emory and I know leading our team will make her an even better player there.”
Rising to Coppell varsity captain, Ufret was nominated by her team, known not only as a playmaker but a natural leader with quiet confidence and drive.
“Carolina has taken on a huge role this season, leading by example to such a young team and she has done a great job,” coach Robyn Ross said. “A setter is like our quarterback; Carolina has to get the ball to the hitters perfectly, and she is doing a phenomenal job at that.”
While volleyball is a large part of Ufret’s life, her academic achievements are just as impressive. A National Merit semifinalist, Ufret prioritizes maintaining high academic standards, demonstrating the same discipline in the classroom as on the court. She knew she wanted to attend a university valuing athletic and academic excellence.
“When I finally did decide that I want to continue playing volleyball on the college level, it was important to me to find a school where I could really challenge myself in both areas,” Ufret said. “Emory felt right and it was the place where I could see myself growing as both an athlete and a student.”
Ross thinks Ufret’s impact will extend to Emory’s team as it has to Coppell.
“Every coach who sees her for the first time will notice how amazing her setting is,” Ross said. “My first impression was no different, but it’s her leading-by-example work ethic that is also making a huge difference on this team.”
As Ufret prepares to head to Atlanta, she is gratified to know this is not just an athletic opportunity but also a chance for her to further pursue her academic ambitions, focused on studying healthcare.
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