Sophomore, Stephanie Carrera #9/14

By: Katelynn Ames

For some kids, a particular sport is something they just do. For Stephanie Carrera, the sport of
volleyball is more than just something she does: volleyball is in her blood. Carrera has been
playing volleyball since she was 10 years old and she is inspired by her sisters Ashley Carrera
and Danielle Carrera.
Her sisters have also been playing volleyball for years and Stephanie grew up with the sport;
supporting her sisters and cheering from the stands loud and clear. “ I really love this sport and
how competitive it is” Carrera said.
When Stephanie first started her years on the court, she played at the Loveland Rec center in a
little league. She played Middle hitter, then DS (Defensive Specialist), Libero and now she is
learning to become a powerful, consistent setter.
Not only does she a lady lion on the Mountain View Varsity volleyball team, but she also plays
at Colorado Northstars during the schools off season. Stephanie loves playing school ball, but
she enjoys club because Carrera said “it is more competitive. We travel out of state to play in
national qualifiers, and every season at northstars you meet new teammates and coaches.”
“Libero or DS is my favorite position to play because I feel that I am more gifted in that
position and I love to see the look on the hitters face when I dig one of their strong hits.” Carrera
said.
To get ready for a game Carrera makes sure to have all the right essentials. Carrera said “I
always make sure to have my volleyball gear of course, but also some sort of peanut butter snack
(for protein), extra socks, gum, earbuds, pre-wrap, and tape.” She always listens to music to get
hyped, and gain energy for the game ahead. “I love to listen to rap, especially older rap because
it's what I grew up listening to”. Carrera said. “Every Day” by Logic is a frequently played song
on her playlist.
Carrera struggles with learning new positions the most during the season. “It’s because no one
really taught me how to play a certain position, it’s so late into my volleyball career to get used
to another way of playing.” Carrera said.
“Being a part of a team feels good because I feel very welcomed and honestly I didn’t expect
that, but as we grow throughout the season my teammates become family; they become my
sisters and that in itself is very special.” Carrera said.
Carrera has participated in the Mountain View Volleyball Program, Colorado Northstars
Volleyball Club, along with the Loveland Rec league.
“Every volleyball player goes through the struggles, like floor burns on your hands and bruises
on your knees, easily broken or sprained ankles, and most of all trying to keep the right
mentality” Carrera said.
To get out her bad mindset in a game Carrera said she “ focuses on how to fix my mistakes, talk
positive thoughts to myself and think of the reason on why I am even here in the first place.”
 Most athletes try to get a scholarship to college for whatever sport they play but Carrera is
ready to just go with the flow. “ I want to go to college but I am not sure where yet, but to start
off, I will probably do a community college or go to a university in the state.” Carrera said
For the season ahead Carerra has a plan. “ I want to play a positive role on my volleyball team
this year, like being encouraging to my teammates and having good sportsmanship.” Carrera is
looking forward to the season coming up not just for Mountain View but also for Colorado
Northstars Volleyball Club. “At Mountain View I cannot wait to build a strong relationship with
my team and become a family. For Club I can't wait to meet my new teammates and do a lot of
team bonding. The unknown is exciting just in itself when it comes to club volleyball.”
Stephanie Carrera is a strong volleyball player all year round and to any new volleyball players
or anyone who is thinking of playing volleyball; here is Carrera’s advice “To anyone that is new
to this game, I highly encourage you to just work hard and be a leader. Don’t be nervous, just go
for it! Go for it with a positive attitude and build the right mindset because volleyball is all
mental.”