By Liz Fawcett, Special to the Van Nuys News Press
From the time I could run, I was on a sports team. I grew up trying every sport imaginable—basketball, baseball, gymnastics, soccer—anything that would let me compete and push myself. Sports were always part of my identity, but it wasn’t until I was ten years old that I found the one that truly felt like home: volleyball.
There was something different about it from the very beginning. I felt naturally connected to the game, yet I could also see how much room I had to grow. That balance—confidence mixed with hunger for improvement—lit a fire in me. Even in middle school, I wasn’t satisfied with just showing up to practice. I wanted more touches, more reps, more opportunities to refine my skills. Volleyball wasn’t just an after-school activity; it became my passion.
I didn’t begin playing club volleyball until junior year of high school. At the time, it felt like I was behind. Many girls had started years earlier, and financially, club hadn’t been an option for my family. But instead of letting that discourage me, I chose to outwork the gap. I practiced in my house—much to my parents’ dismay—and turned any open space into a training ground. My dad saw my dedication and built me a portable volleyball court that I could take to any park. He also arranged for lessons with a coach he connected with, giving me guidance and structure to match my determination. That support meant everything.
As I entered high school at Oak Park High School, I competed in both indoor and beach volleyball. Making varsity as a sophomore felt like validation for years of effort. Then COVID hit, and everything paused. Seasons were canceled, gyms were closed, and the rhythm of competition disappeared overnight. But my training didn’t stop. If anything, it intensified.
During that time, I fell in love with fitness itself. I realized that strengthening my body was another way to elevate my game. I became the “gym girl”—waking up before sunrise to work out, going to school, attending practice or games after school, and squeezing in extra training at night. The discipline wasn’t forced; it was fueled by purpose. I wasn’t just training to stay in shape. I was building the strongest version of myself for the day we returned to the court.
That work ethic followed me into college. I played for Pierce College for two years, where my consistency and mindset eventually led me to become team captain. Leadership wasn’t something I chased—it grew naturally from years of showing up, even when no one was watching.
Now, as a kinesiology major specializing in exercise science at California State University, Long Beach, I see my journey coming full circle. My love for sport has expanded into a love for understanding the body and helping others reach their potential. At Woodlake Gym, I strive to give young athletes opportunities I once wished for. I want them to discover their passion, embrace hard work, and believe that setbacks do not define them.
Volleyball gave me more than a sport. It gave me belonging, resilience, and purpose. And this journey is only just beginning.
