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Sienna Manns, Cumberland Valley standout, commits to Soka (Aliso Viejo, CA)

 

MECHANICSBURG, PA -- The RPN's 2025 recruiting class has carried the brand throughout the last four years.

Unfortunately, as life goes on, there comes a time when all good things must come to an end. 

Through the years of observing the new era of high school sports, there's been a lot happening that one wouldn't comprehend in a history book later on. The emotions of earned opportunities, the crash and burn of wasted potential, clout chasing moments on the internet and kids facing peer pressure at an all time high. One has a core memory that comes to mind. The beauty within the interpersonal work was getting to see kids flourish for consecutive years, navigating the recruiting process, while also facing character building moments. It's been a very interesting timeline, and things are very situational based, but one name from the roster that I was very fortunate to collaborate with: Sienna Manns.

Officially as of March 22, 2025, Manns will be taking her talents out west to Orange County and spend the next four years at Soka University. 

The RPN caught up with the Soka commit on the decision to the O.C., her time at Cumberland Valley and looking ahead towards the future.

Sienna Manns Interview
Tyreese Smith: "Sienna, welcome back! I bet Florida was wonderful. You should also give the rapper a listen. How's everything been for you so far?"

Sienna Manns: "Hi Tyreese, life has been a mix of excitement and reflection lately. I’ve been focusing on finishing up senior year, balancing schoolwork, sports, and enjoying the last stretch of high school before heading off to college. 


Tyreese Smith: "Busy year for anybody as senior year is a book within itself. Making everything count, roller coaster of emotions and a lot of future decisions to be made. How was your senior year inside of CV from summer through winter?"

Sienna Manns: "Senior year was a great way to cap off my high school athletic journey. In soccer, the team really came together, pushing each other to new levels, even though we didn't quite make it to the finals. I think this season has definitely helped in preparation for college season. For basketball, it was awesome to see the growth and improvement that we had throughout the season. Personally, I grew a lot in terms of leadership, technique, and on-field/on-court decision-making. Overall, it was the last chance to play with friends l've known for years, so it was all about enjoying every moment, win or lose."


Tyreese Smith: "What factors led to the decision to commit to Soka?"

Sienna Manns: "The decision to go to Soka came down to a few key factors. I was looking for a place where I could continue to grow both academically and personally, and Soka offered an environment focused on global perspectives and community. Their emphasis on creativity, cultural exchange, and social responsibility really spoke to me. Additionally, when I went to visit the campus, the coaches and the team were also very welcoming. Ultimately, I wanted a college experience that was both challenging and fulfilling, and Soka seemed like the perfect fit for that vision."



Tyreese Smith: "How would you describe your time at Cumberland Valley High School?"

Sienna Manns: "My time at Cumberland Valley High School has been an incredible journey. I’ve had the opportunity to be part of a strong academic environment while also competing in sports that I love. The school gave me a community full of lasting friendships with classmates and teammates. It wasn’t always easy, but it was rewarding, especially with the supportive teachers and coaches who helped me grow both inside and outside the classroom. Looking back, I’m grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the memories that have shaped who I am today."



Tyreese Smith: "What are the most important lessons you have learned to this point in life?"

Sienna Manns: 
"For sure, great question. I'll focus on leadership, resilience, team work, taking initiative and time management. They have all played a part."

"Leadership is crucial because it enables you to inspire, guide, and empower others. A great leader isn't just about directing, but about setting an example, making tough decisions, and creating a culture where people feel valued and motivated. Leadership teaches me to take responsibility, listen to others, and act with integrity. The power to influence and make meaningful change, both in teams and organizations, is something I’ve come to realize is essential for long-term success."

"Being resilient in life brings challenges. It's what allows you to bounce back from setbacks. It's the strength to keep going even when things don't go as planned. Resilience is essential because it teaches me that failure is not the end, but a step toward growth. It's about embracing challenges as opportunities to learn and improve through adversity.

"Success is rarely achieved alone. Teamwork has taught me the value of collaboration, diverse perspectives, and being able to problem-solve as a group. Whether it's a project or a game, being able to work well with others makes a greater impact than working alone. I've learned that everyone brings something unique to the table, and learning how to value those differences is key to achieving shared goals."

"Taking initiative is about stepping up, even when no one asks you to. It’s about recognizing opportunities and acting on them without waiting for direction. This lesson has shown me that progress often requires me to take the first step, even if it feels uncertain. It builds confidence and helps me stand out as someone who's very proactive."

"Many people take time for granted, but it is in actuality one of the most limited resources we have. Managing it well means I can prioritize what matters, avoid burnout, and stay productive. By learning to balance my tasks and focus on what's important, I've been able to achieve more, and maintain better control over my academic and athletic life."



Tyreese Smith: "What's preparation projected to look like for you in these next five months?"

Sienna Manns: "The next few months will be all about physical and mental preparation for the collegiate level. I plan to keep up with my fitness through a combination of strength training, conditioning, and technical drills to maintain my soccer skills. I will also be participating on the U23 Eagle FC club team this summer, where I can focus on agility and endurance, which are key for the faster pace of collegiate soccer. Mentally, I’m working on staying sharp and learning the tactical side of the game to better adapt to different playing styles. I also plan to connect with my future teammates, understand the culture of the program, and learn from the coaching staff to be fully ready for the transition. Finally, keeping my mindset positive and focused will be critical as I prepare for this next challenge."



Tyreese Smith: "Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years? How do you visualize yourself?"

Sienna Manns: "In five years, I see myself having completed my undergraduate degree. With a focus on pre-med, preparing to enter medical school. During this time, I plan to gain valuable experience through internships, volunteering, or research in the medical field, particularly in dermatology. I’ll be deep into my studies, preparing for medical school and learning from professionals in the field. Additionally, I want to continue studying Spanish, improving my fluency to better connect with diverse patient populations. By the end of these five years, I hope to be fully prepared to enter medical school, equipped with both the medical knowledge and cultural awareness necessary for a successful career in dermatology."



Tyreese Smith: "Thank you, thank you Sienna for joining me on this outro. It's been a very entertaining ride seeing your career through these last few years and am proud of all that you accomplished. It pains me to say this, but do you have any last words of encouragement or motivation for people?"

Sienna Manns: "First off, thank you for the kind words! You have been a big part in this amazing journey, to which I’m very grateful for. My last bit of advice would be: keep pushing, even when things get tough. Like many have said before, 'The road to success isn’t always straight'. You will face many obstacles along the way, but it’s the way you handle those challenges that will define you. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who believe in you, and stay true to your values. Trust the process, and don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes, because they’re often where you learn the most."


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Location: Aliso Viejo, CA, USA