Young phenom Prihoda learns as she goes

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- There is some debate as to which is the most important position on a volleyball team. You could make an argument as to which position demands the most athletic ability. In baseball, it's the shortstop. In football, it's the quarterback. In lacrosse, it's the attackman. In basketball, it’s the point guard. All four of those choices would spark considerable debate.

In Volleyball, there is absolutely no question because it is obvious to everyone what the most athletic position is as well as the most important. It's the "Setter". You disagree? First of all, get a clue! Not only is the setter all of that, it is also the most difficult position to play because of all the players on the floor, the setter must have the highest athletic I.Q. The setter has to be in the right spot at all times ready to place a set perfectly so the hitters can have the best shot at winning a point for the team. She also digs, blocks, serves and even attempts kills when the situation presents itself.

For the College Park Lady Cavaliers, Coach Candy Collins has put her trust in a promising young player, sophomore Caroline Prihoda. For Collins this isn't a novel move as her 2023 squad has an average age of 15.9. The Results thus far have been ridiculous for the young Lady Cavaliers.
But, I digress...So, just what does Coach Collins think of her young phenom, Prihoda...
"Caroline is an outstanding kid, she is a ball of energy on and off the court. She has a great vibe about her that is so important in the setting position. She is able to stay level headed while leading with positivity and excitement. She works very hard to continue getting better and developing her skills. It’s very exciting that she is a talented sophomore with so much room to grow in her future."

Let's learn more about Caroline Prihoda in this week's Woodlands Online Profile of the Week...

1) How long have you been playing volleyball? How did you become interested in volleyball?

What other sports did you play growing up and why did volleyball win out?

I’ve been playing volleyball since I was in third grade. My first team was at the YMCA…the Diamond Crush! I wasn’t on a club team until 5th grade. I tried volleyball because my best friend, Reese Ellen played it and her mom was the coach. Many of the girls on that YMCA team have been on my club team, Houston Skyline and eight of us that started at the YMCA, went on to now play for the CP Volleyball program. It’s a pretty special thing. Growing up, I tried a variety of sports- soccer, basketball, dance, gymnastics and I ran hurdles in junior high. Volleyball ultimately won because I like the fast pace. Although individually you have your role, it is a team sport and I just love the energy you get from being on the court with your teammates!

2) Describe the 2023 College Park volleyball team and why you enjoy playing for the Cavaliers?

The 2023 College Park volleyball team is amazing. Not only do we all love volleyball we love each other. Everyone on this team is team first, from the players, managers to the coaches. This team plays with so much grit and heart. You have to have confidence and trust in yourself in any sport. But nothing can compare to the confidence you have on the court when your teammates believe and trust in you and you believe and trust in them. We believe and trust in one another and that is what sets this team apart. We all make mistakes. I know when I make a mistake, but to have a teammate say “you’re good, you got this, let’s go”, I know they mean it. This team is truly a group of amazing friends. We will miss our seniors so much, but I’m excited for the remainder of our season and all the growth we will have for next year, too! Coach Collins is exceptional and enthusiastic. She believes in her players. She loves College Park and started this program and has been so good at keeping the CP culture strong and introducing it to every new class that comes in.

3) Do you like CPHS and why?

I love CPHS! I especially love the enthusiasm for our school and the people! CP is super challenging academically, but I know it is preparing me for the next level. Of course, I am a huge fan of our entire athletic program! CPHS athletics feels like one big community and family. That is the new theme for CP Athletics, #FAM1LY

4) What colleges are you looking into attending? Do you know what your field of study will be?

In terms of colleges, I’m very open. I do have a few in mind. I would love to play volleyball in college. While athletics and competitiveness are important to me, so is the environment and academics. In college, I hope to study Sports Marketing or a related field at least for now.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

After college I hope to work in Sports Marketing or in Public Relations. I really enjoy the sports environment with all the energy and creativity needed to communicate and keep people entertained and interested in a game, team or entire program.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and volleyball?

Outside of school and volleyball, I really enjoy cooking. Breakfast is my favorite meal so that’s usually when I cook. I also really enjoy hanging out with my friends. My friends are some of my biggest inspirations and no one makes me laugh harder than them. Any chance I get, I want to do something in the water whether that is being in the ocean or the lake enjoying paddle boarding, snorkeling or other water activities.

7) Who is your role model for volleyball?

My biggest role model in volleyball is my College Park volleyball teammate, Morgan Madison. Morgan is amazing. She plays with so much confidence and fire and really inspires me to play with everything I have on the court. She is a non-stop hustler and has worked really hard for all her accomplishments.

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family is very supportive in everything I do…they encourage me to do what makes me happy and they will love me and support me no matter what…obviously with some guidance in my choices. My parents remind me to always go to God and put Him first with everything. I am blessed to have both sets of grandparents that are able to come to all my games. They love not just cheering me on but my friends too! They send me texts of encouragement all the time and want to know details about my game. I'll be able to drive soon, but my grandparents even help get me to practices and lessons when my parents have conflicts. My two sisters are usually always at my games. It's been fun to support my middle sister, Lainey, who is also pursuing volleyball.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

If I were given a million dollars to donate to a charity I would donate it to Living Water International. They are a Christian organization that helps underdeveloped areas get clean and safe water while sharing the Gospel. You can volunteer with them to travel to other countries and put in water wells and serve in other ways. I can’t imagine not having access to clean water. Many of the communities that Living Water serves have never seen clear water. Think about how much water impacts every part of your life. I have not been able to go on a trip with them, but my dad has a few times as well as family friends. I would really like to be able to travel with them one day.

10) Three things that people don't know about you.

1) I used to have a pet crab named Princess. 2) I love hair and makeup. 3) My favorite month of the year is October.

11) When is the last time you danced? Where? You any good?

The last time I danced was at College Park Volleyballs' infamous pre-game dance parties. In my opinion, I am the best dancer out there and really should not have quit dance (laughs).

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

My favorite song right now is El Dorado by Zach Bryan but I love all types of music, country, pop, 90s, and Taylor Swift of course.

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

My favorite movie of all time is The Greatest Showman. I could watch it a thousand times. The music is so good and it has a really great message.

14) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky guy be?

If I had one last date to go on, I would go with my boyfriend Caleb Holifield.

As a person, it is no surprise Caroline is a setter. Why? Because she's a giver as a person. Everything she involves herself with is all about making others look and feel good. In her short volleyball career no matter what teams she has played for, she has been willing to play a variety of roles depending on the needs of her teams. She will do whatever that coach needs because she is a "we" teammate and knows it is and never has been about herself. Whatever her role has been, as long as it has been for the success of the team, Caroline is all in. She has had several coaches who have stressed "we" over "me" and when she goes home, her parents stress the same thing. If you're interested in getting to know a young person, you go talk to their parents for an hour. You'll know right away what the kid is all about. If you do this with Caroline's parents you'll know she comes from a "we" family.

Away from the court she's the type of friend that will stick up for her friends because she is very loyal. If a friend is down, she's picking them up. If they need a shoulder to cry on, Caroline is right there. Kindness and generosity is what she's all about. You know what? Until now, you'd never know about it because she doesn't bring attention to it. Caroline is content and confident in how she is and doesn't need gratification. The John Wooden quote comes to mind..."The true test of one’s character is what they do when nobody is watching."

Lady Cavalier, future Baylor Bear and team leader, Morgan Madison talks about Caroline…

“Caroline is one of my favorite people on and off the court. She is so light hearted and knows how to make the whole team laugh. Every day she continues to impress me with her maturity on the court for just being a sophomore. Her mentality is always to win and play competitive and she’s always a consistent force whether she’s in the back row or setting in the front. I cant wait for the rest of this year with her and another next year.”

As Caroline's favorite month approaches, we look forward to the remainder of the Lady Cavalier season while watching her continue to up her game.

Photos