Carmen (Easley) Sanchez had a highly decorated volleyball and basketball career at Pius X. Hailing from a family of student-athletes, Carmen developed a love for competition at an early age. She was also surrounded by talented teammates and coaches who helped her achieve the highest honors in sports. During her junior year at Pius X, Carmen was an All-State and All-City selection in volleyball, and was part of the 1991 State Championship girls basketball team. Easley’s senior year of volleyball was highlighted by 1^st Team Super State honors, 1^st Team Class B Captaincy and 1^st Team All-City accolades. She was also an All-State selection in basketball and part of Pius X’s 1992 Hall of Fame basketball team that went 25-0 and won the Class B State Championship.

Easley received a full-ride scholarship to play volleyball at Mississippi State University where she was a 4-year letter winner. She is one of 2 players to ever record a triple-double (10+blocks, 10+kills. 10+digs) from MSU. She still holds top 10 records for solo blocks, block assists and total blocks in a game. She also played basketball her sophomore year at MSU, making her a two sport Division-I athlete. She earned a degree in International Business and worked in Mexico City for a Fortune 500 company for the first eight years of her career. She married her husband, Ernesto, and returned to Lincoln as Director of Operations for a national tech company. They couple have four children and enjoy raising them with colorful influences from their Nebraskan and Latino heritages.

“I had an incredible high-school experience. I was fortunate to play with some of the most talented athletes and I benefited immensely from having other excellent, competitive teams and athletes around me. My family’s support and encouragement pushed me to do my best during those years. My coaches, Coach Kelley, Coach Moore, and Coach O’Boyle, were very influential in my development. I was blessed to have so many amazing coaches, teachers and mentors. I am very grateful for all the opportunities Pius X gave me to achieve all my potential.”