Nearly 700 miles from home, a determined libero waltzed into the UConn Volleyball Center, ready to dig at whatever was thrown at her, literally.
At 5-foot-5, junior Isabella Suhy is the definition of an underdog. Back in middle school, when she walked into the gym, she was met with the same question that fueled her fire: “Are you going to be the worst one here today?”
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, where the volleyball scene is not nearly as big as in places like Texas, Suhy knew she’d have to outwork everyone else. “Toledo is not like Texas,” Suhy explained. “To go Division I, you have to be the first in the gym, last out.” Living by that mantra, she finished her senior year as an All-American letterwinner.
However, Suhy’s journey to the court wasn’t straightforward. Growing up, she played a slew of sports from soccer to basketball, loving the competitive aspect more than the games themselves. Her mom, though, was adamant about her finishing each season, teaching her to embrace both her skills and shortcomings before moving on to the next challenge.
Then came volleyball.
At age 13, Suhy fell in love with the sport after watching a friend’s older sister play. Absorbed by this new fascination, she tried out for her first club team, but unfortunately did not make it.
Before she even stepped foot on the University of Connecticut’s campus, Suhy had a commitment post ready – she just had a feeling. She then got an offer when touring, and it was official within five minutes.
“I was offered on campus and took it immediately,” Suhy said.
From that moment, Suhy embraced every role her team needed. Whether it was bringing grit and joy to every practice or posting a career-high 14 digs in a single game, she leaned into her quickness and determination.
Off the court, her confidence continues to radiate. Suhy has been adamant on the motto of dressing for the job she wants. From her bold makeup looks to vivid personality on the court, she leaves nothing behind.
“Getting ready is a sign of respect to myself,” Suhy stated. Her style reflects her belief in herself and makes it clear she means business.
Her biggest makeup tip, you may ask?
“I dab my face, don’t wipe.” Suhy said.
And she approaches life the same way.
“After not making my first club team, I was distraught,” Suhy admitted. But once again, her mom stepped in with words that stuck: “We don’t raise quitters.”
From then on, Suhy knew what she had to do. She made the club team the second time around, immediately setting her sights on the collegiate level. She studied play styles from idols like Lexi Rodriguez and memorized statements from Kobe Bryant and Diana Taurasi until they became part of her own mindset. Suhy never wipes away her mistakes, only dabbing and adjusting until she gets it right.
With her achievements tallying and her grit palpable, Suhy cemented herself as a key contributor both on and off the court. She launched “Play It Forward,” a drive donating UConn athletic gear, and has taken on the unofficial role of team hype-woman.
She’s got that dog in her — a husky — and the season has only just begun.
But as Suhy reminds herself, “The job’s not done… not until I play my last college game.”