(June 17, 2003) — Transformed from a reluctant eight year old to high school star, Hazel Villanueva has brought her volleyball career a long way. Today, a committed athlete, Villanueva skillfully plays a broad range of positions such as setter, hitter and defensive specialist as captain of Glendale High’s Varsity volleyball team. Though Villanueva has developed a “dedication and love for the game” throughout the year, she wasn’t always so enthusiastic about the sport. Encouraged and practically “forced” to take up volleyball by her cousins who were also athletic, Villanueva first learned of the sport while still in elementary school. Nonetheless, Villanueva was already playing JV for San Diego Academy during 5th grade and later played for a private club during her years at Wilson Middle School. There were times when she wanted to quit, but knew that she couldn’t let her team down and kept enduring. “You grow a bond with the team and feel responsible for it. It wasn’t something that came naturally but through practice,” said Villanueva. Her skills improved throughout the years and went on to try on other sports, such as softball and basketball, but always found herself “at home” with volleyball.