I am Elle Vandeweghe, a 6'5" freshman middle blocker for the SMU Mustangs. Growing up in Manhattan Beach, California, I was incredibly fortunate to learn the game from amazing coaches and teammates, eventually captaining my high school team at Marymount and winning an 18-Open National Championship with my club team, SC Rockstar. I am also deeply grateful for my family's deep roots in sports—from my dad's pro beach volleyball career to my grandfather's and uncle's time in the NBA—which instilled in me a strong work ethic and a profound respect for the game from a young age. Now on the Hilltop, I am focused on working hard every day, learning from my coaches, and doing whatever it takes to support my teammates as we compete together in the ACC.