Observer Sports Spotlight: Julia Bernardes

A little more than four years ago, Julia Bernardes reluctantly took up volleyball at her family’s urging. Since then, she has fallen in love with the game. Her athleticism and work ethic — coupled with her height (she stands 6-foot-2) — have made her an impact player for the Windermere Prep girls volleyball team this season.

What are your expectations for the team this year?

We have a brand-new team this year — we have like four or five girls that are the same. … My expectations for the season are that I think this is just the start and that we still have a long way to go. Our chemistry is getting better every day, and I hope it keeps going after that.

Are there any big games or events you are looking forward to on the schedule?

We’re going to New York Sept. 20. We’re going to play in a tournament, and I’m super excited. Last year, we were supposed to go to Chicago, but because of the hurricane, it got canceled. I’m so excited, because it’s going to be a lot of bonding for the team.

What else are you looking forward to about the trip?

We are going to watch “Frozen” on Broadway.

How did you get started in the game?

I actually started playing volleyball like two months before I moved here (to Florida) four years ago. I just got on varsity because I was tall, basically. … My dad always wanted me to play volleyball — my family is really into volleyball.

How much has the volleyball program at Windermere Prep evolved since you arrived as an eighth-grader?

I just think our mentality is changing — not just this team but the program, too. We have a freshman team this year, and we have so many girls try out. … The program has grown so much.

Did playing volleyball help you get acclimated to a new school in a new country?

It was a conversation-starter — it helped me a lot with adapting. … I ended up making way more friends than I would have without volleyball.

What are the pros and cons of being taller than average?

The pros are definitely volleyball. I always say that I wish I was taller for volleyball but shorter for life. … Cons, probably guys — it’s hard to find guys (who) are actually taller than me.

What is your favorite area of study?

I really like anatomy and psychology, and I took sports medicine last year. … Sports medicine (is) definitely my favorite class in high school that I’ve taken. 

When you go back to Brazil, what food do you crave?

My grandma’s food. She makes a carrot cake with chocolate on top — and hers is the best.

What’s your favorite thing to watch on a rainy Saturday?

I’m very into sci-fi and fantasy. I’ve watched the “The Vampire Diaries” — the whole show — more than five times. … I just watch it, and it’s like I’ve never seen it.