The women’s volleyball team from Monroe University-Bronx wrapped up its season last week at the NJCAA Division III Women’s Volleyball National Tournament in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Coach Odaly Aponte-Orta described the competition as a great experience for the players.
“They get to see the best teams in the nation, and they’re part of that, which is amazing to watch,” said Aponte-Orta, who set the goal of making the national tournament at the start of the season. “The team was able to push through the whole season and make it here.”
Recruiting is not easy, but Aponte-Orta finds local players as well as kids from Puerto Rico and international players who see the chance to develop their games and get exposure for future opportunities. Building a winning culture takes “creating that competitive passion for volleyball,” she said.
Sophomore setter/libero Julia Ramos is the team captain. She said competing at the national tournament enabled her to see the high level of competition. Although Monroe is a four-year institution, the Express compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association, so Ramos hopes to continue playing at a school with a four-year program.
“Ever since we went into pre-season, our goal was obviously nationals,” said Ramos. “Every time we walked into practice, it was hard work, dedication. We came and we played our best each practice, each game we played and always knew we had to push no matter the outcome.”
Monroe lost its two matches in Iowa but kept the competition close. Freshman libero Brycelynn Paul said that pushing herself and her teammates to this level was an experience in hard work and determination.
“To get here, all of our hard work paid off,” said Paul. “I was able to take a deep breath and smile at the competition around us. To be able to play and have people watch us on ESPN live (streaming), my parents loved that. I loved being with my teammates here.”
Paul plans to stay at Monroe until she completes her bachelor’s degree and expects her competitive volleyball days will end after the 2026 season. “I am a criminal justice major with a double minor in psychology and paralegal studies,” she said. “I plan to go to law school, so full focus on my studies and the LSAT.”
Recruiting for next season begins next week. The returning players get a break and then return for spring training.