Sienna Bialek: A Passion for Volleyball and Nursing
Metea Valley’s Sienna Bialek is known for her dedication both on and off the volleyball court. The 5-foot senior, who aspires to pursue nursing, is driven by her desire to help others. “I love helping people in everyday life, and I would love to do that as a profession,” she explained. “I want to love my job when I’m older, so I think that is something I would really like.” Bialek draws inspiration from her grandmother, Rose, a retired radiology nurse. “She is really excited because she also loves to help people, just like I do,” Bialek shared. “That is very special because we’re the only nurses in our family, sharing this passion together.”
Bialek’s teammates recognize this passion daily. “Sienna will make the best nurse,” said senior setter Rachel Keeler. “She is so caring and thoughtful, always putting others before herself.” Bialek, an honors student with a 4.0 GPA, is also active in community service. She is the vice president of Metea Valley’s Best Buddies club and a member of the Key Club, engaging in various volunteer activities.
On the volleyball court, Bialek excels in her role as a libero, known for tough defense. Despite being the smallest player, her performance has been exceptional in her second varsity season. “She’s done a fantastic job,” coach Dave Macdonald remarked. “She leads not vocally but with her hustle, reminiscent of Mighty Mouse.” In a recent match against Geneva, Bialek continued to impress with eight digs and two assists, even as the Mustangs faced a challenging loss.
Bialek’s journey began with gymnastics at age three, transitioning to volleyball in seventh grade. “What got me into volleyball actually was my dad,” Bialek recalled. Encouraged by him, she shifted from gymnastics to volleyball, playing for Sports Performance. Her senior night against Geneva marked one of her final home matches for a team that greatly values teamwork and camaraderie.
Many of Bialek’s senior teammates also aim for careers in health care. They include Inaaya Hashwani, Raina Parekh, Katey Frazier, and Sophia Manuel, among others, each enthusiastic about their chosen paths. “Their personalities reflect their desire to make a difference,” Macdonald commented, adding that past players have succeeded in the health care field.
Bialek aspires to become a pediatric nurse, a path she is passionate about due to her love for working with children. Her time with the Mustangs will continue as they play Neuqua Valley in the Class 4A Downers Grove North Regional semifinals. “We all combine really well,” Bialek said. “We’re all great friends, excited to compete for the rest of the season and see what the future holds.”