Alexia Gould is a freshman at Sahuaro High School. She attended Booth-Ficket for middle school and has been playing volleyball since she was 12 years old, starting in sixth grade, and even playing for the Zona Volleyball Club. In middle school, she played three positions: outside hitter, setter, and middle blocker. Now, in her first year on the Sahuaro Cougars Varsity Volleyball team, she is excelling in both the front and back rows, leading in statistics across the board.
However, Alexia doesn’t just play volleyball; she also runs track. She expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming track season, saying, “I’m looking forward to it.” Alexia shared that her best friend, Justlyn Lang, encouraged her to pursue volleyball, stating, “Without her, I don’t think I would have started playing volleyball as seriously. I am so thankful!”
When deciding on a school, Alexia felt that Sahuaro was the right choice for her. “I believed Sahuaro would benefit me in both my academics and athletics. It felt like the right decision. The teachers and coaches here are some of the best people, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from them.”
Alexia explained how there are many athletes she looks up to. “It’s great to see how people thrive and learn different ways to find themselves through the sport they play. As a younger athlete, I feel it’s a privilege to witness that and try to apply things that work for me.”
Volleyball is a team-based sport, and Alexia shared, “Volleyball is an amazing sport that not only helps you physically but also mentally. You learn leadership skills, collaboration, and communication, and you make lifelong connections. Once in a lifetime friendships.” Gathering that it’s not only about skills but the people you play with and how they, too, can affect how an athlete plays.
With this year’s volleyball season just getting started and being a freshman Varsity star, Alexia expressed that the most exciting thing for her is team growth and bonding for the sport they all share so much love for. She voiced, “Every part of this sport is exciting. Every point, every game, every bus ride. It’s a blessing to be able to play for the people who can’t. For that I thank God every day, for he strengthens us and pushes us to be the best version of ourselves.” Such a beautiful and positive view to have, looking forward to her very first high school season.
Sahuaro Cougars, look out for number 7 at the next home Volleyball game, September 24th, at 6:00 pm.
Alexia Gould, we are so impressed with how strong you have started your first Sahuaro Cougar Volleyball journey, and we can’t wait to see how far you go!
