Season: 2021

Maddie Taitano

Maddie Taitano | Sports Recruits

About Me

Audrey Hepburn inspires me the most. Not only does she have great fashion sense, but she is a talented and incredible person! Her perseverance and survival in World War II instilled the deep value of empathy for others in her. She exemplified this through her work as an ambassador for UNICEF, advocating for children in crisis, and raising awareness about other humanitarian causes. She also inspired young girls that “True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul.” Her elegance, timeless style, and unwavering compassion for others is truly inspiring and what I aspire to embody!

Something special about me that many people don’t know is that I was born 12 weeks early! I am a proud NICU baby!  In five years, I see myself having completed my bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s and my master’s from Notre Dame. By then, I plan to be a CPA but am also interested in investment banking. I see myself landing a job at Goldman Sachs or Deloitte. I also see myself living in New York, Chicago, or even abroad in London or Paris. Either way I see myself traveling a lot whether it’s for work or exploring the world! Alongside my career, I hope to be running my own fashion brand.  I want to thank my Mom, Dad, and my older sister, Jessy, for the constant support and love that they have provided me all these years! Also, my Bellarmine and Puget Sound family! And most of all God!

  • High School: Bellarmine Preparatory School
  • Hometown: Tacoma, WA
  • College Commitment: Saint Mary’s College Notre Dame & University of Notre Dame
  • Degree Pursuing: BS in Business Administration + MS in Accountancy at ND
  • Years at PSVBA: 9

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Offensive Player of the Year 3A PSL (Sr)
  • First Team Washington All-State 3A (Sr)
  • First Team All-League 3A PSL (Sr)
  • Tacoma News Tribune All-Area First Team (Sr)
  • 2X MVP Bellarmine Prep Varsity Volleyball (Jr, Sr)
  • Tacoma Athletic Commission Fall Athlete of the Year Nominee
  • 2X Varsity Team Captains Award (Jr, Sr)
  • First Team All-League 4A SPSL (Jr)
  • Honorable Mention Washington All-State Team 4A (Jr)
  • Honorable Mention All-League SPSL (So)
  • 5x Qualified USAV Nationals Championships

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • St. Vincent de Paul ‘21 Salutatorian
  • National Honors Society
  • 2X Senior/Executive Yearbook Editor
  • Campus Ministry Rector
  • 2X Knights of Columbus Scholarship Recipient
  • Puget Sound League Sportsmanship Leader for Bellarmine Prep Athletics

MY FAVORITES

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” ‭‭ Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9

  • Volleyball Memories:  I cherish every match that qualified my club team for Nationals! I was able to share those sweet moments with my Dad on the bench! He had coached us every year we qualified, that’s what made it so memorable. Another one of my favorite memories was when my high school team, Bellarmine Prep Lions, punched our ticket to State my junior and senior year!
  • Song: Adventure of Lifetime – Coldplay
  • Color: Baby Pink and Tiffany Blue

Advice I would give to younger players is “Embrace many of the trials and tribulations you might face! Some of the most profound lessons that have stuck with me came from my greatest struggles in my career.  So, stick with it and do not give up! Keep working hard and you will reap the benefits.”

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.“

 

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.

 

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

Paris McDowell

 

“Don’t count the days; make the days count” – muhammed ali

About Me

Blue is my favorite color and I like the song ” I serve the bass” by future.  My little sister Makayla inspires me to do my best because I refuse to be the worse at volleyball out of the two of us.  My most memorable volleyball moment was when I went to Arizona with my high school team and we were able to play other teams at such a high level.  Something that most people don’t know about me is I really enjoy playing the piano.  In 5 years, I see myself continuing my education to become a gynecologist.  I would like to thank both of my parents and my sister, Makayla. I would also like to thank every coach I’ve had the honor of working with throughout my volleyball career.

  • High School: Emerald Ridge
  • Hometown: Puyallup, WA
  • College Attending: Undecided
  • Degree Pursuing: Biology
  • Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Going to nationals my 16s year while playing for Puget sound.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Becoming a first-generation college student and making my parents proud.

Advice for younger players

I would tell them to be confident in themselves even if they must fake it because it will eventually feel natural. Also always have fun!

Kamalani Enomoto

About Me

My friend Jennivev is one of the youngest, most inspirational beings in my life. She is a perfect role model of a student-athlete and holds me accountable to have a good balance of school & volleyball. She knows how to self-advocate for her best-interest and encourages me to follow her lead. Jenn is tons of fun and she’s been a friend when I’ve needed her most.  I love the outdoors. I love long hikes, swimming under waterfalls, playing in the snow like a toddler, and most especially, rock climbing. Climbing has made me understand the value of celebrating small victories and being forgiving towards myself. I’ve also embraced a more patient mindset by understanding that progress takes time and perseverance. The lessons I’ve learned through this vastly different sport has proven to help strengthen the mindset needed to reset and “shake off” my mistakes in volleyball.  I won’t settle until I get my masters degree or higher in whatever field I end up choosing in the future. It’s a personal goal of mine. Hopefully in the market for a treehouse with high ceilings. Might make a coffee with a fancy espresso machine that I’ll definitely have.  I’d like to thank Jeff Grosshans (school coach) and Rodney Kalalau (favorite coach) for supporting me through my club/school volleyball career.

  • High School: Annie Wright School
  • Hometown: Federal Way, WA
  • College Attending: Colby College
  • Degree Pursuing: Computer Science and/or Environmental Sciences
  • Years at PSVBA: 5
Volleyball Accomplishments:
  • AWS volleyball team won League Champions 2021, 2022, & 2023.
  • All-Nisqually League First Team (2021-22 & 2022-23)
  • Won second place at State 1A (2022-23)
Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:
  • I am graduating with Honors as a full International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma candidate.
MY FAVORITES

“If you’re going through hell, keep going” is on a magnet at my house

  • Song: “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA
  • Color: Orange
My most memorable volleyball moments are:
  • Successfully pancaked a ball for the first time at Triple Crown when I was 14 years old
  • Qualified for Nationals (GJNC) in our 2021-2022 season when I was 17 years old

Advice for younger players

Burnout is real & school is more important than volleyball no matter what any coach says. It’s crucial to prioritize self-care and a balance between your commitments and personal well-being. On the other hand, don’t use burnout as an excuse to be a bad teammate.

 

Noelle White

About Me

I’m inspired by my high school volleyball coach Loni, inspires me the most. She has been through so much and still pushes herself to give 100% with everything she does.  Something about me that most people don’t know is I want to travel around the world and help others in need.  In 5 years, I hope to be working as a nurse, either doing travel nursing or labor and delivery.  I’d like to thank my family.  My parents have done so much to make volleyball happen for me. My family has always been my biggest supporters.

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

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Winning state with my high school volleyball team my senior year.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Graduating with my Associate Degree by the end of high school.

My most memorable volleyball moments:

  • Every single state championship tournament with my high school team.
  • And nationals with my club team.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” -Serena Williams

  • Motivational or Inspirational Song: I bet you won’t – Level
  • Color: Blue

Advice for younger players

Have fun while it lasts!

 

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.

 

Celia Dowell

About Me

I’m inspired by my mom and dad because they work very hard to provide for me and they support/encourage me in all that I do.  Something about me that most people don’t know is My faith and family is very important to me.  In 5 years I see myself being a physical therapist or an athletic trainer in my hometown.  Winning a bid to play at nationals, Oregon tournament and making tik toks are some of my most memorable volleyball moments.  I want to thank God, my family, coaches, teammates and friends for supporting me throughout my school/club volleyball career!

  • High School: Mount Rainier
  • Hometown: Kent/Des Moines
  • College Attending: Concordia University Irvine
  • Degree Pursuing: Kinesiology
  • Years at PSVBA: 4

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Blue Jersey Award (9)
  • All-League Honorable Mention (9)
  • RAM Award (10)
  • All-League 2nd Team (10)
  • Team MVP (11)
  • 1st Team All-League (11)
  • 6th at State (11)
  • Team MVP (12)
  • 1st Team All-League (12)
  • All State Team (12)
  • 4th at State (12)

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Getting accepted into Concordia University
  • Getting baptized

MY FAVORITES

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

  • Song: None
  • Color: Blue

 

Advice I’d give to our younger players:

Enjoy every moment, play your heart out and never give up.