What began as a simple after-school activity in fifth grade quickly became something more: a source of motivation, friendship and purpose that would carry her from her hometown of Houston, Texas, all the way to Ithaca, New York. Studying computer science in College of Engineering, senior captain Eliza Konvicka recently surpassed an impressive milestone: 1,000 career kills, a testament to her years of hard work, passion and leadership.
Growing up near Rice University, Konvicka often found herself courtside, watching the women’s volleyball team with wide eyes and restless excitement. The intensity of the games, the quick dives, powerful serves and cheers pulled her in completely.
“I went to every single volleyball game and idolized those girls,” Konvicka said. “I wanted to go play in college, so I started as soon as I could.”
From fifth-grade camps to club tournaments in seventh grade, Konvicka immersed herself in the game. By the time she arrived at Cornell, “I just hoped I’d make the travel roster.” Now, as a senior captain, right side outside hitter and a 1,000-kill milestone hitter, she’s far surpassed that early ambition.
The 1,000 Kills Moment
Konvicka reached 1,000 kills earlier this season, during Cornell’s (8-5, 3-0 Ivy League) matchup against Buffalo on Sept. 14, an achievement she didn’t even know she was on track for until an old athletic trainer texted her congratulations.
“I never expected it,” Konvicka said. “It was never something I assumed I’d get or take for granted.”
“I would say that playing with a teammate as strong and consistent as Konvicka allows everyone else on the team to feel more confident,” wrote junior middle blocker Ava Bogan in an email sent to The Sun. “Her style of play is both incredibly strong and calculated at the same time, it’s no wonder she’s a part of the 1,000 club.”
Konvicka remains focused on what’s ahead.
“You can be happy about it, but then it’s on to the next thing,” Konvicka said. “It’s all about moving forward and keeping your eye on the prize.”
For younger players, she hopes her milestone sends a message.
“It shows the underclassmen that hard work throughout your four years is important,” Konvicka said. “You can get to that point.”
That determination has defined her not just as a player, but as a leader.
“[Konvicka] is one of the most motivated teammates I have ever played with,” wrote senior outside hitter Nicole Mallus in an email to The Sun. “Her drive to succeed — for the team to succeed — pushes everyone around her. She drives everyone to be better, out of genuine care and commitment to the team.”
Konvicka has served as team captain for two consecutive seasons, first as a junior alongside senior leaders and now as a senior co-captain with junior middle blocker Amrit Dhaliwal. Leadership, she explained, was a learning curve.
“It’s a vague title at first. You have to figure out what it really means,” Konvicka said. “I’m a very intense player and super competitive. At first I assumed that’s how everyone thought, but it was a learning process of, ‘How do you get your message across to different people?’”
Serving Student-Athlete
As a computer science major in the College of Engineering, Konvicka’s life has been a careful balancing act.
“If you’re really driven with athletics and academics, you don’t mind the sacrifices,” she said. “But you do have to be willing to fully commit to those two things.”
What truly sets Konvicka apart is her constant connection to the sport.
“Her dedication to the sport is beyond impressive,” Mallus wrote. “She gives so much to the team on and off the court, constantly thinking about what is best for us.”
Whether she’s at home in Texas or here in New York, volleyball is never far from her reach. Konvicka plays wherever she can on the beach, on grass, or in the gym, adapting to every surface and style.
“I think my biggest improvement has been going home,” Konvicka said. “I just play so much pickup … like beach volleyball, grass volleyball, … and at open gyms”
Each version of the game pushes her in different ways: beach volleyball strengthens her movement and control, while indoor competition hones her precision and timing. That steady rhythm of play, year after year, has shaped Konvicka into a versatile and confident player.
“I go home and I play with a bunch of different people and learn different things,” Konvicka said. “Then, I come back and I have these new skills I didn’t even know I learned until I do it at Cornell.”
Even her top-spin serve, one of the few in the Ivy League, has a story.
“Our assistant coach Matt Ginipro came up to me and said, ‘Eliza, I have a vision,’” she said with a laugh. “He loved it. Nobody in the Ivy League does it. It was rough at the beginning, but now it’s pretty consistent.”
Setting Senior Season
Now in her senior season, Konvicka is savoring every moment. It’s the moments between the points and practices that she’ll remember most.
“The 20 minutes before film when we’re all sitting around laughing about nothing, or on the buses playing games and chatting. You just build such great relationships with your teammates,” Konvicka said. Losses, to her, are framed as learning opportunities, never blame. “It’s a team sport. You win together, you lose together.”
“I’m finally at a place with my volleyball where I’m not nervous about my skills,” Konvicka said. “I know I can make the next one. Now it’s about having fun, being a good leader, and enjoying the moment.”
After graduation, Konvicka has a return offer from Visa to work as a software engineer in Austin, Texas. However, volleyball will always be part of her life.
“I’ll still be playing. I can’t get rusty,” Konvicka said with a smile. “It’ll just be on my own terms. No early wake-ups.”
Konvicka’s advice to younger players is simple but heartfelt:
“Find every opportunity to play. It doesn’t have to be structured. Just go find pickup somewhere and play. Surround yourself with people who also love it,” said Konvicka. It’s a philosophy that’s brought her to 1,000 kills, and to a college career defined as much by the journey as the milestones.
“I’ve enjoyed the journey. Game days are the best, but it’s about the people and the memories you build along the way.”
Meriem Farah is a Sun Contributor and can be reached at mf862@cornell.edu.
