Nayeli Ontiveros: Leading La Feria Volleyball One Assist at a Time

 For La Feria Early College High School junior Nayeli Coreen Ontiveros, volleyball is about much more than putting the ball over the net. She she sees her role as one of leadership, connection and helping her teammates reach their potential.

Ontiveros has developed into a key part of the La Feria volleyball program, embracing the responsibility that comes with being a setter.

“What I love most about being a setter is the opportunity to connect with each of my teammates and help them shine with every assist,” Ontiveros said.

Now in her junior year, Ontiveros has her sights set on helping the Lions accomplish a major goal — winning a district championship and making a deep playoff run.

“This year, our goal is to win the district title and make a strong push in the playoffs, all while proudly showcasing the results of our hard work,” she said.

Inspired by Family

Ontiveros’ volleyball journey began in middle school after watching her older sister compete during her high school career.

Her sister’s dedication to the sport inspired Ontiveros to begin working toward her own goals on the court.

“My passion for volleyball began in middle school, sparked by watching my older sister compete throughout her high school career,” she said. “Her dedication inspired me to strive for excellence and work diligently towards my own goals on the court.”

Her father has also played a major role in shaping her athletic career and personal character.

Ontiveros describes her dad as her “rock” and credits him with teaching her the value of hard work, confidence and standing up for herself.

As a coach’s daughter, Ontiveros said she learned early that success requires toughness and determination.

Her father eventually made the difficult decision to move her from a smaller school, where she had been a standout player, to a larger school where she would face stronger competition.

That challenge helped Ontiveros grow.

“He truly shaped me into the strong, independent person I am today,” she said, adding that his message has always been to strive to be “second to none.”

Working on Every Part of Her Game

Ontiveros takes her development seriously and uses private training sessions to sharpen multiple aspects of her game.

As a setter, she works on forward, backward and sideways sets. She also spends time improving her defensive skills, learning to read opposing attacks and dig hard-hit balls.

Her training also gives her opportunities to attack from the right side, working on both line shots and cross-court attacks. She finishes her sessions with serving drills designed to improve her accuracy.

That preparation carries over to game day.

Before matches, Ontiveros has a physical routine to get herself ready. Mentally, she reminds herself of the work she has put in to reach the moment.

“I tell myself how much I’ve worked hard for this moment,” she said.

A Student-Athlete’s Mindset

Ontiveros’ commitment extends beyond volleyball. She takes pride in maintaining strong grades while competing at a high level.

She has earned First Team All-District honors as well as an All-Academic award.

For Ontiveros, being a student-athlete means constantly challenging herself.

“Pushing myself to my best with keeping all A’s and maintaining a high athletic performance keeps me disciplined,” she said.

Her favorite subjects are reading and Spanish language, reflecting interests that extend beyond the volleyball court.