Juliann is a three-time All-American who helped lead the University of Texas to three-straight NCAA Semifinals appearances and was inducted into the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor in 2020. After stepping away from playing pro volleyball after a season in Italy in 2021, the mom of three is back in the pros, playing for team Austin in League One Volleyball (LOVB), a new pro league embarking on their first season this month. Their first game is January 8 in Houston and the first home match is January 15 at the HEB Center in Cedar Park.
Andrea made the switch to pro beach volleyball after moving here from Italy in 2013 and finding there wasn’t yet a pro indoor league to join. While she was looking she instead found her now husband, UT volleyball coach Jerritt Elliott, and in addition to being the most fashionably dressed person at the games, she plays a maternal role to anyone on the team who needs her.
The women met at Juliann’s wedding. Andrea says, “I was Jerritt’s date and he told me, ‘You two are going to be friends, it’s like you were separated at birth,’” and adds, “My nickname for Juliann is my Wonder Woman. Our friendship lays on the foundation of admiration and support without the need of everyday communication. She knows I am her biggest cheerleader and I know she is mine.”
Austin Lifestyle spent a morning with the women at The Kollective where they wowed us with their physical strength and ability to cold plunge as if they were in a warm salt bath. “It’s because we’re athletes,” Andrea says. Afterwards they changed into looks to wear to game day styled by Stephanie Coultress O’Neill from Estilo boutique, we grabbed smoothies at Sunlife Organics and chatted about volleyball and life.
JULIANN FAUCETTE
What brought you to Austin?
The University of Texas. I got a scholarship to play volleyball for UT and ever since I knew I wanted to end up living in Austin.
You had quite a storied volleyball career at UT, and then after college you played professionally overseas in countries like Japan, China, Italy and France?
When I graduated college in 2011 the only options for pro volleyball were overseas. I also played for the US National team during the summers of 2012-2015. Professional seasons would go from September-May and then I would play for the National team in May-Aug.
You had your first child in 2020 and moved to Italy six months later, but moved back to Austin after one season. Was that the last time you played professionally before LOVB?
My season finished in Italy in 2021. I decided to step away from volleyball again because it was too difficult to bring my family overseas and be a mother and an athlete in an environment that didn't have the right resources for me and my family. I felt like I had no support from the league or the staff as a mother. Although I ended the season playing really well and in great shape after having my first child, I didn't want that experience again. It was mentally taxing and I didn't want to feel isolated and misunderstood as a mom and an athlete. At that time, there were still no options to continue my career in the states. Until now with LOVB.
How did things come about with LOVB?
I was at a volleyball gala when I ran into a former USA coach of mine from 2008. He told me he was now working for LOVB and in charge of putting the teams together. He hinted that there may be an Austin team and asked if I would consider playing again. At this point, I had just had twins four months prior and I laughed. He was serious and told me to call him if I was interested. I thought on it for a month and realized that if I didn't have to pack my family up and move, if I had a full year to get myself and my body ready, I could do this. I have all the help and support here in Austin and if I’m getting the opportunity for something this special in our sport, I've got to go for it. This was November of 2023. We checked back in January of 2024 to see how my body was holding up, and then they asked for some film of me practicing. I sent it over and they offered me a playing contract a few days later.
What’s your training routine been like getting back to being a pro athlete?
I started this process knowing I had a full year to get into playing shape, so I really took my time. Post baby bodies are in need of careful repairing. Hip alignment, core stability, balance and building up my endurance were my focuses in the very beginning. My trainer (Anthony Brown) worked with me through my twin pregnancy, and when we began to push harder after we decided I would play again, all the pre-pregnancy and during-pregnancy work we did made the climb back to playing much more fluid. Before we began jumping and pounding on my joints, we made sure my body was ready for that by focusing on strength and endurance.
Do you adhere to any kind of diet when you’re training?
No, I tend to just eat a really balanced diet in general. I did however begin adding loads more protein once I knew I would play again. I take my protein in lots of different ways, through shakes, bars, meats, beans, cottage cheese, etc. I don't ever count calories or macros, I just focus on how I’m feeling. And, I’ill eat the same thing every single day for long periods of time. I am a creature of habit and do what works well for me. It helps take the stress out of it.
And now you have three kids! Is it harder to stay disciplined with fitness and nutrition with kids?
Definitely! I have had my fair share of missed workouts and not keeping up with eating right because that is life! Having kids has taken a lot of my perfectionism away and I have had to learn to roll with the punches. I do love bringing the kids to workouts and I try to cook healthy meals for us all so that they learn good habits early on. I believe in being the best example for them instead of telling them how to be healthy. It's really cool to be able to show them firsthand.
What do you enjoy most about being a pro volleyball player?
I think my favorite part is the lifestyle of being a pro athlete. I love being disciplined, I love working hard, I love routines, so playing pro allows me to lean into my personality and grind. I also love that you get to meet so many new amazing people. Some of my best friends are former teammates of mine through the years of playing.
People see the glamorous parts of being a pro athlete, but what have been some of the most challenging parts for you?
The most challenging part is the sacrifices I have had to make. Previously when volleyball was only accessible overseas, I would be in a foreign country alone for up to eight months of the year. I missed birthdays, weddings, births of my nieces and nephews, celebrations, etc. It was hard to be away from loved ones. Volleyball also is not a highly funded sport, so depending on where I played, facilities were poor, medical care was sparse and it wasn't exactly what you'd think a pro athlete's lifestyle would be.
You’re a single mom of three, what are some things you do for self-care/your mental health?
I'm really lucky that my kids are great sleepers, so I get a couple of hours to myself every single night after they go down. During that time I like to take baths, read, watch a show, or journal. I also consider my time in the gym "me time". My therapist taught me that everything can be considered mini vacations. My commute is an awesome time to reflect, listen to music as loud as I want or listen to a podcast. I also try to get a girls’ night once a month. I love to dress up and go all out for that.
Did you think your volleyball career would have such longevity?
I always thought that I had to finish my volleyball career before becoming a mom so I tried to stick to that model - but then I realized that I was capable of doing both, albeit difficult. I also didn't know much about women's bodies after pregnancy and just assumed that the stigma around postpartum and post-baby bodies was true - that you will never be as strong, as beautiful, or as athletic as you were before babies. Once I figured out that was not true, in fact it was the opposite for me, that's when I knew I could keep going and keep pushing my body physically for as long as I decided, given the circumstances were right for me and my babies.
Follow Juliann on Instagram and TikTok! @juliannfaucette
ANDREA NUCETE ELLIOTT
You were initially a pro indoor player, what propelled you to switch to beach volleyball?
Mainly the lack of professional leagues in the USA when I moved here for school.
What do you love about beach volleyball?
I love the fact that beach volleyball is mentally tough. Your weaknesses, mental, physical and tactical are constantly exposed, you must deal with unforeseen circumstances like weather, different types of sand, heat, cold. It’s overall very physically and mentally demanding and it takes years to master the art of it. I love that.
How often do you train?
Six days a week.
Do you adhere to a strict diet?
As someone who has overcome 10 years of emotionally triggered bulimia, I’ve learned what my body needs and have tried my best to keep my system running on the best fuel I can. However, I love French fries and sweets.
You look strong, incredible and so confident in a bikini, - your work uniform! But, as you said, you had an eating disorder as a teen and young adult that you got over – how did you do it?
In retrospect, I should have sought the help of a professional. In reality, I’m a very stubborn person and when I decide to put my mind to something, my body will follow. My distress levels were at a point of no return and my bulimia had gotten very much out of control. There was a very memorable moment for me where I believe I made the decision to stop and make a change forever. I was crying and overwhelmed with guilt, feelings of self-loathing and all of the worst feelings that hating yourself and your body bring up. Then, I washed my hands and looked at myself in the mirror. I was so sick of it, so fed up, so angry at myself, I felt like the ultimate loser, like someone so weak who can’t even control the only things that are in her control. So, I told myself out loud while pointing at the mirror ‘You are done.’ And I was. After that time there were only a couple of times where I fell back. In most important life decisions I have the mirror conversation.
You had challenging times growing up, but you always seem so happy and positive. What are some things you do for your mental health?
The things that I do or don’t do for my mental health have changed over the years and continue to do so. When I lived in Houston in my early 20s I used to go dance until my body couldn’t stand it anymore, music has always been cathartic for me. It’s given harmony to my life since I was a child. Competing is another one. Academics and sports were an escape from my reality and they helped me stay focused and challenged me to improve and redirect my teenage anger. They were my outlet and are still what keeps me sane today. I also love being able to take slow time for me, running errands or getting a massage.
You started She Is Movement last year. What is that and what is the goal?
She is Me is a mentorship program Jerritt and I started to facilitate self-discovery and entrepreneurship through real-life scenarios. It’s a way to give back in a concrete way that doesn’t involve money, but requires a high level of attention and dedication to an individual, donating the intangibles of time and knowledge. We help people discover their interests outside the sport they’ve been dedicating their lives to.
Let’s go back, you were born in Venezuela and raised in Italy. What led you to move to Austin?
Initially, I moved to Houston in 2013 becauseI wanted to get to know my dad, whom I didn’t grow up with, in hopes to develop a relationship with him as an adult and to study neurosurgery.
And then you met Jerritt…
Yes, and Jerritt led me to move to Austin in 2015. Jerritt and I met because of the volleyball world. I was seeking to continue my career as a professional volleyball player and all the information I could find (with my limited English) led me to send him a Facebook message saying, ‘taly volleyball help,’ to which he responded, “You are too old” (laughs). That got it started. Then I came to a game in November, we stayed in touch and on March 11, 2014 we went on our first date. We have been together ever since.
Jerritt’s the UT volleyball coach and you seem to be their biggest cheerleader! Do you also give the girl’s tips?
I am a resource to those young women if they ever need it. I love them so much that my chest hurts and I want to see them succeed. Even if I don’t have an official role within the team, I am around them if they are ever homesick and need a home-cooked meal, or if they have questions about ANYTHING. Our home has an open-door policy; we want them to feel like they can always come to it if they need it.
And you and Jerritt own a TIY (Tie It Yourself), how did that come about and how is it going?
TIY Products has been a wild ride. Jerritt originally had the idea of creating a customizable hair tie that every hair type could use. Due to his full-time job, he hadn’t had the time to dedicate to the business. I pivoted on the decision to pursue medical school, so I dedicated my time to TIY®. Thanks to the help of my husband and a couple of key mentors, it’s grown so much! It’s now a nationwide recognizable brand and I’m so proud of it. Jerritt is the endless business developer on TIY, his brain is so different than anyone I have ever met, and I am someone very disciplined and dedicated to creating a fun and kick-butt team, with an emphasis on women and women of color, to take TIY to the next level.
Follow Andrea on Instagram at @andreanuceteelliot.
Late last year current University of Texas at Austin volleyball sensation Madison "Madi" Skinner announced a partnership with H-E-B in the company's first Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal. Throughout the partnership Madi will make appearances at various University of Texas at Austin and H-E-B events.
A Texas native and lifelong H-E-B devotee, Madi brings an impressive arsenal of accolades to the table. With three NCAA championships under her belt and a ranking as the fifth-best player nationally in points per set, Skinner's star power is undeniable. The Longhorn senior is also a champion for empowering the next generation of young athletes, particularly girls, to achieve their athletic dreams.
"Growing up in Texas, H-E-B has always been a big part of my family’s life. It has always been more than just a grocery store to us and I have lots of fond childhood memories,” Madi says. “To be their first NIL partner and to represent female college athletes is an absolute honor. This partnership aligns perfectly with my values of hard work, community service, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. I'm thrilled to work with H-E-B to make a positive impact both on and off the court.”
H-E-B Group Vice President of Marketing & Payments Ashwin Nathan, says, “At H-E-B, we've always believed in the power of community and the importance of nurturing local talent. Partnering with Madisen Skinner isn't just about aligning with a star athlete, it's about championing the values that make Texas great: hard work, dedication, and a commitment to giving back," said. "We're thrilled to welcome Madi to the H-E-B family and can't wait to see the positive impact we'll make together."
Sidebar
Some of Madi favorite things from H-E-B
H-E-B Organics dried mango slices
H-E-B Protein Peanut Butter & Chocolate Chip chewy bars
H-E-B Sweet & Sassy Trail Mix
H-E-B Maple Brown Sugar protein oatmeal cup
H-E-B Cranberry Apple sparkling water
The Mini Monster Cookie by H-E-B
H‑E‑B Stride Electrolyte Recovery Drink
Higher Harvest by H-E-B Gluten-Free Multigrain Rice Thins
Our friendship lays on the foundation of admiration and support. She knows I'm her biggest cheerleader and I know she is mine.” -Andrea
Page 8 Pull Quote: This partnership aligns perfectly with my values of hard work, community service and inspiring the next generation of athletes. I'm thrilled to work with H-E-B to make a positive impact both on and off the court.” -Madi Skinner on partnership with H-E-B