Most players on the court have years of volleyball experience behind them. But among the experienced upper-level students on the Tompkins High School varsity team stands a rare sight, a freshman, Omotoyosi Sodipo, who’s making herself known after only three years in the game.
Earning a varsity spot is no small accomplishment, especially for someone just beginning their high school journey, and even more so for someone relatively new to the sport. But Sodipo proved that passion and discipline can sometimes outpace years of experience.
“Being on varsity as a freshman means a lot to me because it shows that hard work really does pay off,” Sodipo said .
Though she only picked up volleyball in middle school, Sodipo quickly committed to the grind. She trained outside of school hours and never shied away from tough feedback. What she lacked in experience, she made up for with drive.
“She has a lot of raw ability and is super athletic, so the sky’s the limit for her. I’m excited to work with her this season,” Varsity Volleyball Coach Allison Merell said.
Her impact was almost immediate. Despite her age and shorter time in the sport, Sodipo brings strength to the team. Whether playing in high-stakes matches or drilling with upper-level students at practice, she’s proven she belongs at the varsity level.
“Ava, Elsa, and Lainey were so welcoming and helped me adjust. I’m learning a lot just by watching them,” said Sodipo.
For a team that values unity and chemistry, the adjustment could have been tough, but apparently, Sodipo fit right in. She brings energy and an eagerness to learn that make her easy to root for.
“She’s fun, she’s quirky, she’s sweet, and she’s a competitor; all these are things our team embodies, so she fit in seamlessly,” said Coach Merell
Outside the gym, Sodipo navigates the typical challenges of high school, including new classes, social circles, and time management. But between studying and spiking, she’s finding her rhythm, both on and off the court.
“It actually hasn’t been too bad to manage so far, and I’m hoping I can keep balancing everything like this throughout the rest of high school,” said Sodipo.
Though her varsity debut came sooner than expected, Sodipo isn’t stopping here. With three more years ahead, she’s focused on growing stronger and learning more.
“I’m not really sure if I want to go pro or anything, but I definitely want to play in college. But I mainly just want to keep improving every season and see how far I can go with it,” said Sodipo.
From late games to after-school practices, Sodipo is proof that greatness isn’t always about how long you’ve been doing something; it’s about how hard you’re willing to work for it.
