SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — For graduate student Paola Soto Burgos, volleyball has always been more than a sport. It has been a calling, a classroom, and a platform for leadership. A native of Coamo, Puerto Rico, her journey to American International College reflects not only her competitive drive but also her resilience, empathy, and unwavering sense of purpose.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Soto Burgos was shaped by a culture that celebrates family, faith, and perseverance. Those same values became the foundation of her success both on and off the court. When the opportunity arose to continue her volleyball career in the United States, AIC stood out—not just for its championship tradition, but for its sense of community.
"When I was being recruited, AIC already had several Puerto Rican players," Soto Burgos said. "That made it feel like a home away from home. It was the perfect balance between chasing my athletic goals and finding a community that understood where I came from."
Now a graduate student majoring in Education, Soto Burgos has built an impressive resume of athletic and leadership accomplishments. A standout on the AIC Women's Volleyball team, she has helped lead the Yellow Jackets to three NE10 Championships (2021, 2022, and 2024)—each won on their home court. Her individual excellence was recognized when she earned NE10 Tournament MVP honors in 2022. This milestone was made even more meaningful when her sister, Victoria Soto Burgos, captured the same award two years later. Together, they became the first sisters in NE10 history to earn MVP recognition.
"Seeing my sister win was one of the proudest moments of my life," Soto Burgos shared. "It reminded me that everything we've been through—every challenge, every sacrifice—was worth it."
Soto Burgos's impact at AIC extends far beyond the court. As President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), she advocates for student-athlete welfare, inclusion, and leadership development. She also serves as a College Steps mentor, supporting students with learning and social differences. In addition, she founded the Comfort Hearts Foundation, an initiative that provides heart-shaped pillows to individuals undergoing chemotherapy or cancer treatment.
"That project came from a place of love," she said. "I wanted to bring comfort to people who are fighting battles they didn't choose—just like I once did."
That empathy stems from her own experience. Soto Burgos faced a major health scare when doctors discovered two tumors. Thankfully, they were benign, but the experience left a lasting impact on her outlook.
"It completely changed my perspective," she reflected. "I learned to appreciate the small things—the ability to play, to move, to breathe. It reminded me that life is about gratitude."
Her positivity and perseverance have not gone unnoticed. This year, Soto Burgos was selected as one of only 36 NCAA volleyball players nationwide to receive the AVCA Demonstrator Scholarship, recognizing her leadership, character, and potential as a coach and ambassador for the sport.
Looking ahead, Soto Burgos's plans are as ambitious as her spirit. She will play her first professional volleyball season in Puerto Rico from January to March 2026 before beginning Pharmacy School at Western New England University in the fall.
From Coamo to Springfield, Paola Soto Burgos has become a true embodiment of what it means to be a Yellow Jacket—a competitor who leads with heart, serves with purpose, and inspires through example. Her journey is a testament to resilience, gratitude, and the power of leading with love.
