How a volleyball enthusiast was introduced to the sport and her advice to those interested.

SAN JOSE, CALIF.—At Silver Creek High School, a specific volleyball player stands out on the court. Nathalia Ibarra, a setter on this year’s junior varsity volleyball team, talks about her passion for volleyball and gives advice to those who are interested in the sport.

She was introduced to volleyball at a young age, Ibarra was surrounded by the sport most of her life. Her mother, father, aunt, and grandmother were all volleyball players who tried to get her more involved with the sport. It wasn’t until middle school that she finally sparked interest in volleyball. 

Currently, Ibarra is a freshman at Silver Creek whose interest in the sport started because of “the drive to become healthier and fit.” She states that she’s “had a passion for volleyball since seventh grade” and reveals that throughout her middle school years and freshman year, she’s been on a school team. Ibarra also adds that she’s been on a club team from eighth to ninth grade as well.

With all the work she puts into her practices and games, Ibarra shares that she also puts her “efforts into volleyball by going to any clinic”. Clinics allow her to improve her skills through vigorous training and “get more practice in.”

She includes that she sees herself continuing to play “volleyball in the future. One of my goals is to become a professional volleyball player.” Ibarra said.

Ibarra’s advice for individuals who are interested in volleyball is to “learn the basics and then everything will come.” She also includes that “there’s nothing to lose” when trying out for the volleyball team if you’re interested. You can practice when time is available and try out again next year if you don’t make it on the team.

Ibarra states that she’s “not in volleyball to make connections” but is “in it to play the sport.” However, she includes that the experience of being on the team is so much greater when having good-natured teammates. For the rest of her three years at Silver Creek, she plans to “work hard on and off the court to improve” her skills and abilities.