Josalynn Saldana '24 Recruiting Profile

For multiple generations, sports have always been an important part of my family’s life. I have grown up learning, studying, and loving the complexity of sports. My parents put me in dance at the age of three years old to work on my flexibility, coordination, and agility. I continued dancing for ten years during which I studied jazz, tap, and ballet. When I went to middle school I decided I would try out for each sport offered to see which one was a better fit. I learned quickly that I had a passion and understanding of volleyball. I made the A team in my 7th-grade year, playing as a defensive player and libero. After my school season was over I begged my parents to put me on a club team to continue building my skills.

I joined SA Evolution when I was 12 years old and continued to play with them until 2021. During the off-season, I strived to improve my knowledge and understanding of the sport. I worked endless hours on and off the court to better myself both physical and mentally. This led me to becoming the youngest player on the 17-year-old team at only 14 years old with SA evolution. Here is where I began training in several positions on the court. This challenge I set for myself led me to to play: right back, middle back, libero, setter, ds, outside hitter, and right-side hitter. By increasing my skill level in these positions I showcased my willingness to strive for the best leading me to becoming the only 15-year-old playing for our 18’s team.  In this club season I played all the way around but focused primarily on defense, setter, and outside hitting.

Currently, I attend Marshall High School in San Antonio, TX. This is where I focus on my studies, keeping my grade average above an 80, and continue my work on Volleyball. I made the Junior Varsity team as a freshman in the setter position. This was a position that I learned more about throughout the year and I had to understand the importance of my role. My ability to adjust to a setting position and demonstrating my passion set me up for my sophomore year as a starter on Varsity. In my Junior year, I was still a starting setter but quickly had to change my position to outside hitter, and right-side hitter, and played all back-row positions to better support our team. I was also selected to be our team captain. 

Outside of school and volleyball, I enjoy spending time with my family, helping take care of my grandparents, and keeping up traditions, especially during the holidays. In addition, I enjoy spending Friday mornings reading to elementary kids as well as volunteering at the SA Foodbank and Humane Society.