Q: What inspired you to play volleyball?
Bella: My mom played volleyball when she was in high school, and she used to tell me stories about it all the time. Seeing how passionate she was really motivated me to try out, and once I did, I fell in love with the sport. Her excitement carried over to me, and now volleyball is a big part of my life.
Q: What is it like being on the JV team?
Bella: I’m so excited and honestly so grateful to be on this team. The season has been really fun so far, and I love the energy that comes from being surrounded by people who share the same passion. It’s not just about the games — it’s about the friendships and memories we’ve made.
Q: What is your most memorable moment on the court?
Bella: One of my favorite moments happened just recently. The score was really close, and even though we ended up losing, it was still such a good game. That kind of competition pushes you to play harder, and I walked away proud of how we performed. Sometimes, even in a loss, you have those moments that remind you why the sport is so special.
Q: Describe a challenge you have faced during a game.
Bella: The hardest challenge for me has been the mental side of the game. When you mess up, it’s easy to get stuck in your head and keep thinking about what went wrong. I’ve learned that instead of dwelling on mistakes, I need to focus on what’s next and stay positive. Volleyball is just as much mental as it is physical.
Q: How do you balance schoolwork and volleyball?
Bella: To be honest, it’s really tough sometimes. Practices and games take up a lot of time, so I try to use any day off from volleyball to get as much schoolwork done as I can. It’s all about time management, and I’m still learning how to balance it better.
Q: What role does teamwork play in your success?
Bella: Teamwork is huge for me. Volleyball is not a sport you can play alone; it requires trust, communication and encouragement. If we weren’t as close as a team, I don’t think I’d be able to play at the level I do now. My teammates lift me up, and I try to do the same for them.
Q: How do you handle pressure during big matches?
Bella: For me, it’s about blocking out everything except the game. I focus on what’s happening on the court and try not to think about the crowd or the score too much. When I stay locked in and concentrate on the moment, the pressure fades and I can play my best.
Q: What advice would you give to younger volleyball players?
Bella: Never doubt yourself. Volleyball is a sport where confidence makes all the difference. No matter how tall, short, or small you are, if you’re passionate and willing to work hard, you belong on the court. Always stay positive and keep pushing yourself; you’ll go far.
Q: How does the team celebrate victories?
Bella: We usually celebrate by screaming really loud and getting super–hyped up together. It’s the energy and joy that matter most, not the size of the celebration. Winning is amazing, but celebrating with your team is even better.
Q: What are your future aspirations?
Bella: My dream is to play at a Division II or Division III school. Even if that doesn’t happen, I still want to keep volleyball in my life for as long as possible. Beyond volleyball, I hope I can take everything I’ve learned, like how to stay calm in tough situations and how to keep pushing through challenges, and use those lessons in whatever I do next.
Staff Designer Ahana Roy contributed to this Q&A
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