How did you get into playing volleyball?

"I heard around the school about a volleyball team club, so I decided to try out."

What keeps you motivated?

"Remembering that I have a purpose in my team, a responsibility to the other players, and a commitment to myself."

What position do you play?

"I play middle."

What do you love most about your sport?

"I love how teamwork oriented it is so I feel really close to the other players. When we score a point we all hype each other up and it feels really good."

What things have you learned while playing with the team?

"I have learned everyone makes mistakes so be forgiving."

What advice would you give to anyone joining a sports team?

"Have an open mind and realize that everyone’s human."

How has your coach supported you and your team?

"He pushes us and lets us know that if we really want it, we have to chase it."

How did you get into playing soccer?

"I started playing soccer when I was seven years old. My dad took me to play at a recreational league against my will at Hollywood Recreation Center. Since then I had a love-hate relationship with the sport, but it’s still one I enjoy playing so I would say I owe it all to my dad."

What keeps you motivated?

"My motivation comes from my parents and the people around me. They always strive to be better and do better by any means possible, so it’s something I admire and want to mirror in my life. Also with all honesty, I just want to make my parents proud while doing what I enjoy."

What position do you play?

"Throughout my soccer “career” I’ve played left midfielder and also left back, but I would much prefer the midfield because that’s where all the action happens when attacking, defending, and creating opportunities."

What do you love most about your sport?

"The thing I love most about the sport is the thinking aspect of it. Every move, pass, run, and everything you can think of has to be executed well enough to produce a good outcome. I also like the fact that when playing on a team, especially Uni’s soccer team, once you meet the rest of your teammates those are friends that you will potentially have in the long run. On and off the field we have each other’s backs. Sure, we don’t always agree with each other, and no one’s perfect, but no one gets left behind."

What things have you learned while playing with the team?

"I have learned a lot while playing on this team. Coming in as a freshman I didn’t really think of the game of soccer the way I do now and that’s thanks to the coaches. I have also learned that the team has a balance. If people don’t do much while others try to compensate for that, it’s never going to work. We all have to put in work to be successful on and off the field."

What advice would you give to anyone joining a sports team?

"To anyone joining a sports team, in all honesty focus on school and make sure your grades are good. We have to remember that we are student athletes, but being a student is always first and I have learned that the hard way. Another thing I would like to say is that you should have fun while doing a sport and get to know people; be open. You will honestly make so many memories you won’t forget."

How has your coach supported you and your team?

"Personally, my coach has helped me get my stuff together both in school and on the field. There would be times where I would slack and he would come in and give me a wake up call and that helps. I would also like to point out that having the privilege to play on this team has helped me a lot because there were times where I needed soccer to stay “on track” with my life and honestly playing soccer at Uni has kept me grounded."