As Diamond Bar student-athletes begin to make their college decisions, Brahma Volleyball have prepared several athletes to play at the collegiate level. This year, through immense dedication and work ethic, three volleyball players have so far committed to playing at the community college level to continue their academic and athletic careers. Isabella Ross, Kaylin Mendoza, and Jaeda Whitmire all intend to add another season of volleyball under their belt.
“Think it’s really neat that they’re going to keep playing [volleyball] in college,” DBHS head volleyball coach Becky Bevans said. “I’m just very happy that they are still passionate about playing the sport.”
Setter Isabella Ross, plans to continue her academic and athletic career at Mt. SAC next season. Ross, who started playing volleyball in middle school, fell in love with the sport throughout the years. Recording over 1,000 assists in her career at Diamond Bar, she now is set to play at the college level.
“I liked how Mt. SAC is close,” Ross said. ”When I went on a tour, their facilities were brand new, everything was nice. Their coaches were also kinesiology teachers, which is my major so I thought it would be convenient.”
Ross hopes to work her way up to a starting position and contribute toward a league championship at Mt. Sac.
“I know I worked really hard,” Ross said. “Just being consistent with practice and then getting recruited and really putting myself out there.”
Hitter Kaylin Medoza has also committed to Mt. SAC. Beginning her volleyball career in 6th grade, Medoza enjoys the bonds she has formed through the sport. With accolades including being a part of the Hacienda League Second Team, she has proved herself to be a valuable CIF quarterfinalist. She, similar to Ross, wanted to start her college career at the junior college level.
“I wanted that balance because I know if you play at a higher level, there is more commitment and volleyball is going to take more of my time,” Medoza said. “By committing to a Junior College, I’m able to still work, focus on school, and socialize with other people.”
Despite being committed to playing at the Junior College level, however, Medoza is still undecided about her future goals in the sport.
Other volleyball commits include middle blocker Jaeda Whitmire, who will be playing for Riverside Community College in the fall.
All three of these student-athletes had a complicated approach to their high school careers. Entering into their freshman year online due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the fall of 2020, these athletes were unable to execute their talents in their opening year. However, they overcame that adversity and enjoyed three quality years in the volleyball program at DBHS.
“I think that they are as much prepared as any athlete could be for college,” Bevans said. “All three of them could have been capable of playing beyond the junior college level, so I think that they will do very well.”
Continuing at the junior college level allows student-athletes to refine both their academic and athletic skills to prepare them to transfer onto a four-year university. DBHS is proud to see these young student-athletes continuing the Brahma legacy beyond their high school years.
