Position: Outside Hitter

Kelli English

Kelli English | Sports Recruits

About Me

I’m inspired by Bradley Knowell because he makes great music that gets me hype.  Something most people don’t know about me is I love rock music, and I play the guitar.  Five years from now I see myself hopefully getting a job in a clinic doing X-rays.  I want to thank my parents and my aunt for supporting me through my club and school volleyball career.

  • High School: Emerald Ridge
  • Hometown: Puyallup, WA
  • College Commitment: Tacoma Community College
  • Degree Pursuing: Radiology
  • Years at PSVBA: 2

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Getting to play in college

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Graduating High School

MY FAVORITES

“To walk around with an ego is a bad thing to have confidence in yourself is a great thing.” – Fred Durst

  • Volleyball Memories: Playing volleyball at emerald ridge with all of my close friends. I had a great last season with them.
  • Song: One by Metallica
  • Color: Red

Advice I would give to younger players is “Be loud and don’t be afraid to ask your coach questions.”

Emma O’Meara

Emma O’Meara | Sports Recruits

About Me

My mom is the person that inspires me the most, she’s the strongest person I know and has always showed up for me no matter what and has always been my biggest supporter.  Something most people don’t know about me is that I am the youngest of 4, and I’ve lived in Washington my whole life.  In five years, I see myself graduated from college working in the ICU to become a nursing anesthesiologist.  The person I want to thank most for supporting me throughout volleyball is C

oach Duane, he’s always believed in me and has never doubted me.  Over the years he’s supported me tremendously.

  • High School: Emerald Ridge
  • Hometown: Puyallup, WA
  • Attending College: Grand Canyon University
  • Degree Pursuing: Nursing
  • Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Meeting all the people and friends I have today
  • All of the life lessons that this sport has brought me

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Graduating high school with my CNA license
  • Balancing volleyball, school, and a job

MY FAVORITES

“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” – George Eliot

  • Volleyball Memories: All the away tournaments and staying in the hotel with my teammates.
  • Song: Life is good by drake
  • Color: Pink

Advice I would give to younger players is “Don’t wish the time away, the late practices, early mornings, the conditioning, you’re going to miss it someday and before you know it you’ll be thinking the same thing.”

Dakota Deuz

Dakota Deuz | Sports Recruits

About Me

My mom inspires me because she makes time for all 4 of her kids and takes in everyone else’s when they need something.  My mom figures things out financially even though club sports are expensive.  She commits to her job and pushes me to do the same with everything I do.  She takes time away from work to be with me on every trip, and that means a lot because some parents can’t/won’t do that.  Something most people don’t know about me is that any time someone is sad or happy, my whole mood adjusts to them and I feel that emotion with them. As a player, that makes or breaks my ability to give energy on the court.  Five years from now, I’ll be done with my bachelor’s in biology and hopefully accepted into a physician’s assistant program.  I see myself beginning a hospital job in pediatric care to get my foot into the door.  I person I want to thank most for supporting me through volleyball is my mom!

  • High School: Kentlake
  • Hometown: Honolulu, HI
  • Attending College: University of Hawaii Manoa
  • Degree Pursuing: Biology/Pre-PA
  • Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Learning to accept certain circumstances
  • Being someone my teammates can rely on as a friend
  • Moving on from the past

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Getting my CNA at 17
  • Being in honors society for my college and highschool
  • Pursuing my AA through running start while being a student athlete

MY FAVORITES

1 Corinthians 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

  • Volleyball Memories: Late nights at the hotel with my teammates and making TikTok’s.
  • Song: Tell Him- Lauryn Hill
  • Color: Pink

Advice I would give to younger players is “Dwelling on the mistake you just made that cost a point, is not going to change the fact the point is gone. Whether you make up for it in the next play and shake it off will change the outcome of the game.  Always be the teammate who checks on others.”

Layne Dent

Layne Dent | Sports Recruits

About Me

The person that inspires me the most is my

older sister Maren; she has been such a good role model for me on how to navigate life.  Many people don’t know that I write with my left hand but play with my right.  One of my most memorable volleyball moments is winning the Northern Lights Qualifier U17s, Pat’s reaction was so good.  In five years, I see myself taking a 5th year to continue to go to college and play volleyball.  I would like to thank my parents; they have always been supportive. Driving me to practices and games. Helping me figure out what to do during hard times.

  • High School: Cascade Christian
  • Hometown: Eatonville, WA
  • College Commitment: Saint Mary’s College of California
  • Degree Pursuing: Psychology
  • Years at PSVBA: 9

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • All League MVP
  • News Tribune All-Area 1st Team
  • 1A WIAA State 1st Team
  • Set School Record for Kills

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Homecoming Queen

MY FAVORITES

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” -1 Corinthians 10:31

  • Color: Pink

Advice I would give to younger players is “A

lways work hard to have fun during practices and games, it goes by faster than you think.

 

Kailee Brushwood

Kailee Brushwood | SportsRecruits

About Me

My mom inspires me the most, she always perseveres through everything and that’s something I have always looked up to since I was younger, she’s a strong woman who raised a strong woman.  Something most people don’t know about me is I have always been dedicated since I was younger, I’ve always known what I wanted to do, and I’ve went after it.  In five (5) years I see myself graduating from nursing school and becoming a CRNA.  My senior night in high school and just traveling around with my teammates are some of my most memorable volleyball moments.  I would like to thank my family the most for supporting my volleyball career, they have always pushed me to achieve my goals.

  • High School: River Ridge
  • Hometown: Lacey, WA
  • College Commitment: Saint Martin’s University
  • Degree Pursuing: Nursing

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • 2X 2nd Team All-League (Jr, Sr)
  • 2X Varsity Team Captain (Jr, Sr)
  • 2X High School Team MVP (Jr, Sr)

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • New Market Certified Nursing Assistant
  • New Market Student of the Quarter
  • Enrolled in AP & Honors Classes

MY FAVORITES:

“Everything happens for a reason” – Common saying

  • Favorite color: Light Pink

Advice for younger players

The advice I give is to not get distracted, there’s many outside distractions that can come, but stay strong minded and push for your goals.

 

Haylee Tavares-Gernler

Haylee Tavares-Gernler | Sports Recruits

About Me

The person that inspires me the most is my mother because she leads by example and has always taught me to never give up in any hard situation. Something special about me that many people don’t know is that

I really love baking.  In 5 years, I see myself starting to run a business or a part of a bakery.  One my most memorable moments in volleyball was beating my old volleyball club. Another moment would be winning a bid with my 18s team.  I would like to thank my parents, Coach Mike, Coach Duane, all my family.  I would also like to thank all the parents of my teammates each have been extremely helpful and encouraging and last, I would like to thank Coach Pat which all would not have been possible without the opportunity.

  • High School: Puyallup
  • Hometown: Kaneohe, HI (Oahu)
  • College Commitment: Tacoma Community College
  • Degree Pursuing: Business
  • Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Undefeated League Champs (7th, 8th)
  • Nationals Bid each Club Season
  • High School Varsity Team
  • 5th Place 4A WIAA State
  • 4A WIAA State Sportsmanship Award

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Moving from Hawaii to become independent at a young age

MY FAVORITES

E

njoy the little things in life, for one day you will go back and realize they were big things – Kurt Vonnegut

  • Song: I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor
  • Color: Baby Pink

Advice I would give to younger players that look up to me would be to stay consistent never forget why you started, there will be hard days and even days it feels impossible but just know with rain comes flowers and in the end you will be extremely proud of yourself, and all the hard work will be worth it.

 

Madilynn Gribble

About Me

My mom inspires me the most because she has always set such a good example for me and has been my number one supporter in everything I do.  Most people don’t know that before I started playing volleyball, I was a gymnast and cheerleader.  After college, I see myself, living closer to my family and friends and working, not sure doing what quite yet.  I’d like to thank my club coaches this season- Katlyn Mataya and Kyla Nakamura. They have helped me completely change my mindset and boosted my confidence on the court.  Getting to travel with some of my best friends and competing in state this year for school are some of my most memorable volleyball moments.

  • High School: Fife
  • Hometown: Fife
  • College Attending: Blue Mountain College
  • Degree Pursuing: Undecided
  • Years at PSVBA: 2

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • 2A SPSL 2nd Team All-League Outside Hitter
  • Best Defensive Player Award
  • 3-year Varsity OH
  • Committed to Blue Mountain (NWAC).

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Honor roll for 4 consecutive years
  • Being a full-time running start student.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: “Don’t let someone else’s opinion of you become your reality” – Les Brown

  • Song: “The Climb” – Miley Cyrus
  • Color: Pink

 

Advice to our younger players

It goes by so much faster than you think, so take it all in and don’t take anything for granted. Have fun!!

Katie White

  • High School: Curtis
  • Hometown: Tacoma, WA
  • College Attending: South Puget Sound College
  • Degree Pursuing: TBD
  • Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Finished 2nd & 5th at State

Katelynn Wakefield

Inspirational Quote: Pain is temporary winning is forever -My Dad

About Me

My favorite color is green, and I love the song “Don’t Stop Believing – Journey”.  My most memorable volleyball moments are of me hitting a ball off a girls face and then Paris hitting it down for the kill.  I’m inspired by my mom – she handles her emotions very well and is very good at dealing with people even when she’s upset.  Something about me that most people don’t know is that I can talk with my mouth shut.  In 5 years, I see myself probably working for my father.  I want to thank my parents and my club coaches for supporting me throughout my volleyball career!

  • High School: Kennedy Catholic
  • Hometown: Normandy Park, WA
  • College Attending: South Puget Sound College
  • Degree Pursuing: Business
  • Years at PSVBA: 5

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Getting to State (2X)
  • Multiple Sportsmanship Awards
  • Student Athlete of the Week.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • 3.9 GPA
  • Highest Honor Roll all 4 years of high school.

I’d like younger players to

never give up ever

Brooklyn Thesenvitz

About Me

My mom, dad, brother, and sister inspire me everyday. I can not pick one person.  My mom is kind and understanding and knows me so well. I talk to her about everything, and she pushes me to always do the right thing. My dad will always give me the facts. He is honest with me, and he always guides me down the right path. My brother is very driven and goal oriented, which helps me to keep my own goals in check. My sister is the most empathetic person I’ve ever met. She is a constant reminder that I should always have love in my heart for others.  Something about me that most people don’t know is I am very talented at doodling.  I see myself being a 1st grade teacher with a very trendy and aesthetic classroom.  I’d like to thank my mom and dad, and my first coach at Puget Sound, Coach Mike. He believed in me when I played my first year at Puget Sound and has always supported me throughout these last 6 years.

  • High School: Kennedy Catholic
  • Hometown: Burien, WA
  • College Attending: Whatcom College
  • Degree Pursuing: Elementary Education
  • Years at PSVBA: 6

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Being a strong leader and captain
  • making varsity all 4 years of high school
  • Receiving a scholarship to play college volleyball

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Making amazing friends
  • Growing as a person and finding things that make me happy
  • Getting closer with my family

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me Philippians 4:13

  • Song: SOS by Rihanna, but I would call that more of a hype song
  • Color: Green

My most memorable volleyball moments are:

  • Going to state my junior and senior year
  • Doing the western volleyball camp with my high school team
  • Singing the national anthem on senior night
  • Going to Vegas with my mom both times this year and eating way to much frozen yogurt
  • Doing escape rooms
  • Study hall 17s year
  • Going to Indianapolis with my dad 14s year

Advice for younger players

If the server keeps acing you, just smile when she tosses it cause odds are you’re overthinking it.