SFU Volleyball is off to a momentous start this season, following an undefeated preseason streak and climbing to the highest national ranking in NCAA program history. Soaking in every moment of this historic season, and her final as a Red Leaf, is senior Eva Person.

Originally from Brentwood Bay, B.C., volleyball has been part of Eva's life for as long as she can remember. Although her dad played in multiple grass, beach, and indoor leagues, he encouraged Eva to try a variety of sports. Initially a softball, then basketball and later volleyball athlete, Eva found herself drawn towards the sport for the strong team environment as she approached university.

A major factor in Eva's decision to join SFU was Head Coach Gina Schmidt. "During the recruitment process, she always made me feel truly valued, not just for my athletic abilities, but as a person," Eva shared.

Schmidt's coaching style, combined with SFU's Burnaby campus being the "perfect distance" from home, made the choice clear. "SFU felt like a fresh start, but close enough that my family could come to all my home games." And they do—Eva's parents sit in the same seats every game, so she always knows where to look.


Eva's impact at SFU was immediate. She earned Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) Freshman of the Year, First Team All-Conference, and GNAC Setter of the Year honours. Her academic achievements have been equally impressive, with Eva recognized on the Volleyball 2024 Academic All-GNAC Team. A Computer Engineering major and a past President's Honour Roll recipient, Eva also received the SFU Undergraduate Scholars Entrance Scholarship with Distinction. "I get paid for my brain, which is really cool—and I'm really proud of it," added Eva.

"Eva has had a huge impact on our team since the day she arrived," shared Coach Schmidt. "Even when she was out for a portion of her redshirt freshmen year due to a back injury, she was always someone who was willing to speak up in team meetings and be a vocal presence on the court. With each passing year, she has continued to grow as a both a player and a leader and that has had a strong correlation with our team's results. As a setter, she is obviously a pivotal piece to our team's offense, but her ability to also contribute with her serving, defense, blocking and attacking at the net demonstrates just how complete of a player she is."

Reflecting on her growth as a student-athlete, Eva described it as "definitely not linear." One of her favorite quotes from Coach Schmidt is "regression to the mean." "You'll have highs and lows, but things always balance out," she said. That mindset has helped her navigate injuries, tough practices, and mental health lows.

"Setting is one of the hardest positions mentally," Eva explained. "When a hitter gets blocked or makes a hitting error, you take it so personally, because what could you have done better to help them". Being a perfectionist and playing a position that touches every second ball, Eva admits it can be tough. But one of the most valuable lessons she's learned is that "mistakes are ok." She says that Coach Schmidt is a big advocate that you don't have to be perfect.

"Making one mistake isn't the epitome of a loss. You win as a team, and you lose as a team."


And this season, the team has been winning. After a 6-0 undefeated preseason, Eva described the experience as "unreal." "Everyone really stepped up their game and competed so hard and I feel really grateful to be a part of such an amazing team of people who share the same work ethic and intensity."

Eva's goal for the team is to win the GNAC Championship. Personally, she hopes to play professionally after graduation.

Reflecting on her time at SFU, Eva admits her final year arrived faster than she expected. Her advice to first-year students? Embrace every moment and make meaningful connections. "Make friends. In sports, out of sports, just connect with people because that's what can really make or break your experience."

When asked about the best part of her SFU experience, Eva didn't hesitate—the people. "I can truly say that I've met my best friends since being here." Over the years, those friendships have grown through shared experiences. "I've lived with a lot of different (teammates)—a lot stay here in the summer, and we play beach volleyball together. It's made SFU feel like home."