Season: 2023

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!

 

Emma Wang

About Me

My parents inspire me the most and they support me doing everything I want to do.  I was born and raised in China, and I moved here in high school. My first language is Chinese. I am the only child in my family. My most memorable volleyball moments are when my high school team beat Annie wright last year on their senior night, when we played at state in my freshman year, and whenever I make a block this year!  After college, I see myself going to graduate school for PT or orthopedics.  Thank you to my mother!!! She traveled with me to all the places and recorded many videos of me when I was playing a game.

  • High School: Charles Wright Academy
  • Hometown: Tianjin, China
  • College Attending: UCLA
  • Degree Pursuing: Physical Therapy or Orthopedics
  • Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Got to State for two years
  • 7th in State last year
  • First Team All-league
  • Earned a bid to Nationals this year
  • 2nd at Matt Hartner Memorial this year.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote:  Never make yourself feel regret – my Dad

  • Motivational or Inspirational Song: None
  • Color: Baby Blue

Advice for our younger players

Be really careful to not injure yourself during practices and games.

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.

 

Tatyana Tauese Paulino

About Me

Some of my most memorable volleyball moments are celebrating on the bench, going to team lunches, making TikToks, and watching Bobby gritty!!  And dancing all the time!  I love… love… LOVE…to dance!  My amazing mom inspires me. No matter how stressful she does her very best to stay positive and has taught me so many life lessons.  After college, I see myself getting my doctorates to start my path to becoming a sports psychologist.  I would like to thank the one and only Diana Paulino.  She has never ever missed a game of mine and that’s something not everyone can say. She’s supported me in everything and has continuously taught me to be not only a better teammate, but a better person overall. Thank you, mommy.

  • High School: Curtis
  • Hometown: Lakewood, WA
  • College Attending: California State Polytechnic University, Humbolt
  • Degree Pursuing: Social Psychology
  • Years at PSVBA: 2

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Finished 2nd & 5th at State
  • Offered College Athletic Scholarship
  • Making All-State Team
  • Winning All-State Match

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Voted “Most Likely to Make Your Day” for Yearbook
  • Elected Senior Class Treasurer

My Favorites

  • Inspiration Quote: “You didn’t come this far just to come this far”- Matthew Reilly

  • Song: “I smile” By Kirk Franklin
  • Color: Blue!

Advice for Younger Players

Always. Have. FUN!! Cherish every moment and do your best to have a positive mindset.

Camryn Kelly

About Me

I’m inspired by my brother, because he fights a battle every day and always puts a smile on his face and others even when times are hard.  Some things about me that most people don’t know are I have my german shepard that is my best friend, I was born at 13 lbs., and I did gymnastics my whole life until volleyball.  Taking our rivals Peninsula High School to 5 sets, going to state and nationals, all the friendships I’ve made are some of my most memorable volleyball moments.  In 5 years, I see myself finishing college.  I want to thank my parents, and both high school and club coaches!

  • High School: Gig Harbor
  • Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
  • College Attending: Pacific Lutheran University
  • Degree Pursuing: Criminal Justice
  • Years at PSVBA: 2

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Getting “Best Offensive Player” my 4 years of high school volleyball
  • Getting Honorable mention and second-team for All League SSC Volleyball
  • Named Second “Most Blocks” in Gig harbor High School history
  • This being my second year of club and I’ve grown so much

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Being a running start student at Tacoma Community College
  • Succeeding in gymnastics

My favorites

Inspirational Quote: Success doesn’t come to you, you go to it – Marva Collins

  • Song: Hall Of Fame by The Script
  • Color: Blue, light brown, and red

Advice to our younger players

Don’t let your negative thoughts get the best of you!

 

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.

Margaritah Banuelos

About Me

My mom inspires me because she is hardworking and driven. Always doing something even if she’s tired or doesn’t want to.  Something about me that most people don’t know is I like to diamond paint and am in the middle of a really big project. In 5 years I see myself in law school stressed out.  Thank you to my parents and sisters! Day ones always being there for me throughout my school/club volleyball career!  Some of my most memorable volleyball moments were the Oregon tournament and making TikTok’s with Celia, Krista and Taty. Also learning the Selena Gomez choreo with Ava.

  • High School: Mount Rainier
  • Hometown: Auburn
  • College Attending: Linfield University
  • Degree Pursuing: Law & Criminal Justice
  • Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Taking 6th in State my junior year
  • Taking 4th in State my senior year.

Non-Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • Track and field captain my junior year and made it to post leagues.

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward“ by MLK because it inspires me to just keep moving forward no matter the injury or mindset I might have in the moment.

  • Song: Stronger by Kelly Clarkson.
  • Color: Purple and brown.

Advice for younger players

Have fun! Don’t overthink and worry about the small things.

 

Olivia Beal

About Me

My high school coach inspires me the most to push myself and work hard for what you want because nothing comes easy with a weak mindset.  I love when I can make other people smile.  My most memorable volleyball moments are pregame dances, making new friends and bonds, and the Halloween practice this year.  I see myself hopefully become a nurse and starting a family in five years.  Thank you to my parents, especially my mom for always coming to my games and sitting there on those hard bleachers or chairs for hour and hours just to support me playing the sport I love, and I was to thank my dad even though he couldn’t make it to all my game it still meant a lot.

  • High School: Peninsula
  • Hometown: Gig Harbor
  • College Attending: Bellevue College
  • Degree Pursuing: Nursing
  • Years at PSVBA: 1

Volleyball Accomplishments:

  • District Championship two years in a row
  • Placing 2nd and 5th at State
  • Best Sportsmanship Award
  • Committing to Bellevue College

MY FAVORITES

Inspirational Quote: Nothing changes if nothings changes, you must make the best out of everyday – unknown

  • Song: On my own – Ross lynch
  • Color: Light green or pink

Advice I’d give to our younger club players

Play freely, play hard and be the team that others are afraid of, work with each other not against, it’s more enjoyable when your a team that loves each other, don’t let other people ruin your love for the sport!