Amaryce Ruiz

For this 10th grader at Shepton High School, volleyball has been more than just a sport, it’s been a passion since the fifth grade, when her best friend invited her to join a PSA team. From that moment, she hasn’t put the ball down.

What she loves most isn’t just the game itself, but the bonds built along the way. Traveling with teammates, sharing laughs, and growing closer on and off the court have been some of her favorite parts of the journey. Highlights like being named captain, competing at nationals, and getting to see her “favorite people” every day remind her why she fell in love with the sport in the first place.

Game days are always memorable, but she treasures the little moments too, like getting ready in the locker room before a big match. One of her favorite stories comes from eighth grade, on the way to face a rival team. The bus was loud with music and excitement, but nerves ran high for her and her best friend, Chiara. So, in that moment, they held hands and prayed together. Ever since, pre-game prayers have been her way of finding calm and focus.

She draws inspiration from Andi Jackson, a standout at Nebraska volleyball, who leads with confidence and composure. To her, Andi shows that it’s possible to stay calm under pressure while still excelling at the highest level.

Looking ahead, she dreams of playing college volleyball and then pursuing a career in the medical field. And when she’s not on the court, she enjoys the simple joys of life, spending time with family, getting lost in a good book, and catching up on sleep.

For this young athlete, volleyball is more than competition, it’s about friendship, leadership, and faith. And with her passion and drive, she’s just getting started.