Meet Sydney Rincon, a rising freshman at Sierra Canyon and the dynamic setter for City 15 Gold. At just 14 years old, Sydney already brings leadership, grit, and serious volleyball IQ to every game she plays. Her journey began at the age 8, and since then, she’s been all in balancing school, training, and tournament life with discipline and heart. In this Q&A, Sydney shares what fuels her fire, how she handles pressure, and why she’s just getting started.

How did you get started playing volleyball, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
After playing a lot of different sports, my mom signed me up for recreational volleyball at age 8, and I immediately loved it. It was super positive, supportive, and I made a lot of new friends quickly.

Who has been the most influential person in your volleyball journey so far?
Coach Daryl Adams, because he believes in me and pushes me beyond my limits so that I continue to grow.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am a setter, and I enjoy setting my hitters up for success as well as running the offense.

How do you balance academics, volleyball, and personal time during the season?
I plan each week ahead of time so I know what I have to do to balance it all.

What’s your favorite memory from your volleyball experience?
Winning the bronze medal at the USAV Nationals my 14s year with my best friends is my favorite memory. It was so much fun to even go, but even more fun doing it with my team.

What’s a typical training day like for you during the season?
I train 5–6 days a week. I focus on getting sleep, recovery, hydration, and eating well.

How would you describe your team’s chemistry this season?
We are good friends on and off the court, and I believe that shows in how we play together.

What’s one drill or workout you secretly enjoy (or hate to love)?
I secretly love chaos. It is so much fun running and hustling for every single ball, and playing unexpected balls.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game or big tournament?
I prepare by listening to music and talking to my teammates about things not related to volleyball.

What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
A goal I have set for myself is to push myself as much as I can during this season. And to take advantage of playing with amazing girls at Sierra Canyon.

What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from a coach that stuck with you?
Be cool, confident, and consistent. But show my personality when needed.

What motivates you to keep pushing through tough practices or losses?
What motivates me is knowing that losses are in the past. I try to look forward because there will always be other opportunities to do amazing things.

Where do you see yourself in volleyball over the next 3–5 years?
Playing for Sierra Canyon, and hopefully committing to a top D1 program that I love.

How do you handle pressure during close matches or high-stakes points?
Play free and have fun—ignore the score.

Who’s the funniest teammate on the squad, and why?
Tatum Thomas, because she is always making jokes that are so bad. But they’re funny.

Favorite volleyball player or team you look up to?
Zayna Meyer, she is one of the setters at UCLA . She is nice, talented, but aggressive on the court at the same time. She’s so much fun to watch!

Do you have any pre-game rituals, superstitions, or pump-up songs?
I have a playlist I listen to when I’m walking into the venue.

What’s your go-to post-tournament meal or snack?
In-N-Out.

If you weren’t playing volleyball, what sport would you try instead?
Tennis.

What’s something fans or coaches might be surprised to learn about you?
I have watched all 21 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.