Gabriella Alexander '22 Recruiting Profile

Let’s start with the obvious, I am short but I play big. If you are looking for a smart student-athlete that has a sense of humor, strong support system and bleeds sand volleyball then I am your best recruit.

Honestly, off-the-court I don’t take myself too seriously because I like to be a goofball around my friends; however, on-the-court I am focused at being the best partner that I can be. My “padre” coaches me to always better the ball, so rather than being concentrated on the score or things I can’t control I just focus on my next contact. My “madre” is the one that I get my competitiveness from. I do like to win but my parents have been a big influence in my life to win and learn.

My parents are a big reason why I play beach volleyball. Not that I don’t play for myself but my parents own a beach volleyball club in the Phoenix Valley called The Sand Club. Sand volleyball is in my veins. I literally was raised on the beach. I have learned that volleyball does not define me as a person but is an amazing vehicle for my college education.

I am not 100% about my college major but I would love to be someone like my personal trainer, Chad Dunn, when I grow up. Besides my parents, he is also an inspiration in my life. I also like to use my creative side, so I see Art or Marketing in my future. My goal for college is just to keep an open mind and be the best student I can be.

Going back to why I would be a strong candidate for your college…I am super grounded. I have lived in the same house my entire life. I am not dependent on my phone or social media—I actually hangout and talk to my friends. I might not always be on social media clicking heart for every post but I wear my heart of my sleeve and you will always know where I stand…just look down, remember because I am short.

Why would you want a short person on your team? I am a great defender behind the block and believe it or not I can get above the net and split block if needed. I trained with the AVP Academy and learned how to contain the net by Scott Davenport. You also need a defender that can sideout and I have shot for days. I have a high line, deep seam shot, short cross, short poke to the middle or line and a jumbo. Check out my videos for my skills.

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me.