Senior Ella Petrevski is the embodiment of what it means to be a Ramapo athlete. With her personable disposition and leadership strength, Ella has been a leading figure in Ramapo’s Varsity Volleyball team since her freshman year.
As a starting setter, Ella often serves as a floor leader: directing players and making crucial decisions during the game. Playing this crucial role, she has been the tactical leader on the court, responsible for orchestrating plays and keeping the team’s offense running smoothly.
From her first game on the varsity roster to her final season as a senior, Ella has been a cornerstone of Ramapo volleyball. Her journey is defined by growth, teamwork, and a relentless drive to improve both her skills and her team’s performance.
Varsity Girls Volleyball coach, Coach Van Hook, has been a witness and important contributor to Ella’s success since her first days on the team freshman year. “Ella is one of the most determined players that I have coached. She does a great job of self-evaluation, in order to become the best setter and, best leader that she can be. What sets Ella apart from other players that I have coached is the way she leads. She is always encouraging, but not afraid to help or correct a teammate,” he stated.
As one of the co-captains, Ella leads by example through her hard work, communication, and positive attitude. Teammates often look to her for guidance during high-intensity matches.
This past month, Ella reached 1,000 career assists in a three-set win over Tenafly. This milestone has only been achieved by a handful of Ramapo players over the years, increasing its prestige and honor.
“Only five players have achieved this before, so it means a lot to be recognized alongside some of the best to ever play at Ramapo,” Ella said.
She later went on to comment about how her milestone is as much a team success as her own, “it’s not just about me, assists only happen because of great passes from our back row and strong finishes from our offense. This accomplishment really reflects our entire team and everything we’ve achieved together.”
(Photo Credits: Coach VanHook)
Beyond her stats and victories, Ella has embraced her role as a mentor for younger players, offering support and encouragement to help them grow within the team. Her leadership has set a standard for future captains to follow and has strengthened the supportive culture of Ramapo volleyball. “Being a 3-year starter, Ella has the maturity and the leadership skills that help all the girls in the program and lead as a mentor to our younger players,” Coach Van Hook said.
Aside from building her skills and excelling as a volleyball player, Ella is thankful for the friendships she has created and the support she has felt from the team throughout her career. “My favorite part is definitely the bonds I’ve built with every girl in the program. Even the JV and freshman players, I feel such a special connection with each teammate, and it creates an incredibly welcoming environment that always brightens my day.”
As her chapter on the varsity Ramapo Volleyball team comes to a close, Ella will definitely miss her teammates and the spirit of their tight-knit team. The team will remember her name not only for reaching 1,000 assists, but for the passion and dedication she brought to every match. Representing the characteristics of a Ramapo Raider, the Volleyball team will miss her impact and leadership greatly.
