Season: 2023

Olivia Burns

Olivia Burns | Sports Recruits

About Me

My Mom inspired me the most, because she is always a hard worker and pushes me to be my best.  Something most people don’t know about me is that I have a peanut allergy and I play guitar and sing.  In five years, I see myself attending Medical School.  The person I want to thank most for supporting me in volleyball is m

y father for never letting me give up on myself.

  • High School: Stadium
  • Hometown: Tacoma, WA
  • Attending College: University of Colorado at Boulder
  • Degree Pursuing: BA Neuroscience (Pre-Med Track)
  • Years at PSVBA: 4

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Making it to the finals of our bracket during 17s at ECC
  • Making friendships with teammates

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Graduating with a 4.1 GPA

MY FAVORITES

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky

  • Volleyball Memories: Playing during senior night at Stadium with my teammates for 4 years.
  • Song: Billie Jean by Michael Jackson
  • Color: Pink

Advice I would give to younger players is “Never give up.”

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.”

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.“

 

Lauren Hutchinson

Lauren Hutchinson | Sports Recruits

About Me

I’m inspired by Bruce Lee; I like his life philosophy!  Something most people don’t know about me is that I paint a lot and I’m scared of butterflies!  In five years, I see myself going to Medical School and getting a hairless cat and a Doberman.  I want to thank my Parents and all of the coaches at Puget Sound who have helped me and supported me throughout my volleyball career.

  • High School: Bellarmine Preparatory School
  • Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
  • College Commitment: University of Alaska Anchorage
  • Degree Pursuing: Construction Management
  • Years at PSVBA: 3

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • PSL All-League 1st Team
  • 2X WIAA State Attendee
  • Bellarmine VB MVP
  • Bellarmine VB Captain
  • Bellarmine VB Most Inspirational

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Varsity Track and Field
  • Field Captain
  • National Honor Society
  • Honor Roll

MY FAVORITES

“Either I will find a way, or I will make one.” – Phillip Sidney

  • Volleyball Memories: PNQ with 6 players, running into the wall of the facility and concussing myself, beating NPJ.
  • Song: Hey Baby – Pitbull
  • Color: Orange

Advice I would give to younger players is “Be open to every piece of advice you receive and take every opportunity to work hard and get better.”

Kianna Rohner

Kianna Rohner | Sports Recruits

About Me

My Dad and Mom inspire me most because they are the most hardworking people I know, and they have given my brother and I so many amazing opportunities that I am beyond grateful for!  Something people may not know about me is that I love to hunt and fish!  Five years from now, I hope to have graduated from college with a degree and have a stable job working as an occupational therapist near my hometown.  I want to thank my family for being such a huge support and having my back through thick and thin. I’m thankful for coaches and teammates along the way who have made me into a better player and person. And finally for God who has given me strength and amazing opportunities which I am grateful day after day.

  • High School: White River
  • Hometown: Buckley, WA
  • College Commitment: Dominican University of California
  • Degree Pursuing: Occupational Therapy
  • Years at PSVBA: 4

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • 2X Tacoma Pierce County Athlete of the Year Nominee
  • 2X First Team All-League
  • WSCVA All-State Team 3A/4A
  • White River Offensive POTY
  • 2X HS Varsity Team Captain.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • National Junior Honor Society
  • 2X Kiwanis Award Winner
  • White River School Board Student of the Month
  • National Honor Society
  • AVID Executive Officer
  • 100+ Community service hours.

MY FAVORITES

“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

  • Volleyball Memories: Last power league beating NPJ, New Orleans and Nationals this year!
  • Song: Enter Sandman (remastered) by Metallica
  • Color: Hot Pink

Advice I would give to younger players is “That even when you face difficult and unattainable situations, keep your head up, stay positive and know that anything is possible when you put your heart to something.”

 

Kylee Harris

About Me

I’m inspired by my sisters, Emily and Alison, because they are successful in college and sports and have everything they want in their future planned out.  Something about me that most people don’t know is my favorite dog is a Bulldog.  In 5 years, I don’t know what I’ll be doing because I have not planned that far ahead yet.  I’d like to thank my family and my club and school coaches for their support throughout my volleyball career!

  • High School: Graham Kapowsin
  • Hometown: Graham, WA
  • College Attending: Undecided
  • Degree Pursuing: Undecided
  • Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Winning a State Championship
  • 2nd Team All-Conference
  • As a Sophomore – My club coach told me I was going to sit the bench because she didn’t think I was good then I ended up being voted MVP

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Gaining amazing bonds with all my sports teammates
  • MVP for GKHS Lacrosse team

My most memorable volleyball moments are:

  • This last bid tournament because everyone played amazingly, and everyone had part of our success by cheering or hustling on the court.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: “It’s a F@#%ing mindset” -Loni Parks

  • Song: Trophies by Drake
  • Color: Blue

 

Advice for younger players

Give it your all even when you’re not feeling like it because when you’re tired and you keep going is when you get better the most

 

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