Aubrey Prior’s journey into the world of volleyball began in the sixth grade, sparked by the encouragement of her family, especially her mom, who urged her to try out for the team. At first, to her, it was just for fun, but as she played more often, it quickly grew into a passion that shaped much of her adolescence. Once she started to take the sport more seriously, it was the great coaches and older players who inspired her. Their leadership, dedication, and love for the game showed Prior what volleyball truly meant, not just as a sport, but as a way to grow, connect, and lead.
Over the past seven years, Prior has dedicated herself to volleyball with enthusiasm and consistent focus. Not only do the wins and stats keep her motivated, but her deep love for the game and the people she shares it with. Her teammates are a constant source of inspiration, joy, and support. Being around girls who are constantly bringing energy and radiating positivity to the court keeps her going, even on the hard days. Prior thrives on perseverance and competition, facing off skilled, hardworking opponents that push her to improve every time she steps onto the court.
Prior has had the honor of being the varsity captain for two years, as that role has shaped her by helping her grow as both a teammate and a leader. She takes pride in fostering trust and communication within her team, knowing that creating strong bonds off the court translates into unity and confidence on it. As a player, she’s versatile and has experience in every position, but her heart lies in the role of Libero. This position demands mental sharpness, quick reflexes, and tenacity qualities that Prior possesses in spades. The thrill of being able to dig powerful hits or diving for impossible saves brings her the kind of adrenaline that makes her experience of volleyball endlessly exciting.
When thinking back on her most exciting and memorable moments, two games stood out to her the most. One was the first round of CIF playoffs during her junior year, where her team, an underdog wildcard, went head-to-head with the top-ranked team in the division. They fought through five grueling sets, playing the best volleyball of their season. It was a moment of true unity and determination. The second memory was more emotional, the final game of her senior season. Though the team lost, the moments after were filled with gratitude and heartfelt reflection. In a team huddle, the younger players expressed how much Prior meant to them as a player and just as a person. It was in that exact moment that she realized the true impact of her journey, not just on the scoreboard but also in the hearts of her teammates.
Prior believes the most crucial aspect of volleyball is mental toughness. It’s a sport of momentum, and players must quickly cover themselves from their mistakes. Talent alone is not enough, it takes mental discipline, resilience, and most importantly, focus. For Prior, prayer is a key part of her game-day routine. Taking time to pray centers her mind and gives her confidence and peace before stepping onto the court.
Her biggest challenge has always been internal. She was always too hard on herself. A natural perfectionist, Prior often struggles with frustration when she can’t meet her very high standards. But over time, she’s learned that mistakes are a part of growth and that holding herself accountable is only helpful when balanced with self-compassion.
Balancing volleyball with school hasn’t always been easy, but Prior makes it work by staying organized and communicating openly with her teachers and coaches. She knows that managing both academics and athletics is possible with her responsibilities and support.
Looking back, Prior credits every teammate and coach she’s had as her greatest influences. They’ve helped shape her into the player and person she is today. To those just starting out, her advice is simple. In her own words, “Don’t be afraid to get things wrong or make a mistake. Absorb every piece of coaching, and use it to better yourself as a player.” Volleyball gave Prior so much more than skills, it gave her lasting friendships and lifelong lessons.
