When pressure ratchets up on the court, some athletes lose their focus. But other competitors step up and perform better when the intensity level surges.
Lynnwood High School senior Arianna Garcia is one of the latter. The reliable outside hitter is known for playing her best when her team
needs it the most.
How does she do it? Garcia, who is bilingual, uses a unique strategy: She sings songs to herself in Spanish to stay calm during the most nerve-wracking situations.
Learn more about Garcia, an aspiring nurse who enjoys helping others and sharing anti-drug messages wi
th youngsters.
Coach’s corner
This season Garcia, a Lynnwood co-captain, has averaged about 12 kills and 11 digs per match in addition to being an effective server for the Royals, who play a Wesco 3A contest at Shorewood on Wednesday. “She’s an outstanding team leader,” Royals coach Jean Kellogg said. “Her play is always constant from Game 1 to the end. She plays level-headed and reads defenses better than anybody else on this team.”
Love for the game
Garcia has been playing volleyball for school and club teams since she was in the seventh grade. “I just love the competitiveness,” Garcia said, “and relying on your teammates and getting to know those girls. And I just love hitting the ball and giving it my all to keep the rally going.”
Born to hit
A well-rounded outside hitter, Garcia is constantly moving. She transitions from trying to read the defense, spike the ball and score points at the net to dropping back and playing defense. It requires fast footwork and great physical conditioning, she said.
Hard-fought victories
Garcia’s proudest moments on the court have been when Lynnwood won grueling five-game matches. “I love playing against a competitive team that’s kind of equal to our team and being able to take the win at the end,” Garcia said. “It feels really good because it shows you and your team that you put everything into it to get that final point.”
A different court
In the spring Garcia plays tennis, which has more in common with volleyball than some people might realize. “They’re kind of similar,” Garcia said, “because in tennis you’re moving from one side of the court to another, the same as volleyball. And the serving is kind of similar.”
Fantastic flick
Garcia’s favorite sports movie is “Remember the Titans” (2000) starring Denzel Washington, who plays Herman Boone, the head coach of a football team at a newly integrated high school in Virginia. The story is based on true events of the early 1970s. “I like how the coach tries to make the teammates connect with each other,” said Garcia, “and, once they’re on the playing field, to get rid of the drama. They put it all behind them once they enter the game.”
Making the grade
Garcia has a 3.92 cumulative grade-point average. Her motivation to succeed in school comes from inside and outside. “I don’t want to do bad, so I just push myself to keep studying,” Garcia said. “My mom pushes me and she’s very proud of me, and I want to keep making her proud. She’s very supportive.” Currently, Garcia’s favorite classes are chemistry, pre-calculus and personal finance.
Sending a message
Garcia is a member of several extracurricular groups, including National Honor Society; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and Teens Against Tobacco Use. Representing the latter group, Garcia visits elementary schools and tells kids about the dangers of using drugs and tobacco. The youngsters are thankful for the information, Garcia said: “They’re very appreciative and they always say, ‘Thank you for coming.'”
Planning for the future
A naturally nurturing person, Garcia plans to become a nurse. For her senior project, she is researching that profession. “I like helping people very much,” said Garcia, who has a volleyball scholarship offer from Edmonds Community College and is also considering going to Whitworth University in Spokane.
Heartfelt advice
Asked what advice she would give to high school freshmen, Garcia said: “Be yourself and don’t try to change for anybody else. If you see some of your friends doing something wrong, don’t try to be like them, because there are people out there who will love you for whoever you are.”
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