Ericka Menaling Trajano '24 Recruiting Profile

Hey! I’m Ericka Menaling, my teammates call me various nicknames from Er, Rick, Ricky, or simply just Ericka. I play both volleyball and softball, but I do aspire to become a collegiate athlete for volleyball in the near future. I began this sport thinking it’d be a fun new experience at the beginning of my freshman year, but it’s grown to be so much more than that. I’ve made so many friendships and connections with others that have become closer to me than I’ve ever had with anybody else. These people have became my family even outside of volleyball. Mentally, I feel safe playing volleyball. The serotonin it provides while being surrounded by my loved ones is a feeling I’m ready to have forever. The sport gave me other learning lessons in confidence, social interactions, and the determination in getting better at every aspect in my life. It’s provided me with a better mentality and time management. While training and going to the gym everyday, I’ve found time to socialize with my friends and focus on my studies. I feel great with a full schedule at hand as it makes me feel in control of my life.