On August 22, Ella Cox (12) waited for a call from Centre College volleyball coach, Patrick Robidoux, saying that she was offered a spot on the team.
Cox explained, “I was nervous at first when Coach Robidoux asked to talk since it could go either way. But once we started talking about how I was their best option and would be a great fit for their program, he gave me an official roster invite so I was thrilled.”
Cox accepted the offer from Centre University to play volleyball and continue her academic career for the next 4 years.
“I was super happy and overwhelmed because I’ve put a lot of time and effort into this and I was just so thankful that it all paid off.”
To highlight Cox’s high school career, she has received several awards from her freshman to senior year. Specifically, she has been awarded the 2023 36th District MVP, 2022 Varsity Most Improved, 2021 Highlands JV Bluebird Award, as well as being selected for the 2024 Northern Kentucky All Stars- Junior Class Selection.
She is ranked #1 in the District for assists, #5 in the Region for assists, and is currently 39 assists away from 1000.
Although Cox accepted Centre’s offer, that was not the only college she visited. She looked into Transylvania University, Thomas Moore University, Spalding University, Mount St. Joseph University, Tiffin University, and Heidelberg University.
Ella’s mother, Ashley Cox, thought Centre would be a great fit for her: “It was checking off all the boxes that she was looking for in a college. We knew pretty quickly on her first visit that Centre was going to be her number one choice.”
As a parent, Ashley Cox described the recruiting process as difficult and time-consuming.
She elaborated, “There are so many talented players all fighting for very few spots. You have to put a lot of work into making sure you get noticed and get time in front of the right people.”
Jim Delong, the Highlands High School Varsity volleyball coach, said, “Whenever we have a player recruited, it is always exciting. It is exciting for the player, her family, and our program.”
In his eyes, Cox’s hard work paid off.
“It is also important to our program, in regards to the recognition that it brings. As far as what it means to me, it makes me proud to have been a part of Ella’s journey.”
In the nine years Cox has played volleyball she has learned many lessons.
“Volleyball has taught me the value of teamwork and strategy. The constant drive to improve made me passionate about the game and eager to dedicate myself to it.”
