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 journeywhat it felt like walking into a club gym for the first time at 18how she adapted quickly and found belonging in a new environmentthe challenges she faced throughout the recruiting processwhat sealed her decision to commit to West ALthe area of her game she’s most excited to grow at the next levelthe deeper life lesson volleyball has introduced to her and the part of the game she truly fell in love withHer journey proves that starting late doesn’t mean starting behind - especially when you’re all in.