A Day in the Life of the Captain of the Volleyball Team
Photo Provided by Rafaela Reyes
Alexa Edwards: Leading with Heart, Hustle and Purpose – On and Off the Court
Alexa Edwards, University of the Pacific's Volleyball Captain is the very epitome of dedication and heart on and off the court. Whether Edwards is leading her team to victory or simply balancing her online graduate studies through each of her actions she demonstrates what it takes to be a successful student athlete.
Edwards’s mornings are all about setting a positive tone. “I try and get up somewhat early every day, take a few minutes to be present with myself and my body, and then make myself breakfast and coffee before I start my day,” she shares.
Her graduate program is entirely online and asynchronous, so maintaining a routine helps to keep her on track. Despite the flexibility of her graduate program being online, adhering to a routine helps aid Edwards in her academic and athletic endeavors.
One particular instance in which Edwards demonstrates her commitment to her routine would be through the need of having good time management skills. A way in which this is exemplified is through her balance of early morning training while also maintaining a level of rest and recovery. “I need 8-9 hours of sleep every night to perform at the level I need to,” she says.This often means making sacrifices in her social life in order to stay on top of her routine to achieve the goals she has set out to achieve—a discipline she has learned over time.
While Edwards is already making sacrifices in the social life regard due to athletics this does not mean there are not any sacrifices being made in the name of academics as well. Edwards attributes her love for learning as well as the motivation for her future as reasons as to why she continues on with these sacrifices she describes.“Performing at a high level on the court and then transitioning to academics takes a lot of focus,” she says.
Apart from studying, training is also something she is always looking forward to doing. For Edwards, practice is all about competition. “We constantly do drills that mimic game-like situations,” she says. Her coach, Greg Gibbons, emphasizes developing IQ through experience rather than technique. This competitive edge prepares her and her team for high-pressure situations during matches.
Edwards’s pre-game rituals strike a balance between preparation as well as having a little fun. Starting out with prayer to ground her before game time making sure to pray for protection and strength. To then begin joining her teammates in the locker room to gather and listen to music and let loose before she leaves it all out on the court.“It reminds me why I’m here—not just for the wins, but for these girls who make me so happy to be alive”
After intense games and practices, Edwards relies on her trainer, Tina Do, for physical and mental recovery. “She’s the best trainer I’ve ever had,” she says with gratitude. From massages to mindset resets, Tina is an essential part of Edwards’ support system.
Edwards winds down her day with some TV—currently binge-watching 1883—and a moment of gratitude. “If there’s anything I’ve learned in the past few months, tomorrow isn’t promised”, she reflects. After losing her mom to cancer earlier this year, Edwards’ perspective has shifted. “Volleyball is important, but success for me now is about being present, being a good leader, and cherishing every moment”.
While Edwards enjoys the game, her ultimate motivation is bigger than volleyball. “I want to work as hard as I can while I’m here and see where that takes me,” she says. For Edwards, volleyball has been a way to unlock opportunities, including a top-tier education.
Her advice for aspiring athletes? “Put in the work, and God will do the rest”. From her early morning routines to late night reflections, Alexa Edwards shows what it means to lead with purpose, balance, and heart—both on and off the court.