Rhys Jimenez plays for Forza1 North 17 National Black and has been a key player on Pomona Catholic High School’s varsity indoor volleyball team for three years. In addition to her indoor experience, Rhys has also competed in beach volleyball for two year, showing her versatility on the sand and court. As a dedicated setter, she leads her teams with strong communication and a competitive spirit, always striving to bring out the best in herself and her teammates. Her commitment to the sport and consistent performance make her a standout athlete both at the club and high school levels.

How did you get started playing volleyball, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
I started playing in 5th grade and going to group summer lessons. At the time I hated serving the most. Nowadays, it’s one of my favorite things to do.

Who has been the most influential person in your volleyball journey so far?
My parents are the most influential people in my volleyball journey so far. They help manage my social media, make sure I’ve got snacks for tournaments, and push me to get better every day.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’m a setter for my club and school varsity team. I enjoy being a vocal leader, being able to set the tone on offense, and I get to serve first against the other team.

How do you balance academics, volleyball, and personal time during the season?
I’m a student first so everything else revolves around that. I make sure I finish my assignments before any volleyball practice or non-academic school activities. Having a family calendar is crucial.

What’s your favorite memory from your volleyball experience?
It would probably be when my parents forced me to learn to serve overhand. I dreaded serving but I quickly found out, it’s my favorite way to score. I pride myself now on my jump serve.

What’s a typical training day like for you during the season?
During the school season it’s classes from 8 am to 3 pm and practice 6 pm to 9 pm 3-4 days a week. During club season it’s school from 8 am to 3 pm and club practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7 pm to 10 pm.

How would you describe your team’s chemistry this season?
I had a new club team to get to know but all the girls were very nice. We did activities like painting clip-on pins, going out to eat as a team in Vegas, and painted team shirts. My school team is even closer since we’ve been playing together for years and we have classes together.

What’s one drill or workout you secretly enjoy (or hate to love)?
It would definitely be the 3 vs 3 drill and winner stays on the court. Hate it because it gets very tiring but love it because you 3 need to cover so much area that it teaches you hustle.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game or big tournament?
A good night’s sleep (at least 8 hours), a good breakfast with protein and carbs, and an açaí bowl during a long tournament break.

What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
One of my personal goals is to get more aggressive on offense as a setter. I want to be more of a threat along with my middle and hitters. I do private lessons twice a month to work on that and any other skill set my coach feels I need to work on.

What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from a coach that stuck with you?
It’s ok to set with one hand if a pass is tight. I was getting hammered by an opposing middle on tight passes. When I started passing with one hand on tight passes I was able to control and keep the ball in play.

What motivates you to keep pushing through tough practices or losses?
Knowing that this sport is finite for me. There will be a day when I won’t be playing organized volleyball. I savor each practice and each game like it is my last one.

Where do you see yourself in volleyball over the next 3–5 years?
Hopefully I’ll be playing at the college level but if not, I’d love to give back as an assistant coach to my grade school or high school. I’d like to play for as long as I can.

How do you handle pressure during close matches or high-stakes points?
Muscle memory and a routine. I take the same exact bounces and breaths on a game point ace. If it’s a serve receive I give encouragement to my team and get ready to score.

Who’s the funniest teammate on the squad, and why?
On my school team it has to be “Z”. She had the most random jokes at the most stressful times. She’s also great with random facts but I was never able to fact check any of it.

Favorite volleyball player or team you look up to?
I was fortunate to see my favorite D1 team Long Beach State at the Pyramid and see my favorite D2 team CSUSB at their home place in San Bernardino. I also enjoyed watching the setter for Biola since she was one of the shorter setters, I can identify with that.

Do you have any pre-game rituals, superstitions, or pump-up songs?
It’s usually 21 Savage while I put on my gear and tighten up my shoes. Music helps put me in a more serious tone. It tells my mind and body to get ready for war.

What’s your go-to post-tournament meal or snack?
Post tournament I’m usually starving so I’m ready for an all-you-can-eat Korean Barbecue place nearby. Italian food is my second favorite choice. Japanese food like sushi is a close third choice.

If you weren’t playing volleyball, what sport would you try instead?
I’ve tried basketball and really enjoy the sport. My favorite basketball player was Kobe Bryant and enjoyed watching his interviews for motivation. I was a guard when I played in grade school.

What’s something fans or coaches might be surprised to learn about you?
I’ve been an altar server for 7 am mass on Sundays since 6th grade. I’m already confirmed and don’t have to volunteer anymore. I’m a senior now but I’m still enjoying it because I like what I do.

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