Isabella believes preparation and character go hand in hand. “The biggest focus for my team leading up to Nationals is for all of us to be healthy and for everyone to continue working hard every day. EVA 17 Elite have had to deal with their fair share of adversity, losing one of the better setters in the state in Mia Adams Mia Adams 5'4" | S Central Arkansas Christian | 2027 State AR . But EVA has deep pool of talent and has been able to move forward. They will be competing in the Liberty Division.

Gonzales has focused on strength training and physical development outside of practice while embracing one message from the qualifier season. “Leave it all out on the court,” states Gonzales. That message has been a guiding principle for the EVA 17 Elite as the team prepares for one last push for the title of National Champions.

Her focus remains on unity and teamwork. “To play as a team and fight as one.” She leads with an infectious attitude and always has a smile on her face. But don’t let that fool you. Isabella has fire to win and the ability and IQ to back it up.

When it comes to the recruiting aspect of Nationals, she hopes that coaches recognize her character, something she feels can’t be coached. “I hope they see that I am always building my teammates up.”

The best competition will be on display and EVA 17 Elite and Isabella Gonzalez Isabella Gonzalez DS/L/OH Benton | 2027 AR are ready to prove themselves. “The best volleyball I ever played always ends up being at Nationals. And any team from Arkansas always has something to prove!”

Gonzales brings a calm, steady presence to the pin and serves as one of the most reliable offensive options on the court. Throughout multiple extended rallies, she consistently handled difficult transition situations, attacking hard sets while maintaining the same level of energy and execution. Gonzales combines a wickedly fast arm swing with impressive athleticism and a high vertical, allowing her to remain effective even as rallies become demanding. Her ability to perform under pressure never wavers, and it is clear that her teammates trust her in both offensive and defensive situations. That trust is a direct reflection of the consistency she brings to every phase of the game.

Gonzalez is a highly effective outside and has perfected multiple different plays out of the left side. She is great at catching the opposing defense off guard and finding them on their heels to score a point. She does a great job at drawing the blockers in to create an open net for herself. She has a very high volleyball IQ as well as being very consistent.

Gonzalez is a very strong outside hitter on her EVA 16 Elite team. Gonzalez runs many different plays from the outside that can catch the opposing defense off guard and on their heels. Gonzalez runs a great two ball with her setter and middle that causes the middle blockers to go up early, leaving an open net for her. She is a very consistent and clean volleyball athlete.