Oakwood School in Morgan Hill is known for strong academics. And the school offers more “A’s” beyond “Academics,” with students excelling in Athletics, Arts and many other fields.
Isabelle Anderson exemplifies the multi-talented Oakwood student-athlete, as the recent graduate shined in academics, set and hit a lot of volleyballs and knocked down many basketball shots too.
With a legacy including a league title in both those sports, she heads to the University of the Pacific, where she will parlay a fine education with NCAA Division I volleyball.
“The academics are amazing at Oakwood,” Anderson said. “The professors are great. They really prepare students for college. The academic advisor really guides you in applying for college, which is obvious in how many are accepted.
“I felt supported by the administrative staff, especially the Athletic Department which was led by Coach Kort (Jensen) and Coach (Dave) Clink. They were all such great role models and I am thankful for all of them.”
Anderson’s athletic performance was elite in many ways.
A four-year varsity volleyball player and three-time team captain, she starred at setter. As a freshman, she was named Second Team All-League and was on the First Team the last three seasons, including being a unanimous League MVP the last two years.
In 2024-25, she was named Oakwood’s “Junior Athlete of the Year” and in 2025-26, she was the school’s “Senior Athlete of the Year.”
“At Oakwood, we balance elite academic preparation with a well-rounded experience that empowers all of our students to pursue their passions and reach their full potential in the classroom, lab, court, field, studio and stage,” Oakwood Head of School Dr. Cameron Helvey said.
Anderson’s Hawks won league volleyball titles her final two years at Oakwood. In 2024, the Hawks were 17-4 overall, 12-2 in league, and 20-6 overall, 13-1 in league in 2025.
In basketball, Anderson and her teammates won their first league title this past winter, going 22-3 overall and 12-0 in the Pacific Coast Athletic League, Santa Lucia Division.
“I really enjoyed the responsibility of being a setter because I had to understand the game, communicate with my teammates and make decisions during the match,” Anderson said. “One of my favorite memories was being able to bring home the banner as champions in our league. Those are the kinds of moments that make all the hard work worth it.
“The Oakwood leadership, athletic department and team were a huge part of that experience. Volleyball is such a team sport, and individual awards don’t happen without teammates who work alongside you. I’m grateful for the people I got to compete with and for the coaches who challenged me to continue improving.”
Anderson had opportunities to continue in indoor six-player volleyball but leaned over to the two-person beach volleyball sport, which has been growing by leaps and bounds. In the NCAA, the sport now has 1,800 athletes over 183 teams.
“What I really love about beach volleyball is how much it challenges you as an individual,” Anderson said. “Coming from indoor volleyball as a setter, I’m used to having a team of six and specializing in one position. In beach, you have to do everything: you’re setting, passing, serving, attacking, blocking and playing defense.”
Anderson began with volleyball at age 10 and chose it over soccer and basketball.
“I loved the competitiveness of it and the fact that there was always something new to learn and improve,” Anderson said. “Volleyball also taught me that success doesn’t just come from what people see during a game.
“A lot of the work happens behind the scenes. I learned to be self-motivated and to keep working even when there wasn’t an immediate reward.”
Sports are a big focus in the family. Father Dave played college football, mother Anna-Liza played college volleyball. Cousin Te’a Reyes is an NCAA Division 1 soccer player at University of Connecticut.
“Growing up around people who understood the commitment and discipline that come with competitive sports definitely influenced me,” Anderson said. “My family has always understood what it takes to pursue a goal in athletics. They have supported me, but they have also taught me that talent alone isn’t enough. You have to work for what you want, stay disciplined and be willing to push through difficult times.”
Anderson learned a lot about the game from her mother, who coaches both high school volleyball (at Oakwood) and club volleyball. She also noted that being coached by her mother brought challenges. She had to prove herself and that she deserved playing time due to her ability and work, not just favoritism.
The League MVP awards and Oakwood “Athlete of the Year” awards illustrate that she deserved everything she has gotten. There are many life lessons one can learn from Isabelle’s journey.
“Isabelle’s success didn’t happen overnight, and it certainly wasn’t handed to her,” mother/volleyball coach Anna-Liza Anderson said. “I watched her put in the work behind the scenes, on the days when no one was watching and especially when things were difficult.”
Anna-Liza noted that Isabelle used adversity and outside questioning as motivation. She did not get discouraged, and she trained and played with commitment and confidence.
“Her commitment, resilience and belief in her goals never wavered,” Anna-Liza said. “She continued to show up, put in the work, and believe in herself and that is what makes me most proud of the athlete and person she has become.
“As her mom, I couldn’t be more proud of Isabelle not just for what she has accomplished on the volleyball court, but for the person she has become along the way. I am beyond proud to call her my daughter, and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to watch her become the strong, confident and determined young woman she is today.”
The college recruiting process is not easy; Isabelle Anderson advises that patience and perseverance are key. And she looks to provide wisdom, encouragement and inspiration to others.
“I ultimately chose the University of the Pacific in Stockton because it felt like the best overall fit for me,” Anderson said. “The beach volleyball program, the academic opportunities, the beautiful campus and the financial side all came together to make Pacific the right choice.
“And a final message to young athletes that want to play at the next level, I leave you with a few words; stay determined; no one but you decides if you make it. Be patient, trust the process, and keep putting in the work behind the scenes. It will pay off.”
Anderson looks forward to both the college education at UOP and volleyball competition. She is the type of multi-talented student-athlete that Oakwood helps build. Oakwood Head of School Helvey notes that seeing alumni thrive as Division 1 student-athletes is a testament to the school’s mission and to the dedication of their teachers and coaches.
“Athletically, I have the opportunity to compete at the Division I level and continue developing as a beach volleyball player,” Anderson said. “Academically, Pacific has programs that I’m really excited about, especially because I’m planning to study business and may eventually want to explore pharmacy school or law school.
“I want to make sure that I’m developing not only as an athlete but also preparing myself for a successful career after college.”
