Ella Opene Ella Opene 5'10" | MB/RS Santa Margarita Catholic | 2027 CA plays fast and finds the gaps.

Before the match, Opene said her team set a goal of another CIF title and that she has watched every teammate grow this season. On the court, her high reach on the block stood out, along with her ability to find her hitter quickly. She plays fast on offense, finds gaps, and beats blocks. But her best quality on the court might be the energy she brings with her performance. MaxPreps lists her as the Eagles’ season leader in blocks with 39.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ella Opene Ella Opene 5'10" | MB/RS Santa Margarita Catholic | 2027 CA sees a championship group.

Ella’s Voice
“As a senior committed to UC Davis for beach volleyball, playoffs this year are extra exciting. It’s such a blessing and privilege to have the opportunity to compete against such talented teams. Looking back at my time playing for SM’s amazing program, I think back to a team goal we made at the beginning of season. Our goal was to go after another CIF championship title, and I think we have a really amazing chance. I’ve seen each and every girl on our team grow this year and put in more than all of their effort. I believe this group is truly capable of anything. I have been so fortunate to play the sport I love with some of the best and I can’t wait to keep competing!”

She talks about her teammates’ growth before her own recruiting story. A senior who watches every teammate improve is a leader.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ella Opene Ella Opene 5'10" | MB/RS Santa Margarita Catholic | 2027 CA , a 2027 middle blocker and opposite hitter for Santa Margarita Catholic, has spent her offseason sharpening her blocking technique. She recognizes the importance of a strong block in shaping a team’s defense and takes pride in her ability to read attackers and disrupt plays at the net. “I think blocking can really impact a team’s overall defense, and I work hard to slow down the ball as much as possible,” she said.

Ella enters this season with a deep sense of pride and excitement. As a returning athlete for SMCHS, she sees more than just talent in her teammates. She sees commitment, connection, and a shared purpose. “What makes our team special is the way we show up for each other as teammates and friends,” she shared. “Santa Margarita truly feels like home.”

Off the court, Ella brings a creative side that adds to her well-rounded character. She loves to sing and play the piano, using music as both a passion and an outlet. With strong presence at the net and an even stronger connection to her team, Ella is ready to help lead Santa Margarita into another successful season starting at Queen’s Court.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Ella Opene Ella Opene 5'10" | MB/RS Santa Margarita Catholic | 2027 CA has been diligently working on this aspect of her game in every practice, and her growth in this area is set to make a significant impact on her performance and her team’s success.

Ella’s main goal for the tournament is to earn a bid and qualify for nationals. Her team has put in extensive work during practice, and she is confident that their hustle and determination will pay off. Personally, she aims to leave the tournament with no regrets, playing with 100% effort, aggression, and ambition. Ella wants to walk off the court after every set and match, knowing she gave her all and played her hardest in every moment.

To prepare, Ella has been focusing heavily on strengthening her mindset. She understands the importance of mental toughness in volleyball and has been working on it during practice. One of her strategies is to remind herself of the skills she excels at, which boosts her confidence and reinforces the hard work she’s put in. She then targets areas for improvement, setting clear goals for how she can continue to develop in practice. This mental preparation helps her stay confident and focused, no matter the situation.

In addition to mindset work, Ella also strength trains both at home and with her high school team at Santa Margarita Catholic during the off-season. Given the long training sessions, she’s also learned to properly fuel her body, ensuring she has the energy to perform at her best.

College coaches will notice her resilience and ability to quickly recover from mistakes. Her positive attitude and determination to play stronger after an error make her stand out on the court. Another key strength is her speed and quick reflexes. Ella can get to any ball, from anywhere on the court, and convert it into a scoring opportunity. Her agility and mindset make her a dynamic presence, and her ability to bounce back from mistakes highlights her mental toughness and commitment to the game. ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247