My Rice Journey | Ellie Bichelmeyer
11/20/2020 9:58:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Q: Who introduced you to volleyball?
A: I was actually first introduced to volleyball in third grade in gym class by my teacher. Every couple of weeks or so we would start a unit over a new sport and one of those sports was volleyball. From that year on and all the way to eighth grade, I was taught the basics of volleyball and how the game was played in my grade school gym class. I actually ended up for my grade school in my third-grade year because all my friends were and I continued for my school until I graduated. I fell in love with the sport but I never really thought about playing club volleyball seriously until my friend pointed out to me that I would be good because I was tall and could play decently. It wasn't until freshman year when I really committed my time and effort all into playing the sport.
Q: What made you continue to play?
A: To follow that, I was an avid tennis player all throughout middle school and saw myself playing that sport for the rest of my life. I would travel and compete in tournaments around the country. When it came time to play a sport in high school I debated trying out for volleyball instead of playing tennis because I knew I was a strong athlete in that sport. My high school coach, Lauren Ramatowski, was actually the one who really pushed me to play volleyball and knew the potential I had in the sport. After that freshman year of high school volleyball and her incredible coaching, I knew volleyball was my fit and that I had a lot of potentials.
Q: What made Rice University the place for you when deciding to sign here?
A: I knew Rice University was the place for me after I visited for the first time my sophomore year. After leaving the campus, I told my parents this is the place for me. Rice had everything I was looking for; a strong volleyball program, world-class academics, and I loved the team culture. Rice Volleyball was such an amazing program, I knew I wanted to be apart of it.
Q: What is it like to play for Coach Volpe and this coaching staff?
A: Playing for Genny and our other coaches has been amazing. They have made the college volleyball experience so great for me. They are constantly teaching me and pushing me to be a better player each day in the gym. Genny has installed such an amazing culture within the program over the years, which is why I believe we are so successful. It is truly an honor to be apart of this program and be coached by our staff.
-RiceOwls.com-
