Issaquah Eagles volleyball player Sidney Cottrell thrives amid the chaos of the volleyball court from her middle blocker position.

Cottrell, who was the starting middle blocker during her junior season for the Eagles in 2018, earned Washington State Volleyball Coaches Association all-state, honorable mention honors in early December. The Eagles girls volleyball team advanced to the Class 4A state tournament this past fall.

“I was just so happy to go to state. It was such an awesome experience for my team. We were all so thrilled. We had been working hard all season,” Cottrell said.

Cottrell said she played myriad different sports growing up, including soccer, golf and swimming. Volleyball was the sport she fell in love with.

“I first got involved with volleyball in middle school. The passion for the sport developed from there,” Cottrell said. “It is really fun (middle blocker position). You just get to constantly be playing and are constantly in the action.”

With her junior season now in the rearview mirror, Cottrell is completely focused on her senior season on the volleyball court.

“Our goal for next season is to get back to state. It is going to definitely be more of a journey because we have lost more than half of our team (due to graduation). It is going to be a project but I think we can do it with some hard work,” Cottrell said.

Recently the Issaquah Reporter had an opportunity to ask Cottrell some questions about her life away from the volleyball court.

Issaquah Reporter: What is your favorite restaurant?

Sidney Cottrell: I really like Tapatio (Mexican Grill). We’ve been going there ever since I can remember. We know some of the waiters and the waitresses. It is really good food.

IR: What is your biggest pet peeve?

SC: When people smack gum.

IR: Who was your idol growing up?

SC: If I’m thinking volleyball-wise, I’m going with Courtney Thompson. She is such an amazing leader and person. Meeting her would be really awesome.

IR: If you could pick one person to go to winner with, who would it be?

SC: Maybe a singer that I really like.

IR: What kind of music are you listening to the most in your car right now?

SC: Rap music and right now currently a lot of Christmas music.

IR: What is your favorite hobby away from volleyball?

SC: I really like decorating my room. I also really like photography.