Female Most Valuable Athlete: Bella Ray

Bella Ray’s MVA credentials:

The senior recorded 37 kills and 14 blocks to earn all-tournament honors at the Metea Valley/Oswego East Tournament, where the Angels went 5-0 to win the championship.

Herald-News sports writer Curt Herron talked with Ray.

Herron: What do like most about your team?

Ray: JCA volleyball is the closest-knit team of players that I’ve ever played on, and we’re all so close off and on the court. It really helps that we can be serious with each other when we need to pick each other up, but we can also be just complete goofballs.

Herron: What do like most about competing for Joliet Catholic Academy?

Ray: There’s clearly a lot of weight on our shoulders because of past state championships, but I think that’s what motivates us, since we know that every team we play will give us their best game because they know that we’re JCA, so it pushes us to play better.

Herron: What do you like most about volleyball?

Ray: My favorite part is the people, since these are probably some of my closest friends. But also going out there and feeling like I’m unstoppable, and I can’t get that feeling anywhere else but on the volleyball court.

Herron: What’s your favorite TV show?

Ray: “Friends.”

Herron: What’s your favorite movie?

Ray: “Grease.”

Herron: Who’s your favorite singer or group?

Ray: The Jonas Brothers.

Herron: What do you like to do in your free time?

Ray: I spend a lot of time with my family, which I really enjoy.

Herron: Where is the best place that you’ve visited?

Ray: I haven’t been to many places, but my favorite place to go on vacation is an island called Boca Grande in Florida.

Herron: What’s your favorite food and place to eat?

Ray: Pasta at home.

Herron: Do you have any pets?

Ray: I did have a dog that was named Rocky, who was a boxer, but he passed away a few months ago.