What if joy wasn’t just a feeling… but your competitive edge?
In this episode of the Play in Faith podcast, Coach Chris sits down with Indiana University volleyball commit Ellie Hepler—a standout athlete whose energy, positivity, and perspective make her truly different.
From long car rides and years of commitment to earning a spot at a Big Ten program, Ellie’s journey is built on more than talent.
It’s built on joy.
Her love for the game, her teammates, and her faith has shaped not only her path—but the way she leads, competes, and lives.
✨ In this episode:
- The journey from backyard volleyball to Division 1
- What it really takes to get recruited at a high level
- Balancing sacrifice, friendships, and commitment
- The unique experience of being coached by a parent
- Leadership lessons from playing at multiple levels
- Why joy—not pressure—is her biggest advantage
Ellie’s story is a reminder:
👉 You don’t have to lose joy to pursue excellence
👉 You don’t need pressure to reach the next level
👉 And who you are matters more than what you achieve
If you’re an athlete, parent, or coach—this is one you’ll want to share.
🙏 About Play in Faith
Play in Faith is on a mission to transform youth sports culture through faith, mentorship, and leadership—helping athletes become confident competitors and impactful leaders.