Senior Naoma Yancey is in her second season as the starting libero for the volleyball team. Last year, she was Defensive Player of the Year for Region 5-AAAAA; this year she hopes to continue leading the team and reach new goals committing at a collegiate level.
“I am being recruited by multiple different colleges: Division 1, Division 2 and more. I think I have found the one and I look forward to furthering my athletic career,” Yancey Said.
Yancey started playing volleyball when she was 12. Her mom introduced her to the sport, and she saw players compete at a high level. It inspired her to continue to pursue volleyball.
“My mom brought me to APVB, and at the time it was a predominantly black club,” Yancey said. “I decided I wanted to try it out. I had so much fun, and the coaches saw potential in me, so I never stopped.”
Yancey had many accomplishments her junior year, having the most digs for Region 5-AAAAA, First Team All-Region and Defensive Player for Region 5-AAAAA. She credits this to her consistency, playing volleyball or training everyday, doing weight training, workouts with personal trainers and getting touches on the ball whenever she can.
“Reaching these accomplishments makes me so proud,” Yancey said. “All the hard work has paid off, and it means that there’s more work that can be done. If I can get this far and be rewarded, I know I can do way more.”
As the libero, Yancey plays a big role on the team and runs the defensive court. Head coach Sandi Stein thinks Yancey fills the libero shoes well and has grown into a great leader during her four years with the program.
“Naoma gets better and better everyday, whether it’s locking in on staying low, jump serving or just all-around passing,” Stein said. “She has taken ownership of the libero position and to have a solid player like her only benefits the rest of us.”
Victoria Rushin, first-year varsity co-coach, said she was impressed with Yancey’s skill level and dedication to being a libero.
“Coming into the season as a new coach, my first impression of Naoma was her natural talent and composure while playing,” Rushin said. “As the season has progressed, I’ve seen her grow even more, taking on challenges with determination and supporting her teammates in every way she can.”
Yancey’s job is to run the defense and communicate with her team. Positive relationships with teammates are crucial for team cohesion to communicate and win games.
Sophomore Abby Taylor began playing on varsity this season and said she has already felt welcomed by Yancey’s leadership.
“I feel like she always puts full effort and shows up even on a bad day, not letting it affect her game,” Taylor said. “She pushes all of us to work harder and do better and has quickly become such a great teammate.”
Yancey loves the team aspect of volleyball and everyday works to be better. She said she has plans to further her athletic and academic career because volleyball is very important to her, and she said it has helped her improve in many different aspects of life, not just athletics.
“Volleyball has helped me mentally by being a place where I can clear my headspace,” Yancey said. “It has taught me many valuable things like how energy reciprocates and how positive and negative comments affect people’s performance. I have been talking to many colleges and plan to commit with a full ride.”
Yancey was a huge part in the team’s 29-10 record this year, 6-1 in region.
“Naoma is not just a talented player, but also a remarkable person. Her positive attitude, work ethic and leadership make her an invaluable part of our team,” Rushin said. “We’re lucky to have her as our Libero, and I know she has a bright future ahead of her.”
