Athletics Player Profiles
Ella D. ’26
Varsity Girls’ Volleyball
Ella D. ’26 began playing volleyball in 4th grade, the first year Campbell Hall offers interscholastic sports. As she got older, she expanded her athletic pursuits to club volleyball and soccer, discovering that she thrived in a competitive environment.While she felt initially less skilled than some other players, Ella’s grit, determination, and work ethic helped her excel athletically. Her efforts were rewarded when she made the Girls’ Varsity Volleyball team as a freshman, helping the team advance to CIF playoffs where they placed as runner-up that year.
By her sophomore season, the team captured both the League and CIF State Division II championships, and Ella’s confidence began to grow. That same year, she joined the beach volleyball team, which went on to win the league championship.
That’s when an injury interrupted her momentum. In the spring of her sophomore year, a sprained ankle and recovery from sinus surgery forced her to sit out, disrupting her athletic trajectory. “I was at my peak when I got hurt during a tournament in Philadelphia,” Ella recalled. “It was a really hard time for me because college recruiters were there scouting, and so it felt like a lost opportunity.”
By the time Ella was able to resume playing her junior year, there were so many new players. She had to work hard to re-establish her place on the team. “It was such a setback for me, both physically and emotionally,” she said. “But I couldn’t stop to feel sorry for myself. While it was a really tough time, I wouldn’t change anything because the adversity made me who I am today. It put a lot of things in perspective, especially showing me that health is the most important thing.”
Ella’s perseverance paid off. In her junior year, she helped lead the volleyball team to a CIF-SS championship and earned Second Team All-League honors for the second consecutive season. In beach volleyball, she was named League MVP after going undefeated (16–0) and winning the league pairs tournament with her partner, Tyler Parouse.
As an upperclassman, Ella took on a mentorship role, guiding younger teammates as she had once been guided. She credits Coach Thyer for helping her grow as a player and infusing the team with energy and cohesion. “She is always so supportive and really listens to us,” Ella said.
Through her journey, Ella has learned the value of dedication and resilience. She encourages younger athletes to commit to their endeavors. “It’s just about being the best you can be,” she said. “That means keep a positive mindset. I’m not the tallest or the most physically skilled, but I work hard, listen, and adapt. Embrace and work through setbacks because they help build character. If you do, you’ll be rewarded both on and off the courts.”
Ella is the epitome of a well-rounded student. Sports have instilled a drive that she applies to academics and other pursuits. Beyond athletics and academics, Ella founded The Glow Project, an organization that provides self-care products, including makeup, to women in transitional housing. “When I was younger, I struggled with hormonal acne,” she explained. “Makeup was my safety net and made me feel better about myself.” Partnering with luxury makeup brands, Ella curates product bags and distributes them at events like a Mother’s Day brunch at Miriam’s House, a sober living home for women and their children. She has also organized leadership events for girls, providing mentorship and networking opportunities to help them launch a startup.
Ella will be studying business at USC in the fall while continuing to develop her entrepreneurial ventures. As a 13-year student, Campbell Hall has been her second home for most of her life. “I’m going to miss my volleyball teammates and the coaching staff so much,” she said. “Volleyball was more than just a sport for me; it’s where I made my closest friends of all grade levels. The community here is truly special.”
Back
That’s when an injury interrupted her momentum. In the spring of her sophomore year, a sprained ankle and recovery from sinus surgery forced her to sit out, disrupting her athletic trajectory. “I was at my peak when I got hurt during a tournament in Philadelphia,” Ella recalled. “It was a really hard time for me because college recruiters were there scouting, and so it felt like a lost opportunity.”
By the time Ella was able to resume playing her junior year, there were so many new players. She had to work hard to re-establish her place on the team. “It was such a setback for me, both physically and emotionally,” she said. “But I couldn’t stop to feel sorry for myself. While it was a really tough time, I wouldn’t change anything because the adversity made me who I am today. It put a lot of things in perspective, especially showing me that health is the most important thing.”
Ella’s perseverance paid off. In her junior year, she helped lead the volleyball team to a CIF-SS championship and earned Second Team All-League honors for the second consecutive season. In beach volleyball, she was named League MVP after going undefeated (16–0) and winning the league pairs tournament with her partner, Tyler Parouse.
As an upperclassman, Ella took on a mentorship role, guiding younger teammates as she had once been guided. She credits Coach Thyer for helping her grow as a player and infusing the team with energy and cohesion. “She is always so supportive and really listens to us,” Ella said.
Through her journey, Ella has learned the value of dedication and resilience. She encourages younger athletes to commit to their endeavors. “It’s just about being the best you can be,” she said. “That means keep a positive mindset. I’m not the tallest or the most physically skilled, but I work hard, listen, and adapt. Embrace and work through setbacks because they help build character. If you do, you’ll be rewarded both on and off the courts.”
Ella is the epitome of a well-rounded student. Sports have instilled a drive that she applies to academics and other pursuits. Beyond athletics and academics, Ella founded The Glow Project, an organization that provides self-care products, including makeup, to women in transitional housing. “When I was younger, I struggled with hormonal acne,” she explained. “Makeup was my safety net and made me feel better about myself.” Partnering with luxury makeup brands, Ella curates product bags and distributes them at events like a Mother’s Day brunch at Miriam’s House, a sober living home for women and their children. She has also organized leadership events for girls, providing mentorship and networking opportunities to help them launch a startup.
Ella will be studying business at USC in the fall while continuing to develop her entrepreneurial ventures. As a 13-year student, Campbell Hall has been her second home for most of her life. “I’m going to miss my volleyball teammates and the coaching staff so much,” she said. “Volleyball was more than just a sport for me; it’s where I made my closest friends of all grade levels. The community here is truly special.”
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