Sarah Guglielmana, ‘26, confidently walks onto the court while listening through her headphones to “Only Girl” by Rihanna to psych herself up for the volleyball game. Guglielmana has been playing volleyball since she was four, and basketball since freshman year.

Volleyball requires dedication and hard work, especially when aiming to win Central Section Division IV volleyball championships three years in a row. Guglielmana is a versatile volleyball athlete, as she can play four of the six volleyball positions including setter, opposite hitter, outside hitter, and middle blocker.

“My favorite position is hitting,” Guglielmana said. “I love the feeling of getting a good kill.”

Having her father, Steven Guglielmana, as the head coach is sometimes challenging but also beneficial. She has better insight into what is going on in the division and receives great feedback on her performance. This can help her rise to become a better athlete. 

Guglielmana sometimes feels pressure from her siblings’ past accomplishments. She tries to live up to their achievements by working hard to play for her dream college, California State University, Fresno, which offers Division One volleyball. 

Varsity Coach Justin Van Loon has watched Guglielmana grow up over the years in volleyball and other sports. Van Loon is confident in Guglielmana’s athletic ability. 

“Sarah leads as an example, always cheering on her teammates,” Van Loon said. “She listens very well and is willing to take advice, which are the qualities of a great athlete.”

Many athletes have rituals, such as wearing a pair of socks. Guglielmana likes to eat Wendy’s and listen to her pregame playlist. She also reflects on Matthew 6:34, which is found on the back of her letterman jacket. 

Guglielmana and her team have a devotion led by different teammates along with a prayer before every game.

Junior Tayla Tarlton says Guglielmana brings energy and passion onto the court. Whenever someone makes a mistake, Guglielmana tells them to shake it off and move on.

“I feel like she does a great job in moments whether we’re losing or just on a morale low,” Tarlton said. “She manages to pick it up. Not only pick herself up, but pick everybody up around her.”

Guglielmana knows how to bring energy by being supportive and vocal. Guglielmana’s current position on the basketball team is power forward also known as “the four.” 

Coach Chris Mitchell knowing Guglielmana had natural leadership and a winning mindset chose her to become captain her sophomore year. Guglielmana will continue to be captain for the 24-25 basketball season. Her goal is to motivate people as student athletes and to make a slam dunk in basketball and in life. 

After every game, Guglielmana enjoys her favorite meal which is a bacon cheeseburger at Perko’s Cafe in Madera. In her free time, Guglielmana enjoys reading her Bible, reading comedy and romance books, and occasionally playing video games. As a Christian athlete, Guglielmana strives to achieve her very best to be an inspiration for young Christian athletes who are inspired to do great things in sports, and give God the glory.

Watch Guglielmana play in her next volleyball game at 6 p.m. today at Fresno Christian High School.

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Sarah Guglielmana '26, is an avid athlete.

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To read more about FCS sports visit the Athletics page.