My Volleyball Story: Elsa Godwin

Each Wednesday throughout the summer, Montana volleyball student-athletes will tell their volleyball stories. Read, in their own words, what the sport means to them and where their passion and drive comes from.

My Volleyball Story: Elsa Godwin

Elsa Godwin high school

I started playing volleyball when I was 10 years old. I still remember going with my mom to buy my first pair of knee pads and spandex. Back then, the multicolored spandex was really in style. Looking back on pictures now, I can see that they were never a good look! But from the age of 10, I was hooked on volleyball. I played other sports, like most kids did, but none of them compared to my love for volleyball.

As high school rolled around it became much more competitive! I was playing both club and school volleyball. We were traveling every weekend and I remember I always loved going to Spokane with my mom. Both of my parents came to every tournament and never missed a game! Every memory I have of volleyball, they were always there for. High school, for me, was when volleyball got serious, but was also the most enjoyable time.

Sarina Moreno and Elsa Godwin

I was able to play with my best friend, Sarina (Moreno), who I had been friends with since the fifth grade. We were on the same club team since we were 10 and we played together at Sentinel High School. I remember we always joked about going to the same university and finishing our volleyball career off together. I don't think either of us actually knew that was going to be our reality. I still remember our last state championship we won our senior year. Both of us were already committed to the University of Montana. We looked at each other after winning our final state titled and smiled; we knew it was only the beginning for us! It's crazy to think her and I have shared every memory, every moment and every match together since we were 10. She is definitely one of the reasons I loved playing. What better way to spend your time than playing your favorite sport with your best friend?

Elsa Godwin vs. Northern Colorado

As the years have gone on, the love for volleyball has only grown. I love being able to constantly improve my skills and know that each season is going to be better than the one before. There is something that shifts in me as soon as I step on the court. My mind is totally locked in and nothing else occupies my mind.

Volleyball has been, and will always be, so much more than a sport to me. All the early mornings, bruised hips from diving, sore muscles, long practices… all of it is worth it when I look back on it. My closest friends, my greatest memories and my most valuable lessons have all been created through volleyball.

And I wouldn't change that for the world.

University of Montana Athletics

Players Mentioned

Elsa Godwin

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