Master's coach Annett Davis believes Desiree Elizondo will debunk one of beach volleyball's great myths this season.
"At 5-foot-4, Desi is tiny but mighty," Davis says of the recent TMU signee. "When I first saw her play, I knew she was a special athlete. People usually think you have to be tall to play beach volleyball. Desi is a myth buster."
Elizondo is also a state champion. At Grossmont College in El Cajon, California, she helped lead the Griffins to the 2019 California Community College Athletic Association state championship, the program's second state title in four years. At Master's, her role will not be to extend a legacy but rather to lay the foundation of one. Davis believes Elizondo is up to the challenge.
"She has an infectious smile and a work ethic and tenacity that any coach would love to have on a team," said Davis, who placed fifth in beach volleyball at the 2000 Sydney Games. "With her level of experience, I'm looking forward to her being able to help build a culture of excellence and for her to help teach our new players how to win."
Elizondo, who graduated from Great Oak High in Temecula, said she chose Master's for several reasons.
"One reason is because it was a Christian school that actually seemed to prioritize helping students grow in their faith and holding them accountable to it," she said. "I also chose TMU for its beach volleyball program and its competitive nature.
"… I also loved the small community and the aspect of people knowing each other, rather than being just a number. After lots of prayer and thought, TMU seemed to be the perfect fit for me."
Elizondo said her goals at Master's are to play to the best of her ability and to compete at the highest level possible.
"I would also like to be able to contribute to my team, not only with winning, but also with growth in our talent as well as our faith," she said. "My goal is to give my best effort to the game as well as my team and find success in our performance."