From First Club Practice to College Commit with Eli Hester

This week, we’re joined by Eli Hester - a recent commit to the University of West Alabama and a former 18 National player who took a nontraditional path to college volleyball. Hear what sparked her decision to join club her senior year, how she handled the unknowns, navigating the recruiting process, and the meaningful lessons she’ll keep long after her playing days are over.

In this episode, we cover:

• what led her to pursue club volleyball so late in her high school journey
• what it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18
• how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environment
• the challenges she faced throughout the recruiting process
• what sealed her decision to commit to West AL
• the area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next level
• the deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her
• and the part of the game she truly fell in love with

Her journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.