Sigler Swapped Gymnastics for Volleyball — And Found Her True Calling…Read More…
For many young athletes, discovering a lifelong passion can take years of trial, error, and hard decisions. For 19-year-old Emily Sigler, that journey meant stepping away from the sport she once thought would define her life — and diving headfirst into a new arena that would change everything.
Sigler grew up in a family of gymnasts. Her mother was a former collegiate standout, and her older sister competed nationally. Emily, by all accounts, seemed destined to follow in their chalk-dusted footsteps. From the age of four, she was flipping on mats, mastering beam routines, and pushing her limits in local competitions. Coaches praised her dedication, grace, and raw talent.
But behind the medals and polished routines, Emily felt an internal struggle few saw.
“I loved gymnastics, but after a while, it started to feel like I was chasing something I didn’t truly want,” Sigler shared in a recent interview. “There was a point where every practice felt more like an obligation than a joy.”
At age 14, an unexpected invitation set the stage for a life-altering shift. A friend from school, short on players for her volleyball club’s offseason training, asked Emily to fill in.
“I laughed at first. I’d never even touched a volleyball before,” Sigler recalled. “But I said yes, just for fun.”
That “just for fun” moment ignited a spark Emily never expected.
Stepping onto the volleyball court, Emily felt something she hadn’t in years — freedom. The team dynamic, the rhythm of the game, the fast-paced action drew her in. By the end of that first session, her heart was racing — not just from the drills, but from the unmistakable feeling of belonging.
“It sounds dramatic, but it felt like I finally exhaled,” Sigler admitted. “It wasn’t about being perfect or polished. It was about working together, learning, growing.”
Within months, Emily faced a crossroads most teens would find daunting: stick with the sport she’d dedicated a decade to or leap into uncharted territory.
“It wasn’t easy,” she said. “Walking away from gymnastics felt like I was letting people down — my coaches, my family. But deep down, I knew volleyball was where I was meant to be.”
Her parents, while initially surprised, stood behind her decision. “We saw the difference in her right away,” her mother, Laura Sigler, recalled. “She smiled more, talked about practice with excitement. It wasn’t about medals anymore. It was about passion.”
Emily threw herself into volleyball with the same determination that made her a gymnastics standout. Hours of practice, late-night training sessions, and summer camps followed. Despite starting later than most of her teammates, her athleticism and mental toughness set her apart.
By 17, she was a starting outside hitter for her high school varsity team. Her performances caught the attention of local college scouts — and soon, scholarship offers followed.
Now a freshman at Clearwater University, Sigler is making waves in the NCAA Division I circuit. In her first season, she helped lead the Clearwater Ravens to their best start in program history. Coaches cite her versatility, court awareness, and unmatched work ethic as key factors in the team’s success.
“Emily’s story isn’t just about switching sports,” Clearwater head coach Dana Morris emphasized. “It’s about trusting yourself enough to follow what truly lights you up — even when it means stepping away from something comfortable.”
Sigler, however, remains humble about her rapid rise.
“I’m just grateful I get to play the sport I love every day,” she said. “I learned so much from gymnastics — discipline, focus, resilience. Those lessons help me on the volleyball court every single game.”
Off the court, Emily is pursuing a degree in sports psychology, hoping to one day support young athletes navigating tough decisions like she did.
“I want them to know it’s okay to pivot, to explore,” she said. “Your first dream doesn’t have to be your only dream.”
Her story has resonated far beyond Clearwater’s campus. Young athletes nationwide have reached out via social media, thanking her for sharing her journey.
For Emily Sigler, the message is simple: “Chase what sets your soul on fire. Don’t be afraid to rewrite your story.”
As for her future? Sigler isn’t ruling anything out.
“Volleyball is where I’m meant to be right now,” she said with a smile. “And I’ve never been more excited for what’s next.”
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