Stevenson junior setter Ryler Bondad can be her toughest critic.
In a sport that prizes height, the 5-foot-3 Bondad has often struggled with confidence.
“As an undersized player, I’ve been told ‘no’ a lot,” she said. “I’ve been overlooked and passed up for someone who is taller. It takes a toll on me, and you often start to believe you’re not good enough.”
Even after Stevenson coach Tim Crow put Bondad in the starting lineup at the beginning of last season, she wasn’t comfortable. She dreaded losses.
“I would usually see a loss as another reason why I’m not good enough,” she said. “So when coach Crow handed me an opportunity to lead the team’s offense as a sophomore, I was so scared to mess it up since I was finally given a chance.”
In the middle of last season, the Patriots switched from a 6-2 offense to a 5-1, which better showcased Bondad’s skills. She finished with 602 assists, 170 digs and 49 aces as Stevenson won a share of the North Suburban Conference title and a Class 4A regional title.
Bondad is a team captain this season and has compiled 340 assists, 136 digs and 24 aces for the second-place Patriots (17-10, 5-1).
“Ryler really came into her own in the second half of last season,” Crow said. “She’s definitely undersized, but she’s continued to feed off her success from last year. She’s calmer and more relaxed as a junior after getting a good amount of time under her belt.
“She’s done a good job of keeping our hitters in the mood of the game, even if they still are making errors. She’s a really great competitor.”
Bondad has learned to not be so hard on herself.
“I was always really nervous and tended to play really tight,” she said. “I didn’t trust my abilities. This year I’ve let loose. I’m having fun with the game and being confident.”
Playing beach volleyball also has benefited her. Bondad travels all over the country, particularly to Southern California, to compete in events.
“I like that it helps develop all of my abilities,” she said. “Sand is a lot harder to move on than hardcourt. I’m faster and can jump higher after being in the sand.
“My ball control is better because there’s only two people on the court, and I can read the court faster now, which helps me process the game better. I’m better at the mental aspect because you need to be there for your partner and support them.”
Bondad is there for the Patriots too.
“Ryler is such a key player because she shows up to practice every day ready to work her hardest while keeping the team accountable and pushing herself and her teammates on the court,” Stevenson junior right-side hitter Audri Linnane said.
As always, Bondad wants to win.
“Ryler is such a talented player because of her drive to win,” Stevenson junior outside hitter Abby Inman said. “She puts in the effort, always showing up to practice and giving 100% percent all the time. She doesn’t let the ball drop ever and is always diving, even if she only gets a touch on the ball. She’s very scrappy and focused during every game.
“She’s hard on herself, which only pushes her to be greater every time.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
