ITHACA, N.Y. — From the sun-soaked courts of Ponce, Puerto Rico, to the ivy-covered campus of Cornell University, Sara Pomar has been steeped in volleyball for as long as she can remember. Born into a family where volleyball was a way of life, Sara grew up surrounded by the sport, its rhythms, and its lessons. Her father, Francisco Pomar, played professionally from the age of 15 and earned a reputation as one of Puerto Rico's finest passers, while her brother also competed at Erskine College and in the Puerto Rican professional league. For Sara, volleyball wasn't just a game—it was embedded in her DNA.

"I feel like I was born on a volleyball court," Sara laughs. "I walked into life with a ball in my hands."

Her childhood was full of the laughter, chaos, and love that characterize large Puerto Rican households. With cousins, aunts, uncles, and even neighbors who felt like family, gatherings were lively and joyous. "Whenever we go over to my grandma's house, it's probably like 45 people from just one side of the family," Sara says. "Then my dad's side joins, and we're, like, 55, and we invite everyone around us. Everyone's family." Amid the chaos and fun, volleyball remained a constant presence, shaping her identity and instilling discipline.

Growing up, Sara played every position, but she started as a setter, following in her father's footsteps. Her father, who also coached her club team for much of her youth, instilled discipline, resilience, and a relentless work ethic. "I had to work a lot for it," she admits. "I was born with the talent, thank God, but I had to put in the work to fine tune it."

Sara's versatility became crucial in high school when an unexpected injury to the team's libero opened the door for her to transition into that role. "I hadn't practiced libero, but I knew how to do it," she recalls. "My dad said, 'You have a week.' That week turned out to be one of the best tournaments of my life. I loved it." That performance caught the attention of Cornell head coach Trudy Vande Berg, who reached out to her father. "She emailed my dad and didn't even specify who she was interested in," Sara explains. "He responded, 'Wait, do you mean my daughter?!' And my interest in Cornell started."

Adjusting to life in the U.S. and navigating the recruiting process from Puerto Rico presented its own challenges. Sara created her own highlight videos on iMovie and reached out to coaches largely on her own. "It wasn't fancy, but I just knew I had to put myself out there," she says. Despite the obstacles, Cornell became a natural fit. Academics were always a priority for Sara, and the opportunity to pair a top-tier education with Division I volleyball made the move to Ithaca irresistible. "I wanted a change," she says. "I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it."

Since arriving on East Hill as a freshman, Sara has been a cornerstone of the Big Red. She immediately assumed the role of primary libero, appearing in 79 sets over 21 matches in her rookie season and leading the team with 242 digs. Her sophomore season saw her continue to excel, logging 218 digs in 82 sets and adding 28 service aces. Now, as a junior, dominates in the back row while still setting here and there, demonstrating her versatility and team-first mentality.

Sara's leadership extends far beyond her statistics. On the court, she is the ultimate hype woman, infusing energy, laughter, and encouragement into every practice and match. "I always try to relate to the younger players," she says. "I've been where you are. I know how you feel. Whatever you need, I'm here to help you find that confidence to make that first pass. That first touch sets everything in motion." Her talkative, energetic personality makes her impossible to ignore—she is the voice that rallies the team, the laughter that cuts through tension, and the spark that energizes everyone around her.

Her perspective on the game has evolved over time. "When I was a freshman and even a sophomore, I wasn't mentally as confident as I am now," Sara reflects. "I used to put so much pressure on myself, and it made it less fun. Now I know I've done the work. I'm confident in my skills. And if I have a bad game, I have teammates who get me going again." That mentality has helped her guide her teammates, instilling confidence and teaching them how to manage pressure, both on and off the court.

The addition of assistant coaches has also been pivotal in Sara's development and the team's culture. "Tiana played in the Big Ten and overseas in Puerto Rico," Sara says. "She knows how we feel. I don't even have to say something, and she knows exactly what I'm thinking. They hold us accountable but don't baby us. That balance has been huge for the team."

Off the court, Sara channels her creativity through Cornell's Fashion Management program in the College of Human Ecology. Initially undecided, she discovered her passion for design through sewing and fashion classes, many inspired by her grandmother. "I've been sewing since I was little," Sara says. "My grandma used to make her own outfits for school, and she taught me a lot. Fashion has always been a part of my life." After reapplying to the program following her freshman year, she was accepted, and now she thrives in classes that challenge her creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. "It's very time-consuming, but I love it. I have big projects, but it's so fun. I can't imagine doing anything else."

Sara's personality shines in her daily life. She's rarely without her essentials: Bloom energy drinks, Splenda packets for her sugar-free vanilla lattes, and a trusty pair of scissors for on-the-fly clothing adjustments. And when it comes to indulgences, she unapologetically enjoys froyo from Jason's. "I'm lactose intolerant, but I still go," she laughs. "It's worth it. I have a big Jason froyo every Sunday." 

As the Big Red wrapped up the Ivy League Tournament, Sara and her teammates faced a tough battle, falling in the first round in a five-set thriller. Even in defeat, Sara's intensity and leadership were undeniable. "We played hard all night," she reflects. "Every point mattered, and I left everything I had on the court. It was tough, but we gave it everything."

Despite the loss, Sara is already looking ahead to next year, determined to return stronger as a senior. "I'm ready to come back next year," she says. "We've learned a lot, and I know what it takes to be at the top. I can't wait to get another shot at it." Her mindset reflects the resilience and optimism that define her both on and off the court: every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every setback is fuel for the next run.

With every serve, dig, and perfectly placed pass, Sara Pomar embodies the spirit of the Big Red: talented, hardworking, and full of life. She is a player who lifts those around her, a student who pursues her passions with focus and creativity, and a teammate whose laughter and energy leave a lasting impression. On East Hill and beyond, Sara's story is one of dedication, resilience, and the joy of chasing one's dreams, no matter where they begin.