Ella Paniagua ’25 is Rosary Academy’s Varsity Volleyball Captain. This is her third year on Rosary’s Varsity Volleyball team, as well as her fourth year on club volleyball. She is ranked #3 Junior Kills in California – an impressive level of recognition for her skills! To hear more about her experiences of being a Scholar-Athlete keep reading below!
Q: When did you start playing volleyball, and what has it been like through the years?
A: I was introduced to volleyball by a friend when I was in 6th grade. We played every lunch, and I loved it, so I tried out for the middle school team, but I did not make it. At the time I was playing competitive soccer, so it wasn’t really a surprise that I didn’t make it my first time. I kept playing and started playing club when I was 13. Volleyball has pretty much been my life ever since. There’s been so many ups and downs, but I’ve made so many good relationships through volleyball and I am so grateful for all of the opportunities it has brought me.
Q: How do you balance everything with volleyball?
A: It’s really all about time management and being organized with the things I have to get done. With training every day, I have to use the free time I have wisely and be productive.
Q: How do you feel about almost completing your third year of volleyball at Rosary?
A: Time has definitely gone by super fast throughout my time here, but I’m just trying to enjoy every minute I have left.
Q: How have things changed since becoming a captain?
A: Being captain is definitely a big responsibility. I now have to be aware that I must be a role model for not only the varsity team, but all of the other levels as well. I now have to be a leader to everyone and always know there are people watching me.
Q: What does training outside of Rosary’s practice look like?
A: I train at least 3 times a week when I don’t have games or school practice. Getting extra training and working out allows me to be ahead of the game and excel in all of my skills.
Q: What was your biggest accomplishment on this team?
A: My biggest accomplishment has probably been making varsity my freshman year when I was not even close to achieving my full potential.
Q: What has the hardest thing for you been while playing volleyball?
A: The hardest thing has probably been trying to keep my team in the game and focused when we are in a tough situation.
Q: How have you been able to keep your love for volleyball, has there been a time when you wanted to stop playing?
A: There have definitely been sometimes where I’ve thought about maybe going back to playing soccer because I have more natural talent with that, but I love the challenges that come with volleyball, and I am obsessed with improving.
Q: Will you continue volleyball after high school, if so, what does that look like?
A: Yes, I am definitely planning on playing volleyball in college. I am hopefully going to be playing Division 1 volleyball, (the highest level I can). The recruiting process can be fun and nerve wracking.
Q: What is your favorite tradition with Rosary’s Volleyball Team?
A: My favorite tradition with my team is definitely the sleepover we do in the beginning of the season.
While Ella has already accomplished so much, we’re excited to see what she will continue to accomplish in and outside of her volleyball career!
