Meet Steph Gabriel-Ortega, the force behind Solid Seven, a volleyball camp where leadership, belonging and character come first

“That wasn’t the intention at all,” she said. “But it felt right. And when something feels that right, you say yes.”

That “yes” would eventually lead to the birth of Solid Seven. With no major backing and very little money, Gabriel-Ortega built the programme on little more than faith, time and a deep belief in the power of sport to transform lives. What began as a simple training group is now a full-fledged community serving athletes of all levels and ages.

A place where everyone contributes

The name “Solid Seven” comes from a tournament format where no substitutions are allowed. Seven players start, and all seven finish. For Gabriel-Ortega, it’s not just a format—it’s a philosophy.

“There’s something beautiful about knowing you’re needed on the court,” she explained. “You’re not just sitting on the bench waiting to be useful. You’re in it. And everyone matters.”

This inclusive mindset defines the entire programme. There are no tryouts at Solid Seven. Everyone is welcome, whether they’re just learning to play or already seasoned athletes. Beginners can register for month-long training sessions, while more advanced players commit to programmes that span four to six months. The programme has even grown to include adult professionals like doctors, architects and creatives who train alongside high school players.

No matter their age or background, everyone is expected to contribute. Whether it’s returning balls during drills or submitting to the group’s training structure, all players are treated equally.

“We tame attitudes here, whether you’re a kid or an adult,” Gabriel-Ortega said firmly. “Even professionals who are used to being in charge—they come in, and they help out. Everyone is part of the work.”

This culture of shared responsibility lays the foundation for deeper lessons. Over time, players begin to experience a new kind of leadership. One that is rooted not in authority, but in service. Gabriel-Ortega calls it service-based leadership. It's not explicitly taught in drills, but modelled everyday in how players treat one another and the space they train in.

“You learn by example,” she said. “You’re here to play, but you’re also here to learn how to be a better teammate, how to lead with humility, how to follow when needed.”

Gabriel-Ortega acknowledges that some of these values take time to develop. A one-month stint may build skill, but character formation happens when players commit for the long term. That’s why she’s excited about the new six-month programme Solid Seven recently launched, which is already showing a deeper impact in both adult and youth players.

“They may come here just to play,” she said, “but they’re leaving with more than just a better spike.”

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Building a dream from scratch

Starting Solid Seven wasn’t glamorous. There were no investors or sponsors knocking at the door. The project began as an idea—one that felt far too big for Gabriel-Ortega to handle on her own.

“I was scared,” she admitted. “The dream was so big that I didn’t think I could pull it off. But it scared me more to think about not trying.”

With no budget, she poured in her own time and effort. She shot training videos herself, bought gear and even created content for social media to spread the word. During the height of the pandemic, Tiktok became an unexpected turning point. Their videos started gaining traction, and suddenly people were reaching out, asking about programmes.

“Tiktok saved us,” she said, laughing. “We weren’t even fully operating yet, but the inquiries came.”

Through it all, Gabriel-Ortega made a conscious choice not to take shortcuts. She didn’t ask for help from family or connections. She didn’t chase sponsorships that might compromise the culture she was trying to create.

“I didn’t want to build something just because I could,” she said. “I wanted to build what God was asking me to build.”

Faith continues to guide every part of the journey. When asked about long-term goals for Solid Seven, Gabriel-Ortega paused. She used to have specific visions, like her own facility, nationwide programmes and more structured systems. But, these days, her mindset has shifted.

“I don’t want to boast about tomorrow,” she said. “I just ask, ‘What does God want me to do today?’ That’s enough.”

This perspective of surrender shapes how she leads both on and off the court. It also informs the advice she gives to young players who are hesitant to try the sport or unsure if they belong.

“If you enjoy it, that’s a gift. Pursue it. Enjoyment is one way God leads you to your calling,” she said. “Start small. Take one step. Show up. It doesn’t have to be big—just faithful.”

She also encourages parents to trust the process, even if their child’s passion doesn’t seem profitable.

“Don’t dismiss their joy,” she said. “There’s something sacred about enjoyment. That joy will lead them somewhere meaningful.”

In the end, Gabriel-Ortega’s dream for Solid Seven isn’t just to build athletes. It’s to build people, people who know what it means to serve, to persevere and to belong. Whether they go on to varsity teams or simply carry the lessons into their adult lives, she hopes they leave with one core truth:

Volleyball, and life, are better when everyone feels safe, seen and needed.

“This is a place for healing,” she said. “When you’re tired, when you’re hurting—this is where you can come. And you can play. And you can start again.”

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