"THE UNKNOWN" by Ingridy N. Foltran

Ingridy N. Foltran

University of Texas RGV

Sports Played: Volleyball

Class of 2025

I started playing volleyball when I was 7 years old, so honestly, this sport has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Brazil in a humble but incredibly loving and supportive home. I was raised with strength, faith, and a sense of purpose; my mom made sure our home was always filled with love, discipline, and encouragement. At the time, my cousin was playing volleyball at a club close to our house. One day, my mom suggested that I go and give it a try too. I still remember that moment so clearly; I went just to check it out, and I instantly fell in love with the game. From that day forward, volleyball became my passion. My mom was my number one supporter from the very beginning. She took me to every practice, every game, and sat in the stands cheering for me no matter what, she made everything possible. I’ll never forget her sacrifices. What started as a simple after-school activity quickly became my biggest dream and eventually, the tool that opened doors I never even imagined. It’s crazy to think how something as simple as a ball ended up changing the entire direction of my life.

To me, “Embrace Doubt” isn’t really about doubting myself; it’s about embracing the unknown, the challenge, the fear, and moving forward anyway. It means stepping into something even when it’s uncomfortable, even when nothing feels guaranteed. When I left Brazil to come to the U.S., I didn’t speak English fluently. I didn’t know the culture. I didn’t have family here. Everything was new. Everything was scary. But I embraced the challenge with faith, courage, and an open heart. That mindset has been with me throughout my journey; from learning a new language on my own, to adjusting to a different style of volleyball, to studying civil engineering while being a D1 athlete. I never let fear stop me. I believe that growth comes when you say “yes” even when it’s hard. That’s what “Embrace Doubt” means to me. Not letting the unknown paralyze you, but letting it transform you.

Moving to the U.S. was one of the most exciting chapters of my life; but also full of new challenges! I already knew how to cook and clean (thanks, mom! ), but suddenly doing everything alone, in another country and another language, felt very different. I had to grow up fast. I was responsible for everything; from grocery runs to managing my schedule, to making sure I was always on time and performing well on the court and in the classroom. I didn’t have a car, so my bike became my best friend. I’ll never forget biking to Walmart with my backpack and coming back with bags hanging from both sides of the bike and a mountain of groceries on my back. It was a workout just getting home! Emotionally, being away from my mom was the hardest part. We’ve always been very close, and not having her nearby; especially during tough days was something I had to learn to deal with.

The volleyball style here was also very different: more conditioning, more running, more intensity. It took time to adjust. But despite everything, I embraced the challenge with faith and joy. I knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime, and every tough moment was part of building the strong, independent woman I am today. And honestly, I look back with so much gratitude; because I made it through, and I grew so much in the process.

My time at UTRGV has been filled with experiences that shaped me; both on and off the court. But if I had to choose, one of the proudest moments of my entire journey was being named UTRGV Student Leader of the Year in my senior year. That recognition felt like a full-circle moment. It wasn’t just about one season or one game, but a reflection of everything I gave over my four years: as a student-athlete, engineering student, leader, and mentor. Another unforgettable milestone was being selected to represent my conference at the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Leadership Forum. Out of all the female athletes from 9 universities and 9 sports, I was the only woman chosen to attend. That meant so much to me. Not just as recognition, but as an opportunity to grow, to speak up, and to represent international athletes, Brazilian women, and my school with pride and purpose. These moments weren’t just about athletic performance; they were about leadership, impact, and staying true to who I am. That’s what made them so powerful.

One of the most painful moments of my life was when I injured my knee right after turning down an invitation to join the Brazilian national beach volleyball team. My coaches told me I had to choose: either represent my country in beach volleyball or stay loyal to my indoor club team. I chose to stay, believing it was the right thing to do. And then, that same week, I got hurt. It felt like everything collapsed at once. I had just given up the biggest opportunity of my athletic career, and suddenly, I couldn’t even play. I was heartbroken, physically limited, and emotionally exhausted. That was truly rock bottom for me. But in that silence, in the stillness of not being able to train, I found space to reflect. I started studying English again, I discovered the path of studying abroad, and I slowly began building a new dream. I told myself: maybe God didn’t close a door. Maybe He was just redirecting me. That injury, which once felt like the end, actually became the beginning of something much greater. Today, I’m healed, strong, and walking a path I never imagined; and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

To my younger self: I’m so proud of you. Keep dreaming big. Keep being intense, passionate, and even a little different; that’s your superpower. Don’t be afraid of the unknown. Try new things, explore new languages, say yes to growth. God is guiding every step, even when things feel uncertain.

To younger athletes: Chase your dreams with everything you’ve got. Don’t wait for the “perfect” moment; start now. Learn English. Take your studies seriously. Be smart with your social media and build your personal brand with intention. Push through the hard days, because the hard days build you. And remember: you might hear a hundred no’s, but it only takes one yes to change everything. Keep your faith strong, and keep going.

After graduating in Civil Engineering with a 3.94 GPA and Summa Cum Laude honors, I’m now starting a new chapter in my life; working full-time as an Infrastructure Engineer at Garver’s Water Design Center in Texas. It feels surreal to say that. I started as an intern and now I get to continue growing in a field I’m passionate about, especially when it comes to sustainability and creating positive change through engineering. Volleyball will always live in me. Even though I’m not playing at the college level anymore, the sport shaped who I am, and I’ll carry those lessons with me forever. Whether it’s mentoring younger athletes, sharing my journey, or just playing for fun, volleyball will always have a place in my life. To me, success has evolved. It’s no longer just about achievements or awards. It’s about purpose. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of my mom, staying true to who I am, and using everything I’ve learned to help others believe that they can do it too. Especially girls who come from small towns, from humble beginnings, who dream of something bigger; I want them to see through my story that with faith, discipline, and hard work, it’s possible. This is just the beginning. And I’m so excited for what’s ahead.

-Ingridy N. Foltran/Embrace Doubt

Media and Photography by UTRGV Athletics