Built for More: Carly’s Multi-Sport Path, Digital Voice, and Volleyball Drive

Manchester, Maryland — Long before the cameras and followers arrived, Carly Figueira (C/0 2026) – Setter for Manchester Valley High School was building her athletic foundation the old-fashioned way, through repetition, range, and relentless work across multiple sports. In addition to volleyball, Carly has competed in track and field since her freshman year, developing into a sprinter and jumper who thrives in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 relay, 4×200 relay, long jump, and triple jump. That track background is evident every time she steps onto the volleyball court. Her speed off the floor, explosiveness at the net, and ability to close space defensively are direct products of years spent training for precision and power.

Carly has balanced volleyball and track throughout high school and has competed in volleyball since the age of 12. The dual-sport experience has shaped her into a versatile athlete, one who understands movement, timing, and how athletic details translate across competition environments. She plays with an awareness that reflects preparation, not just instinct. Off the court, Carly has built something equally impactful. Under the TikTok handle @unknowncarlyy, she has emerged as a respected volleyball content creator, producing educational and motivational videos for younger athletes. What began as a creative outlet has grown into a professional platform, allowing her to connect with and inspire the volleyball community while earning income through content creation. Today, her reach extends to more than 120,000 followers, many of whom view her as both a role model and a trusted resource.

That success did not come easily. Carly began creating volleyball content at 14, navigating early criticism and negative feedback that often discourages young creators from continuing. Instead of backing away, she stayed consistent, refined her voice, and continued to share her journey. Over time, her authenticity resonated. Now, she’s frequently recognized at tournaments by younger players who credit her content for motivating them to stay committed to the sport.

Volleyball, however, has always been more than an individual pursuit for Carly, it’s a family tradition. She is a fraternal twin and has played alongside her twin sister Chloe, a middle hitter, since the beginning of their volleyball journey. Carly also has two younger sisters, and all four siblings play the sport. Growing up in a household centered around volleyball helped shape her competitive edge, resilience, and deep appreciation for teamwork.

Carly brings energy, leadership, and coachability to every environment she enters. Whether competing on the court, sprinting on the track, or creating content that reaches thousands, she approaches each opportunity with intention. As she looks to continue her volleyball and academic career at the collegiate level, she represents a new generation of student-athletes: multi-dimensional, self-driven, and unafraid to build their own lane.

An Athlete Who Understands the Responsibility That Comes With Visibility

What separates Carly from many high-level high school athletes isn’t just her versatility or work ethic; it’s her understanding of influence. At an age when most athletes focus solely on their own development, Carly has already embraced a broader role in the sport. Through her digital platform, she has become a teacher, motivator, and mentor to younger volleyball players who are still learning how to navigate competition, confidence, and identity. That work is not incidental. It’s intentional.

She doesn’t just play the game! She explains it. She doesn’t just compete. She connects. And in doing so, she has positioned herself as an ambassador for volleyball at a time when the sport is expanding its reach and redefining how athletes engage with community. For college programs, that matters. Today’s student-athletes represent more than roster spots. They are extensions of a program’s culture, visibility, and voice. Carly’s ability to communicate, educate, and inspire younger athletes gives her a skill set that translates far beyond the court. She understands how to represent something bigger than herself, a quality that programs value as they look to grow not only competitively, but culturally.

Her presence reflects the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics. Volleyball continues to grow across new regions, communities, and audiences, and athletes who are comfortable engaging diverse groups help accelerate that growth. Carly’s openness, curiosity, and willingness to embrace environments rooted in tradition, pride, and purpose demonstrate maturity that aligns with institutions focused on building inclusive, forward-thinking programs. This is what makes her opportunity at the next level so compelling.

She is not simply seeking a place to play. She is prepared to contribute to a program’s identity, outreach, and long-term visibility. She understands that being part of a college team also means representing the institution to prospective athletes, families, and game supporters.

Why This Matters to Coaches

For coaches evaluating Carly, the conversation extends beyond stats and measurables. It includes leadership, communication, and the ability to positively influence others, traits that strengthen locker rooms and expand a program’s reach.

She represents a student-athlete who can:

• mentor younger players
• engage new audiences authentically
• support recruiting through visibility and relatability
• embody institutional values with confidence
• That combination is rare—and increasingly valuable.

Carly’s journey reflects the future of volleyball: competitive, connected, and community-driven. Wherever she continues her career, she brings not just athletic ability but also the capacity to help a program grow, on the court and beyond.