Bella Arnold '27 Recruiting Profile

If you were to ask me three years ago why I played volleyball, I would tell you that I just wanted to try something new. But now, it’s a whole different story. Growing up, I played every sport I could—dancing, gymnastics, soccer, basketball, flag football, and softball. But there was one sport that stood out above the rest, and that was volleyball. I love sports with everything in me, but volleyball is the one sport I could practice for hours outside and never get bored or want to go inside. It has become not just a passion, but a mental escape and a place where I find pure happiness.

Volleyball has developed into something much more than just a sport for me—it’s become a safe place. As soon as I step on the court, all my worries and problems seem to vanish. I find a sense of comfort, peace, and, most importantly, happiness that I don’t find anywhere else. The moment I realized how much this sport truly meant to me came when I suffered a major injury and had to undergo surgery, which kept me from playing for months. It was a devastating experience. I cried constantly because I realized that the one thing that kept me happy and sane had been ripped from my hands. The journey to get back on the court seemed impossible at first, but volleyball had already become too important to me to let it go.

During my recovery, I tried playing again only two weeks after my surgery. I was mentally struggling because I couldn’t do what I loved, so I started practicing with just my right arm. I worked on passing, serving, and even swinging, just to feel like I was still part of the game. I still showed up to every practice and tournament that didn’t involve travel, even though my heart longed to be at the bigger tournaments in Dallas and Salt Lake. It crushed me to miss those, as they were the tournaments I looked forward to the most. But I didn’t let my injury stop me. I fought every day in physical therapy and pushed myself to get back to the sport that meant so much to me.

My recovery was faster than expected, especially for the type of injury I had. However, I knew that I would have to work harder than ever to make up for the time I had lost. I went against my therapist's advice a few times, but my determination and passion for volleyball kept me moving forward. I was driven by the understanding that I couldn't live without this sport in my life. Once I returned, I realized how much harder I would need to work to get back to where I was. But instead of letting my setback define me, I pushed myself harder every day. I worked to catch up, improve my skills, and remind myself why I fell in love with volleyball in the first place.

The physical challenges of volleyball keep me motivated. The fast pace of the game improves my endurance, agility, and coordination, and I enjoy how it pushes me to stay strong and fit. The feeling of growth, both physically and mentally, is something that keeps me coming back. But volleyball is more than just a workout—it’s a team sport that has taught me the importance of support and working together. Whether it’s celebrating a great play or encouraging a teammate who’s struggling, volleyball has brought me lasting friendships and a sense of belonging. We all lift each other up, and that bond is something I value deeply.

In addition to the physical and social aspects, volleyball has taught me mental toughness. It’s a game filled with pressure—whether it’s serving at a crucial moment or recovering from a tough loss—but it’s also a game where perseverance matters most. I’ve learned how to stay calm, focused, and resilient, no matter the situation. These lessons go beyond the court and have shaped my character. Volleyball has made me more disciplined, patient, and determined. Every practice and match has taught me that challenges are just opportunities to grow, and it’s a mindset I carry with me in everything I do.

Looking ahead, I have big goals for my future in volleyball. I’m determined to play at the Division 1 level, and eventually, I want to play professionally. Every step of my journey, every challenge, every injury, and every moment of growth has been part of my plan to reach that goal. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ve learned that nothing worth achieving comes without hard work and sacrifice. Volleyball is more than just a game to me—it’s the foundation of my future, and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get there.

Overall volleyball is not just a sport to me—it’s my escape, my passion, and my source of strength. It keeps me physically active, provides me with lifelong friendships, and helps me grow mentally and emotionally. My journey with volleyball has not always been easy, but it has shaped me into who I am today. It’s a part of my life that I can’t imagine being without, and it continues to push me to work harder, both on and off the court, as I pursue my dream of playing Division 1 and beyond.