Saints Sports Spotlight- Ebony Gomez

Ebony Gomez and Mother, Ana Maria Maldonado

By Isabella Schultz | Crestview Hills, KY

12/9/2024

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Ebony Gomez, or “Grandma Eb” to the women’s volleyball team, has always had a special place in her heart for the sport of volleyball. It is something that has been a part of her story and a part of her family as she grew up. It has always been her outlet that let her forget about all her everyday life problems.

Ebony is from a small city in Venezuela called Merida, and ever since she was a young girl there, she has been playing volleyball. She came from Venezuela to Kentucky in hopes of fulfilling her volleyball dreams that she had made when she was little. She now knows she couldn’t have fulfilled those dreams without all the sacrifices her number one supporter had made.

Her mom, Ana Maria Maldonado, has always been Ebony’s number one supporter. She was the person who influenced Ebony to play volleyball and inspired Ebony to follow in her footsteps.

Ana Maria started playing when she was 14 years old and hasn’t stopped since. She played as a setter on the Venezuelan national team and was the MVP at almost every tournament she played in.

“Since I was little, watching my mom play inspired me to follow in her footsteps and I succeeded,” Ebony said. “I always felt that I was looking at my idol in all aspects.”

Because of her mom's support, Ebony has been able to overcome all the lessons and challenges that have been thrown her way. From overcoming doubts in volleyball to an ACL tear, Ebony could not be where she is now without her mom.

In addition to Ana Maria, Ebony also credits her coach, Holly Bronner Stiver, with helping her excel in her volleyball career and helping her achieve her goals.

Ebony has always wanted to play volleyball in college, so when she got into contact with Coach Holly, she was able to receive an offer from her that she couldn’t refuse.... a full scholarship.

“It was like a dream come true for an international student like me,” Stated Ebony. “I wasn't expecting anything, and I got everything. I am really thankful for it all.”

This season so far, Ebony has been the sole leader in kills for the women’s volleyball team along with a G-MAC South Division Athlete of the Week honors.

She will forever be grateful for Coach Holly taking a chance on her, but also her mom. For all her sacrifices and support, she could not have done any of it without her