Volleyball has always been more than a sport to Alisha Wintersdorf; it’s the thing that gave her confidence, purpose and connection.

Now, at 35, she spends her days giving those same things back to the next generation of Lake County athletes.

Alisha serves as a volleyball coach at Lake-Sumter State College, director of the American Athletic Club, and HR coordinator at Lake Jem Farms. She grew up in Lake County and picked up a volleyball at age 8.

“Now I get to give back by coaching and building opportunities for the next generation of local athletes,” she says.

Her career took a turn she didn’t expect when a series of shoulder injuries ended her playing days earlier than planned. What felt like a setback became a turning point.

“Shifting from player to mentor taught me empathy, patience and the value of investing in others,” Alisha says. “It changed how I lead, focusing less on perfection and more on progress, teamwork and belief. That experience taught me that every obstacle can become an opportunity to serve a greater purpose.”

Returning home to coach years later became another defining moment. Standing in the same gyms where she once played reminded her how full circle life can be. It pushed her to lead with purpose and to help young athletes see the potential within themselves.

Her hope is that her work fosters opportunity, empowerment and belief. She wants young people to know they don’t have to leave Lake County to chase big dreams.

“Success can be built right here through hard work, connection and purpose,” she says. “If I can help even one person realize their potential and then pay it forward, that’s the legacy I want to leave.”

What gets her up each morning isn’t titles or wins, it’s impact.

“Whether it’s helping a player gain confidence or mentoring a young coach, I’m motivated by seeing growth in others,” she says. “It’s about leaving people and places better than I found them.”