Sydney Onley '26 Recruiting Profile

Honestly, volleyball was not my first sport, but it quickly became my first love. Until the sixth grade, I thought of myself as a basketball player, a sport I continue to enjoy and compete in for Washington-Liberty High School as a post player. But several years ago, while watching volleyball on TV with my family, I started to dream of playing in college, and like the girls I saw on TV, could imagine myself getting on top of the ball, making the kills and working together to compete as a team. I enrolled in a volleyball clinic and quickly learned the weird but fun rules of the game. With little experience I decided to try out for a travel team and was thrilled to be selected. Now, as primarily a right-side hitter starting my fourth travel season for a new elite travel team, I can’t wait for the season to start.  During the spring (2023) playing for East Coast Power, I also played middle blocker, and being left-handed has given me an advantage in both positions. In high school, I was a starter on the JV team as a freshman and again this year as a sophomore. I was honored when I was one of two JV players pulled up to the Varsity team for the end of the season playoffs. My high school coach told me that my energy and positive attitude during play and on the sidelines screaming for my teammates influences how well the whole team plays.

Though I spend a lot of time on the court and playing sports, off the court, I enjoy volunteering at my church, spending time with friends and family and most of all loving on my two dogs and one cat. I am looking for a college or university that is academically exciting and where I can also make life-long friends.