The Pensacola State volleyball team has signed nine players to fill out their 2020-21 roster. We will take a closer look at three players per week. Continue reading below to learn more about the second set of players.
Kazia Gainer
Gainer is a 5'10 middle hitter from Sneads, Florida. She is a graduate of Sneads High School where she was a 4-time State Champion.
Why did you choose PSC?
I chose PSC because the atmosphere was very home like, I enjoyed my experience when I visited and it is only two hours away from home.
Who do you look to for motivation? Do you have a role model?
I get my motivation from my mom because she has pushed me to keep working towards what I wanted to accomplish. My role model is my former teammate Shelby Glawson because when I came in as freshman she took me under her wing, as a senior, and showed me that hard work does pay off.
What do you bring to the team?
I hope to bring good sportsmanship, a sense of humor and competitiveness to the team.
Do you have any goals for your freshman season?
My goals for my freshman season is to grow a strong bond with my new team, focus on getting to know the new school and focus on my grades.
What is one thing you look forward to this season?
One thing I look forward to this season is getting ready with the team before games.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
I was also looking at Florida Gateway College, UWF and Gulf Coast.
What is your major?
I plan to major in biology and health science.
Alyssa Johnson
Johnson is a 5'2 defensive specialist who graduated West Florida Baptist Academy in Milton, Florida. She won two Panhandle Christian Conference Regional Championships, one conference championship and was a 3-time PCC All-Conference Selection. Johnson was a multi-sport athlete and was all named All-Conference in basketball and softball.
Why did you choose PSC?
I chose PSC for the opportunities they offered such as being able to play volleyball at the next level and to further my education at a school in my hometown.
Do you have a role model?
My dad is my role model because of his drive and hardwork ethic. He is the most giving person I know and has sacrificed a lot for me.
What do you bring to the team?
I will bring encouraging words and a hardwork mentality to my team.
Do you have any goals for your freshman season?
My goal for my freshman season, since being recruited, is to bounce back after my ACL injury and play with 100% confidence.
What is one thing you look forward to this season?
I'm looking forward to being back out on the court after rehabbing my knee for so long.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
Florida State and University of West Florida.
Sophia Ortega
Ortega is a 5'11 outside hitter from Doral, Florida. While at Reagan High School she was a district champion for two years in a row and was number one in her district for kills. In her senior and junior season she was selected to be an All-Star.
Why did you choose PSC?
I chose PSC for many reasons; it's in the state of Florida, it's junior college which will make my transition from high school to college easier, and lastly I felt the team was very friendly off the bat and Coach Jennie made me feel as if I am in the best hands.
Who do you look to for motivation? Do you have a role model?
I look up to my dad because he is the best example of hardwork, he shows me that dedication and consistency can take you to achieve great things.
What do you bring to the team?
I bring hardwork and dedication since it's what I learned in my household.
Do you have any goals for your freshman season?
Yes, some of my goals is to fit in with my new team and to give 100% of myself to the team. Another goal is to help make the Pirates get to the highest level we can get to.
What is one thing you look forward to this season?
One thing I am looking forward to is learning and playing at a higher level.
What other colleges/universities were you considering?
I was looking at Palm Beach State, Polk State and FSCJ.