The pandemic turned Annabel Betances high school experience upside down, but she still kept her eye on the ball.

As captain of the volleyball team at Robert F. Kennedy High School in Queens, she had to keep the team energized, even when coaches came and went and Hurricane Ida flooded their gym last year, leaving them nowhere to practice.

What You Need To Know

  • She has been playing volleyball since middle school but is more interested in making sure her teammates know how important each one of them is to the team

  • Helped lead the team to the playoffs this year – a feat the school hasn't accomplished in years – despite multiple setbacks

  • Betances also helps her community through NHS events

Through it all, she’s proud of how her team overcame obstacles and even making it to the playoffs for the first time in years.

“The whole team was really hyped for it. We were really excited, because it was a really tough season for us and being able to have that moment,” said Betances.

Betances is all about making sure the whole squad feels special. As a proud Latina, she’s laser focused on building community and giving back.

“I think it’s just important to help others. If you see someone struggling you just don’t want to leave them behind. And to be able to do that for someone else then they’ll do that for someone else and it’s kind of like a chain reaction,” Betances said.

As a member of the National Honors Society, Betances raised money for two non-profits, Feed the Children and The Homeless Coalition. Even with a full plate, she maintained a 97% GPA.

“Being able to push myself," Betances said. "Having that internal strive for success. I think it’s not what you accomplish but the steps you take to get there and the attitude you have behind your actions.”

Next year, Betances is keeping it local. She will attend Queens College and plans to keep giving back to the community that has given so much to her.