Jhenna Gabriel - Ready for What's Next

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

-Jeremiah 29:11

Since star setter Jhenna Gabriel came to the University of Texas, she has become a fan favorite for her contagious energy and enthusiasm on the court. As she has helped guide the Longhorns to some of their best years, she made the decision to step away from the game of volleyball after the 2021 season. She says that through that decision, she trusts God has even bigger things in store as she prepares for what is next.

A Hawaii native, the chance to play volleyball at the Division 1 level was a dream come true. After becoming Maryknoll High School’s career leader in assists and digs, Texas and head coach Jerritt Elliott were able to pull Jhenna away from her home to Austin, where she immediately thrived.

Posting a career-best 53 assists vs. Michigan in the NCAA Sweet 16 of her freshman year, she quickly became a star for the Longhorns and their top ranked team. Throughout her time in the game of volleyball, Jhenna says her faith played a key role in propelling her forward.

“I feel like I began to grow in my faith again throughout my volleyball career. I found so much strength through Him, especially when I was able to share my faith with my teammates on the court. We have the opportunity to use our God given talents on such a big stage so it is so important to use this gift to glorify Him.”

After quickly becoming a regular for the Longhorns team, Gabriel garnered a following for the way she played the game on the court and how she carried herself away from it, too. After finishing the 2021 season, Gabriel made the decision to say goodbye to volleyball to prioritize her mental health and well-being as she looks towards her graduation at UT. She says that she trusts that God is in control, and that is all that matters.

“When deciding it was my time to step away I remembered that I didn’t need to look for assurance from anyone but Him. He knew that this was His plan for me long before it was even a thought in my mind and I have found so much comfort in that. As scary as those decisions can be, God is right there holding my hand and guiding me towards the next chapter of my life where He knows I will find new passions and new meaning.”

While Jhenna will no longer be wearing burnt orange for the Longhorns volleyball team, the impact that she has left on so many lives is insurmountable. As she has encouraged people to chase their dreams and to never let anyone stand in your way, her impact will be forever remembered. Jhenna says the biggest impact she hopes to leave lies beyond the game of volleyball.

“The biggest impact I hope to leave with my gifts and platform is that no dream is too big and no goal is unachievable once you understand that He sees and appreciates all of the work you put in. You just have to believe in His plan and yourself and lean on Him when things get hard.”

As Jhenna prepares for what is next, she has been so grateful for all the support she has gotten from teammates, coaches, and fans. Even without taking the court, Jhenna will continue to touch so many lives in whatever way she can. With a future that she is trusting in God’s hands, she looks forward to pushing forward to whatever is next and continuing to grow throughout the whole journey.