Webber Athletics
Ricky Baptist
BABSON PARK, Fla. – Webber International University Head Men’s Volleyball Coach Carlos Jimenez and Head Women’s Volleyball Coach Gretchen Hand have announced the signings of two sets of siblings set to join the Warriors for the upcoming 2021-22 academic year. Jackson and Lily Arnold and Christopher and Andrea Padilla are all ready and excited to be Warriors.
“We are fortunate this year to have not just one but two pairs of siblings join our men’s and women’s programs,” Jimenez said. “There are a lot of families out there with strong roots within the sport, and to have the chance to recruit both siblings speaks highly of our program and the trust that’s put on the coaches. Jackson and Lily Arnold come from a very strong program in the Pensacola area and have a solid background as very competitive student-athletes in both disciplines. Christopher and Andrea Padilla grew up in Puerto Rico with a rich athletic influence both from family and the community and are some of the hardest working athletes we have seen. We expect great things from these young men and women and are very excited to welcome them into the Webber family.”
Name: Jackson Arnold
Position: Middle Blocker
Hometown: Jay, Fla.
High School: Central High School
Club Team: C2 Attack
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Ranked in the top-15 among Senior Class, 3.7 GPA, Honor roll, Member of National Beta Club, Spanish Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Previous Athletic Accomplishments: Varsity Basketball State Runner-up 2021, Varsity Basketball District Champions 2021, Varsity Basketball Regional Champions 2021, USA Volleyball Beach High Performance Team A1, U17 National Beach Volleyball Team.
Awards: Voted “Senior Superlative” by faculty and staff of Central High School. Voted “Most Popular” by the student body of Central High School.
Academic Major: Business
Motivational Quote: “Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.”
Personal Quote: “Always remember where the journey began, how far you have come, and where you are headed.”
Name: Lily Gabrielle Arnold
Position: Outside Hitter
Hometown: Jay, Fla.
High School: Milton High School
Previous School: Spring Hill College
Club Team: Panhandle Elite
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Honor Roll, Mu Alpha Theta, National Beta Club, Literary Society, President FFA.
Previous Athletic Accomplishments: USAV Beach High Performance team for two years, Beach AAU Nationals, Gulf Coast Region HP Team, Women’s Javelin High School Record Holder.
Awards: Milton High School Hall of Fame Inductee for Volleyball, Scholar Athlete Award, Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year, Regional track finalist for three years.
Academic Major: Nursing.
Minor: Spanish
Motivational Quote: “All progress takes place outside your comfort zone.”
Personal Quote: “You can either sit there and complain about it or you can get up and do something to change it.”
Name Christopher Padilla
Position: Setter
Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
High School: Mater Lakes Academy
Previous School: Kansas Wesleyan University
Academic Major: Sports Performance, Health and Fitness
Motivational Quote: “It is you against you.”
Personal Quote: “God gives his toughest battles to his toughest warriors.”
Name Andrea V. Padilla Montes
Position: Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist
Hometown: Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
High School: Mater Lakes Academy
Previous School: Kansas Wesleyan University
Previous Academic Accomplishments: Made the dean’s list at previous school (3.73 GPA)
Academic Major: Sports Performance, Health and Fitness
Motivational Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent does not work hard.”
Personal Quote: “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”