Built-In Teammates: Celebrating National Sibling Day with the Prevail Family

 There’s a bond between siblings that’s built on a lifetime of inside jokes, unspoken support, and a whole lot of shared snacks in the backseat of the family car. When volleyball enters the mix, that connection only deepens.

At Prevail, we’ve seen siblings who coach each other, compete alongside each other, and become each other’s biggest fans. Some paved the way. Others learn



ed from their older sibling’s footsteps. But all of them show what it means to grow together—on and off the court.

In honor of National Sibling Day, we asked a few of our athletes to reflect on how their volleyball journeys have been shaped by their siblings. These stories hit home.


Leah & Eva

Sisters on the Sideline (and the Serve Line)

For Leah, volleyball isn’t just something she loves—it’s something that connects her to her older sister, Eva. Their journey has been intertwined from the start, from cheering each other on at Atlantic City to sharing advice after long days of practice.

“Cheering each other on in Atlantic City every chance we could” was one of the moments that stuck with Leah.

Eva didn’t just cheer. She taught. Leah’s jump serve is a direct result of Eva’s influence—watching, learning, and eventually mastering the same skill. More importantly, Leah credits her sister for shaping her into the kind of teammate who shows up for others.

“She taught me how to be a good teammate, a solid defensive player, and how to be a supportive sister. Without her, my volleyball journey wouldn’t be the same.”

When you grow up watching someone lead by example, you can’t help but follow—and Leah’s path is stronger for it.


Mateo & Coach Alicia

Tournament Heat, Coaching Wisdom, and a Whole Lot of Trust

Mateo doesn’t just look up to his sister Alicia—he listens to her on the court, too. As both his coach and his sibling, Alicia brings a unique mix of support and structure, helping him develop his skills while keeping their bond strong.

“Winning second place in our first outdoor tournament together on an insanely hot day,” Mateo says, is a core memory. One where they both learned how to compete and lean on each other under pressure.

From Alicia, Mateo has picked up the kind of mental toughness that separates good athletes from great ones.

“She’s taught me to let plays go and focus on the next one,” he explains. “After practices and games, we talk through what we saw and give each other feedback. It makes me better.”

Mateo says that having Alicia as part of his volleyball life has made the entire journey more meaningful. It’s not just about the game—it’s about growing closer through it.


Maddie & Eli

Backyard Reps and Courtside Cheers

For Maddie, one of the biggest advantages in her volleyball journey is also her biggest supporter—her brother, Eli.

“At the Atlantic City tournament, our courts were next to each other. We’d look over between points and cheer each other on. It was fun knowing we were both out there doing our thing.”

Volleyball has turned their home into a training ground. Whether it’s a quick pepper session in the backyard or a conversation about strategy, Maddie and Eli help each other sharpen their skills without even thinking about it.

“Having someone to play volleyball with at home improves your game so much. You get more touches. More reps. And a lot more laughs.”

Their connection even opened up new doors—Maddie has stepped into a leadership role by coaching Eli’s middle school team. Without her brother in the game, she says, she might never have had that opportunity.

“We support each other no matter what. That’s what siblings do.”


Sophia & Coach Natasha

The Sister Who Started It All

Sophia’s introduction to volleyball came early—and it came with a sideline seat to watch her sister Natasha coach. That early exposure planted the seed, but it was Natasha’s enthusiasm and positivity that made it grow.

“I wouldn’t have been introduced to the sport early, or maybe at all, if it weren’t for my sister,” Sophia says. “Her energy around coaching and volleyball drew me in.”

The two have spent countless weekends at each other’s tournaments, offering support, encouragement, and the occasional snack run after long matches.

“After a tough practice or game, we talk it out and go get food. That always helps.”

Sophia says her sister's mindset has shaped her own—not just in how she plays, but in how she approaches challenges with a positive attitude. It’s more than family. It’s mentorship. It’s motivation.

“Having her as part of my journey has made all the difference.”


To All the Volleyball Siblings Out There...

Thanks for showing us what it means to lift each other up. To teach, to listen, to cheer louder than anyone in the gym. Whether you’re sharing a court or supporting from the stands, your bond makes this game even more meaningful.

This National Sibling Day, we celebrate you—the built-in teammates who make every rally count.

💛🖤 Tag your volleyball sibling and let them know how much they mean to you!
#NationalSiblingDay | #PrevailPulse | #BuiltInTeammates

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