Carbonara’s road from Cuero to California
When Cuero High School graduate Arissa Carbonara steps onto the court at the University of California, Berkeley, she carries more than a volleyball. She carries years of discipline, sacrifice and an unshakable belief that hard work, faith and heart can take you anywhere.
Now a freshman at Cal majoring in Media Studies and Economics, Carbonara earned a full-ride scholarship through a rare combination of academic achievement and athletic excellence. Her journey began humbly in third grade at the YMCA before progressing to club volleyball in seventh grade. Stops at Southern Swing, United VBA and eventually Alamo Volleyball Club in San Antonio helped sharpen her skills and competitive drive.
By the time she reached high school in Cuero, Carbonara had developed into a force. A four-year varsity athlete, she battled back from an early freshman-season injury to return midseason and ultimately became a three-year starter. As a six-rotation outside hitter, she recorded more than 700 kills during her senior campaign. She was also a member of the school’s 2025 State Basketball Team and competed in softball and track and field, showcasing her all- around athleticism.
Her success extended far beyond sports. Carbonara graduated as Salutatorian and was active in National Honor Society, Anchor Club, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and DeWitt County 4-H — a testament to her leadership and commitment in every arena.
Life at Cal, however, has introduced a new level of intensity.
A typical in-season day begins at 7:45 a.m. with film study, followed by warmups and an 8 a.m. weight session. Practice runs nearly two hours, concluding around 10:30 a.m., before she heads to the training table, recovery sessions and treatment as needed. Evenings often include an additional 30 minutes to an hour of film review.
“It’s very demanding,” Carbonara said. “But it’s what I’ve always dreamed of.”
The transition to Division I athletics was not without challenges. Early on, she felt pushed into the background, uncertain of her role. To stay grounded, she leaned on journaling, extra film work and regular phone calls home.
“Talking to my parents and schoolmates helped me take it day by day,” she said. “Setting aside time for those calls was crucial.”
For Carbonara, volleyball is more than competition — it is expression.
“Volleyball is my way of expressing my competitive nature,” she said. “It allows my leadership and competitiveness to shine. Being at Cal and playing at this level has always been a dream of mine.”
Her driving mantra is simple: “I owe it.”
“I owe it to myself, my teammates and the Lord,” she said. “I owe it to my family for their support. I can always feel their love, encouragement and passion behind me.”
Carbonara’s family also points to the broader volleyball legacy in Cuero. They credit the Cuero ISD School Board and former head coach Leona (Soechting) Pullin, who revived volleyball in 1996, for laying the groundwork for opportunities that once seemed impossible.
“When mom Chandra Bauer (Carbonara) was in high school, the idea of a college volleyball scholarship wasn’t even possible with a new program starting,” said Will Carbonara. “The ’90s girls were just learning the basic rules. Less than 30 years later, Cuero volleyball has helped many girls pay for college.”
Current head coach Leah Flores has four athletes playing at the next level — Bromli Watson, Kiki Denson, Sara Rodriguez and Carbonara — while other Cuero High School alumni who have competed collegiately include Kelsey Washington, Clayre Pullin, Ainsley Reeve and Jeri Ficklin. The community now boasts its own club program, MeanGreen Volleyball, further strengthening the pipeline.
Carbonara’s individual accolades reflect her dominance on the court. She earned 2025 Coastal Bend Coaches Association All-Star honors, was named to the 2024-25 Dick’s Sporting Goods THSCA Super Elite Team (4A), and received TGCA All-State recognition in 2023 and 2024. She was the 2024 Victoria Advocate All-Area MVP and District 284A MVP, in addition to multiple all-area and all-district selections throughout her career.
Even in 4-H competition at the Cuero Livestock Show, Carbonara excelled — earning a Grand Champion Meat Goat title in 2023 along with multiple top placements in meat goat and market swine classes from 2021 through 2025.
With aspirations of playing professionally, Carbonara hopes her story encourages young athletes — especially those from small towns — to dream boldly.
“Anything is possible as long as you put in the effort and have the will,” she said.
For Arissa Carbonara, outworking everyone is not simply ambition — it is responsibility. And at Cal, her next chapter is only beginning.
