Nyalah Smith '25 Recruiting Profile

"TALENTED, NATURAL PHENOMENA. MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY RESILIENT. BRINGS PASSION AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE COURT!"

My passion for volleyball started out as a simple curiosity to try something new. Even though I was not very interested in sports in middle school, I still felt as though I needed something to give me the adrenaline boost, I desired.  I unexpectedly made the sixth-grade volleyball team without any coaching or preparation.  When I originally started, I was only doing it for the social aspect, but once I reached eighth grade, I realized I needed to improve. I always thought that the more skilled players had the upper hand. Even though they had more experience than I did, that always made me feel intimidated. I wanted to try harder to catch up. Maybe even pass them up one day. In eighth and ninth grade, I primarily spent my days in the gym practicing and learning new skills. I can still recall my coach asking me repeatedly if I wanted to play volleyball in college, and I always replied with the same short statement: "I don't know". My perspective on college volleyball drastically changed when I increased my gym visits. Researching for colleges quickly developed into a full-time hobby between school and volleyball.

My parents served in the U.S. Army over 21 years each. From an early age I learned what sacrifice, adaptability, dedication, and perseverance meant, seeing it in action daily.  As a military child I had to be flexible and adapt quickly with each military move; this is what separates me from other student-athletes.  I am not easily overwhelmed by changes and pressure but can maintain a respectable posture throughout.  I do not know what "quit" is. I am an encourager and try to offer positive motivation to my teammates on and off the court. 

I am a great player to recruit because of my competitive nature and determination. While in college, my goal is to constantly elevate my volleyball game and technical abilities.  I aspire to play in the professional volleyball league as well the Olympics. I will have a career as a pediatrician and own/operate several pediatric practices.  I want to continue to make my family members, coaches, friends, and other supporters proud.