Grace’s athletic journey began in third grade, when she started playing volleyball alongside softball and basketball. What inspired her most was watching her older sister play volleyball. “She was my role model, and I wanted to be just like her,” Grace recalls. “So I tried it, and I immediately fell in love with the sport.” Today, she competes as a setter and right-side hitter for both her high school varsity team and the Alamo club team based in San Antonio.

Volleyball has taught Grace lessons that go far beyond the court. “The sport brings me so much joy, but it also comes with pressure,” she says. “I’ve learned that there will be bumps in the road, but you can’t give up. Sports aren’t just about performance—they’re about how you carry yourself. God has guided me through challenges, and faith has shown me the importance of perseverance. You learn to have grit and trust that there’s a good plan for you.”

Grace credits several coaches for shaping both her skills and her mindset. Coach Kim has been instrumental in her mental game, teaching her to stay confident and embrace her unique strengths. Coach Davis, her high school coach, has offered tough love that helped her become resilient, while Coach Brock pushes her to grow stronger every day in the weight room, emphasizing that there are no days off.

One of Grace’s favorite volleyball memories came with her 14s club team, winning first place at nationals. “It was surreal. We worked so hard, and that accomplishment is unforgettable,” she says.

Balancing academics and athletics is no easy task, especially with the travel demands of club volleyball. Grace explains, “I have to be intentional about keeping up with schoolwork every day. Volleyball takes a lot of time, but focusing on my responsibilities helps me stay on top of both school and sports.”

Looking ahead, Grace hopes to continue leading her high school and club teams to successful seasons and ultimately play Division One college volleyball. Her advice to other young athletes is simple: “Stay committed to what you love. Stay true to yourself and work hard every day.”

Grace Connally exemplifies the spirit of a dedicated athlete: talented, disciplined, resilient, and guided by both faith and a love of the game.