The Surge

Senior Anya Noya-Isern plays on both the Bay’s Varsity Girls Beach Volleyball and Girls Varsity Volleyball teams. Noya-Isern has been playing sports her whole life, and although she is not necessarily looking to play volleyball professionally, she definitely wants to keep playing, whether that is for club or for fun. Noya-Isern said she started beach volleyball in its inaugural year at the Bay and hopes to explore it outside of school in the future.

“I started my sophomore year when the program first opened. I ended up really loving it, especially because of the coaches, so I stuck with it,” Noya said. “Right now I only play for school, but I want to start playing in tournaments outside of school soon.”

Noya-Isern has scored roughly 300 points so far in her final season of beach volleyball for the Bay, but for her, playing is not only about how many points she can score; it is about the community she has built. Noya-Isern said she is especially inspired to keep playing because of her coach, Varsity Girls Beach Volleyball Head Coach Noah LaPace.

“Probably the connection I have with my partner and my coaches is the most rewarding thing about playing. We all play for each other, and we have built a really good bond,” Noya said. “My coach, Noah, for sure inspires me the most. He is always pushing himself and us to be better, but he also makes it fun, which makes a big difference.”