GRIT

GRIT = a combination of passion, perseverance and resolve. It is sustained passion, effort and focus over a long period of time, maybe even a lifetime. It is a rare quality radiated by Jolie Hidalgo who is a senior for the Southeastern Louisiana University Beach Volleyball Team. You can see the GRIT in her facial expressions below.

We have known Jolie for almost eight years. We first met her through, our ministry work, when she was playing for the Teurlings Catholic High School Rebels. She has always been an amazing athlete. Lisa and I were profoundly blessed to watch her in action for several years as a Lady Rebel. Her team won the State Championship every year she was member and if memory serves me correct, she was a starting varsity player during this entire period. After graduating she left to be a Lady Lion. With all our hearts we wanted to watch her play at SLU, but due to Covid and our life-threatening health issues we were unable to make this dream come true until this spring.

Jolie makes it look easy. She is a very humble and quite person though beyond talented as an athlete and student. Unlike many young people today, you rarely see her posting on social media even when she has good reason to. She carries her success with grace, yet do not be mistaken if you believe for a moment, she is not a fierce competitor. Success has not been handed to her. Though talented, arriving where she is today, has required immense work ... day after day, year after year.

We know this because we have witnessed her effort, consistency and growth for nearly a decade. Covid was a nightmare for countless people, including college athletes like Jolie. Yet, it did she did not stumble through this uncertain times, nor loose heart as her career was extended. This paid off this fall when her and her team-mates won the Indoor Southland Conference Championship for the first time in the history of Southeastern Louisiana University Volleyball. It was Cinderella season. What an amazing accomplishment and way to finish out her indoor volleyball career.

She could have thrown the towel in and coasted to an easy finish during her last semester of college, but oh no, not her. She got back horse and went work as a full-time as a college athlete in beach volleyball and student once again. She has been an asset to SLU Indoor and Beach Volleyball as an athlete and a leader. We have watched her play with several different team mates this spring. She always brings out the best in others. Through victory, and defeat, through health and injury she plays with passion and commitment to excellence. We are so thankful for her friendship and the friendship of her family.

Thank you, Jolie, for all the hugs this season. You are legacy and will dearly be missed on the court. We are so grateful to God to have been able to share this season with you as your fans, friends and photography team.

Geaux Lady Lions 💚💛🏐💛💚💪 #grit #beachvolleyball #d1volleyball #ncaabeachvolleyball #sandylions #slubeachvolleyball #wondersoflight #wondersoflightbyjohn #nikon #z9 #sportsphotographer #sportsphotography #actionphotography #southlandconfernce