BY KAREN BOSSICK

A couple years ago, Ellie Sandoz never dreamed she would be leaving Wood River High School a semester ahead of May graduation.

But a unique opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 volleyball has taken her to Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., a semester early on a full ride scholarship.

Scott Wong, the head coach for the Pepperdine Waves, asked her to graduate early so she could get on the practice court this spring.

Ellie Sandoz, sixth from the left, poses with her Wood River High School comrades.

She had to take seven extra classes to graduate early, and she went for it. As a result, she’ll be watching Pacific Ocean waves from campus, rather than snowflakes, as winter segues into spring.  

“Leaving Wood River High School a semester early has been a big but exciting decision,” said Sandoz. “I have officially graduated early, which has allowed me to head down to Malibu and begin training in the spring to prepare for the fall season.

Sandoz said it is bittersweet leaving Wood River High School and her hometown earlier than planned.

“But I am incredibly grateful for the support from my teachers, coaches, and teammates who made this transition possible,” she added. “Having the coaching staff at Pepperdine place that level of trust and confidence in me is something I do not take lightly, and it has been very motivating as I prepare for this next chapter.”

Ellie Sandoz, No. 11, hopes to make plenty of Waves on the volleyball court for Pepperdine University.

Sandoz joined the Thousand Kills Club this year. Spiking a thousand balls to the ground with enough force that her opponents could not return them was even more remarkable since she plays the middle position.

Sandoz was named Volleyball Player of the Year for the 5A Great Basin Conference after leading Coach Kristyn Rutland’s Wolverines to the Great Basin Conference District Tournament Championship. It was the first time a Wood River high School player has been named Conference Player of the Year in 15 years.

She was also named to the Idaho Statesman’s first team 5A All State volleyball team.

“Being named Great Basin Player of the Year was an incredible honor and something I am very grateful for. It felt like a reflection not just of my own work, but of the coaches, teammates, and family members who have supported me along the way. Being able to represent our area in that way meant a lot to me,” she said.

Ellie Sandoz has loved playing volleyball since she was a youth.

Sandoz had to finish seven classes to graduate early enroute to become a member of the Pepperdine Women’s Volleyball Waves. She had been recruited going into her junior year, during which she went to Boise two to three times a week from December to June to play on a national team.

“Playing volleyball at WRHS has meant so much to me over the years,” she said. “I got started in the sport at a young age and quickly fell in love with the competitiveness, the teamwork, and the constant challenge to improve. When I am on the court, everything else fades out. It is where I feel most confident and focused.

“The relationships I have built through volleyball and the lessons I have learned about discipline, resilience, and leadership have shaped me both as an athlete and as a person,” she added. “As for any secrets to success, I would say consistency, surrounding yourself with people who push you to be better, and truly loving the process even on the hard days.”

Yup, this is one of her Instagram pictures for Pepperdine University.