Athlete of the Week: Elijah Ihnenfeld, Windermere High boys volleyball

Windermere High boys volleyball team posted a 15-7 regular-season record and a perfect 3-0 in Class 3A, District 4. One of the players at the forefront of the team’s success has been pin hitter Elijah Ihnenfeld. The junior leads the team with 3.9 kills per set off a 0.232 hitting percentage and 240 kills total. He also had tallied 135 digs with a average of 2.2 per set and 28 total blocks this season. 

What do you enjoy most about volleyball? 

I enjoy meeting new people the most. From the tournaments to the open gyms, a lot of my friends I’ve met playing volleyball.

When did you start volleyball and why did you join? 

I’ve been playing volleyball forever ago. I really started playing when I was 9. I played for Orlando Gold since I was 9, and I’ve been with them ever since.

What is your biggest accomplishment in volleyball?

Being on Team Florida and winning a gold medal. It was a great experience, and I’ll never forget it.

What has volleyball taught you? 

Volleyball has taught me leadership and patience. Playing for so many years with so many people, it’s hard not to learn those lessons.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

I’m demanding. I know I can be hard to play with, but I expect the best out of my teammates even when they don’t give me their best.

What advice would you give someone who just joined volleyball? 

Footwork is everything. It doesn’t matter how good you are if you can’t get to a ball. Also watch film, I’ve learned so much from watching game film.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If I were a coach, I wouldn’t be the speech-giving kind. I would just remind them of what they know they can do and try to motivate the team.

What is your pre-game ritual? 

My pre-game ritual is getting the same meal from Publix (chicken tender meal with double mac ’n’ cheese). Don’t judge! And we do handstands right before the game. Team Culture.

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

If I weren’t playing volleyball, I would play soccer. I played for most of my life until I stopped playing, and it would be fun to go back to it.

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to Muhammad Ali, because he inspired people by standing up for his beliefs, showing confidence and proving that success comes from both strength and courage.

What is something new you would like to learn?

It would be fun to learn how to speak Italian. I have family there, and it would be cool to speak to them in their first language.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I would live in California. I’m not a fan of LA, but north Hollywood is a beautiful place.

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money? 

I want to say something smart like putting money aside for college, but really I would get a car, something like a Jeep 392.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

The Fourth of July is my favorite holiday because I get to go to the beach.

What future career do you want to have? 

I want to be a physical therapist and keep working with athletes, even if I’m not playing sports.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

I would be TikTok famous, mostly because I don’t know how else I would get famous. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

My spirit animal would be a butterfly, showing growth toward your best self.

What is your perfect day?

My perfect day would be a school day with no work, so I can still see my friends but not have to worry about the work. Then to end it, there would be a game.