Gia Ellis Continues Rapid Rise From Middle School Standout to Varsity Volleyball

Gia Ellis is still at the beginning of her high school volleyball career, but her development has already required her to become comfortable competing against older athletes.

The Viewpoint School Class of 2030 outside and opposite hitter enters her freshman year at 5 foot 9 after earning a place on the varsity roster at just 13 years old.

That opportunity followed a busy stretch of competition and development.

Ellis participated in the invite-only Hitter Setter All-Star Game, the Under Armour UA Next Camp and multiple Prep Dig events, including a high school showcase while she was still a middle school athlete.

Rather than treating those opportunities as accomplishments to settle on, Ellis used the offseason to prepare herself for an even higher level of volleyball.

Strength and explosiveness became major priorities.

She worked consistently with trainer Kev Kevorkian on strength development and plyometrics designed to improve her jumping ability, power and overall athleticism as she prepares to compete at the Open Division level.

Her technical work has been equally broad.

Ellis has focused on improving her passing, serve receive, attacking, shot selection and overall consistency. For an athlete capable of playing both outside and opposite, developing that complete skill set becomes important because her value is not limited to what happens when she swings at the ball.

She has also made the mental side of competition a priority, working on maintaining confidence, handling adversity and continuing to compete through difficult stretches.

Ellis credits Frankie Valdez and Kev Kevorkian among the coaches and trainers helping guide her development.

Her goal is straightforward: become stronger, become more complete and eventually separate herself through her work ethic and performance.

For a Class of 2030 prospect, there is still an enormous amount of development ahead.

That is also what makes Ellis interesting.

She is already seeking out older competition, placing herself in demanding environments and building the physical, technical and mental foundation needed for the next level of volleyball.

Her freshman season will be another early chapter in a development process that is moving quickly.