[media-credit id=173 align=”alignnone” width=”300″][/media-credit]Whether it’s on the court, field or softball diamond, Senior Gabriela Siqueiros, delights in showing her skills. Nothing stops this busy athlete’s determination on the volleyball court. The fast paced and intense sport is what this varsity volleyball player thrives on.

Siqueiros first took interest in volleyball when she came to FC in the seventh grade. As a seventh grader and first year player, Gaby found it difficult to keep up with her other teammates.

“It was a little frustrating learning volleyball in the beginning,” Siquieros said. “I wasn’t quite confident in myself yet and I struggled to play like the older and more experienced players. Gradually over time, I became more sure about myself as I improved.”

Currently Gaby has played on the varsity team for all four years of high school. As a freshman, she idolized Senior Katelyn Miller as the perfect high school volleyball player.

“When I was a freshman I really looked up to Katelyn, I wanted to play with the drive and intensity that she played with on the court,” Siqueiros said. “I really liked that she came back after graduating and helped coach for the team.”

Retired Coach Jeff McNeil made a memorable impression upon Gabby’s life on the court, and also in her personal life, giving her insight which she will cherish in the years to come.

“When I had Jeff as a coach I really took in his teaching,” Siquieros said. “His coaching was very different and more meaningful. During practice, we not only worked on volleyball but he gave us a lot of life lessons as well that I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Sophomore Hannah Nale, ’17, relies on Siquieros’ past years of volleyball to support the team and to help them push all the way to valleys.

“Gaby is an awesome teammate and a good leader,” Nale said. “Her silly personality and energy makes it pleasant to play with. Before the game, her excitement excites the team and gets us fired up to face our opponent with a tenacity which we would lack without her.”

Despite, previous years, Siquieros hopes the team will have the chance to go to valleys and prove that FC is still a team to be reckoned with.

“This year our team has a chance at valleys,” Siquieros said. “We are all strong in different areas. This team is really diverse in what we can do and that is really beneficial.”

Teammate Olivia Quebe, ’16, has played alongside Siqueiros for three years and will be sad to see her leave FC.

“She is one of those silent funny people,” Quebe said. “Her dedication towards volleyball shows through her work ethic. I have learned so much from Gaby just by watching her play. I am sad to see her go next year, but I am grateful for the chance I have had to play with her.”
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First year varsity coach, Jonathan Penberthy, admires her commitment on the court and during practice.

“Gaby is a fantastic athlete,” Penberthy said. “When she is excited and playing well, the team follows. Her attitude is key to how the team plays.”

Now that the season is just beginning the pressure is on for the varsity team. Siqueiros is excited to bring on a new year of volleyball and to play for one more year with the varsity.

“I want our team to be consistent together,” Siquieros said. “For myself, I want to be someone that the team can count on. I am excited to play one last time with this team.”

Aside from Siqueiros’ busy schedule as an athlete, on the weekends Siqueiros relaxes at home by watching movies on Netflix, playing board games and eating her favorite foods.

“During my free time I like to play board games,” Siquieros said. “My favorite is Sorry and Monopoly. But sometimes Monopoly gets a little intense. I also really like to beat my grandpa at Uno.”

Apart from board games, Siquieros has a passion for her work on the Feather. Much of her spare time is spent working on the Feather as Features Editor.

“The Feather plays a large role in my free time as well,” Siquieros said. “Whenever I have free time, I catch myself editing articles and tweeting for the Feather. My time on the Feather has really improved my writing skills.”

Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather. This writer can be reached via Twitter: @jennypenny8835.

For more sports, read the Oct. 8 article, Volleyball Sport Shorts: Caruthers.