Behind the Jersey with Roenn Dorn
Published on Apr 6 2026
For Roenn Doran, volleyball has never followed a straight path. Raised in McKinleyville,
she grew up in a place not widely known for the sport, yet her connection to the game
runs deep. Her mother, a former collegiate player from Long Beach, introduced her
to volleyball early and remained her most consistent coach through years of change.
鈥淚 was raised in McKinleyville, but my mom brought volleyball from down south,鈥� Doran said. 鈥淪he鈥檚 been the most consistent influence I鈥檝e had.鈥�
That consistency mattered.
Doran鈥檚 high school career was shaped by instability, including a shortened COVID-19 season and a different coach each year. Despite that, she kept playing, often relying on what she learned outside of school, especially through beach volleyball with her mom.
That experience made her versatile. On the sand, players must know every role, and Roenn carried that adaptability into indoor play.
鈥淚鈥檝e always been the player who can get thrown in anywhere,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 a strength, but it also made it hard to settle into one position.鈥�
She eventually found her strongest footing as a setter and defensive player, while still stepping into other roles when needed. Her ability to adjust became part of her identity as an athlete.
The turning point came during her junior year of high school.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 when I realized I didn鈥檛 just like volleyball鈥擨 wanted to play all the time,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t lit a fire.鈥�
That drive followed her to 51茶馆, where she chose to stay close to home while exploring her academic path. Now majoring in environmental science, Roenn plans to transfer to Cal Poly Humboldt and hopes to pursue graduate school in the future.
鈥淚鈥檝e only ever lived here,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檒l probably come back to somewhere like this, but I want to experience something different first.鈥�
As a student-athlete, Roenn quickly learned the demands of structure and discipline. Early mornings, long commutes, practice, weights, class, and study hall filled her days.
鈥淚 thrive in structure. During the season, it was just volleyball, school, eating, and sleeping,鈥� she laughs.
That intensity came with challenges, especially during difficult seasons.
鈥淚t takes a certain mindset to keep pushing when you鈥檙e losing,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut I learned my body is capable of more than I thought.鈥�
Much of her perspective comes from her mother, who taught her not to dwell on mistakes.
鈥淵ou have to let it be water off a duck鈥檚 back,鈥� Roenn said. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l play better if you鈥檙e focused on having fun instead of being afraid to mess up.鈥�
Asked to describe her team, she chose three words: gritty, straightforward, and tenacious, qualities she carries herself.
Outside of volleyball, Roenn has a creative side. She enjoys drawing, painting, ceramics, and even making her own paper by hand, transforming scraps into something new.
Her favorite color? Green.
Her favorite animal? The great blue heron.
Looking ahead, she plans to keep volleyball in her life, possibly at the club level, while focusing on her academic goals.
鈥淚鈥檓 really glad I was a student-athlete,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 prepared me in ways I didn鈥檛 expect.鈥�
For Roenn, growth hasn鈥檛 come from perfect conditions, but from persistence, and showing up, again and again.