Get To Know Kayla Ellis

Oregon State defensive specialist/libero Kayla Ellis is a sophomore who hails from Pocatello, Idaho. She has been a member of the program since 2015.

Do you have a nickname? If so, what is it and who gave it to you? And why did they give it to you?
"My teammates call me Kay sometimes because it's short for Kayla."

What do you like most about playing volleyball?
"I like the adrenaline rush that it gives me. I love playing volleyball because it takes me to another world."

If you could change one thing about volleyball, what would that be and why?
"If I could change one thing about volleyball I would change the libero setting behind the 10 foot line rule. I'd let liberos set from anywhere on the court. I think it's a pointless rule and it is unneeded. Liberos should be able to set in front of the 10-foot line like anyone else on the court."

At what age did you know you wanted to play volleyball in college? And what made you realize that?
"I've known I wanted to play college volleyball since I was about 8 years old. I was in love with the sport and I knew I wanted to be just like the athletes I was watching on TV and in person when my mom took me to games. (Also my mom played college volleyball so I wanted to be like her)."

What does your uniform number mean to you?
"I have always had a 2 in my number because it is the number I have always liked. So I am number 22 because I love 2's."

If you could meet one volleyball player, who would it be and why?
"I would meet Misty May-Trainer because she is probably the best defender who has ever lived. She was such an amazing player and she has so much knowledge, it would be fun to talk volleyball with her."

If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you play and why?
"I would play basketball because I really loved it when I was younger. I liked the contact part."

Who has had the biggest influence on your volleyball career?
"My sister has had the biggest influence on my career."

What is the last movie you saw?
"The Legand of Tarzan."

If you could play in any band, or take over for any singer, who would that be and why?
"Beyonce because she is flawless."

What is the best part about living in Corvallis and the state of Oregon?
"All the adventures there are to be found. There are so many beautiful hikes and sights to see."

What is your personal goal for the 2016 season?
"Be an outstanding libero in the Pac-12 and to make the All-Pac-12 team."

What is your team goal for the 2016 season?
"Make it to the NCAA Tournament."

What was your first thought when being recruited by Oregon State?
"I love this school. I want to be a part of that community."

What is your major? And what led you to choose it?
"Kinesiology: I love studying the body and its movements."

After your playing career is over, what profession do you want to go into? Why?
"I want to become a Physician's Assistant or a Physical Therapist because those two careers have always interested me."

What match do you look back to and remember fondly through your entire volleyball career?
"My freshman year in high school I was at nationals with my club team. We were in the semifinal match against NCVC and we pulled off the win in three long sets. I was playing on an 18's team as an outside."

What makes you the most excited, day in and day out, about being an Oregon State student-athlete?
"Knowing that I am part of such a great program that has such great support from the community."

Community service ... list some events you have done. What has driven you to do them?
"Boys and girls club and Habitat for Humanity. I love helping others and I think it is really great to interact to children in our community that look up to us."

What do you want Oregon State fans to know most about you?
"I want Oregon state fans to know that I love volleyball and I love Oregon state and we need them to help us be successful."

Related News

Players Mentioned

Kayla Ellis

Related Videos