Silent in the classroom, Destiny Sotelo makes plenty of noise on volleyball court
By Kristin Givens
SAGE Staff
Often seen in study hall going over algebra homework or in the gym analyzing volleyball plays and discussing the game is eighth grader Destiny Sotelo. A quiet and studious athlete that one often mistakes as mild on the court, is anything but.
During the volleyball season, Destiny made her presence known with a greater than 80% accuracy from the serving line, and a hitting average of over .500. In addition to learning the game for the first time, Destiny took on the additional challenge of blocking at the net. Throughout the season, Destiny recorded at least one block in every game.
In spite of all the success Destiny had on the court, she never ceased to improve her game or lend a helping hand to those who were struggling. Coming in early, staying late and spending off-days in the gym are just a few of the ways Destiny continued to push herself physically. She would often talk with our coaches to analyze what she was doing well and where she needed to improve, taking constructive criticism and making modifications to her approach.
Even more impressive was her willingness and initiative to talk with her teammates and offer help. Destiny took some of our struggling athletes under her wing and worked with them on their form. She knew that a team must work together in order to be successful and was always looking for ways to improve her teammates' game. When asked to describe Destiny, her teammates replied, “Destiny is always looking out for us. She is polite and a good sport.”
In addition to working on the court four days a week, Destiny took on a rigorous class schedule that includes honors classes and student government. With a 4.0 grade point average, Destiny is definitely one athlete to look for in the future.