Attending a new school with over 1,000 enrolled can make students feel overshadowed, but freshman Nyah Isom found a way to shine.  The court is her stage and her family and friends are her audience.

She is a defensive specialist for the Sierra Linda varsity volleyball team.

Isom began her high school journey earning a spot on varsity.  “I was hoping I would at least make JV, but automatically getting bumped up to varsity was really exciting,” said Isom.  “Playing against older girls means the skill level is higher, so I had to step up my game.”

Earning a spot on varsity as a freshman can be intimidating, but she had an advantage.  Isom has five years of playing volleyball under her belt and her experience has allowed her to fit in with her team but stand out as an athlete.

“She’s a little shy, so I try to push her out there.  There’s no reason to be scared of the older girls because we’re all a family,” said head coach Edith Garcia. 

Shy and quiet, she has utilized sports to give her a voice and allow her to be comfortable adapting to a new environment.  “I want her to work on having a voice and being a leader because she has a great attitude and mentality,” said Garcia.   Isom said Garcia has helped her adjust to the team and school.

Isom also caught the attention of senior libero Gabby Acosta.  “I told coach Garcia that Nyah needed to make varsity. She’s definitely one of the best players on our team and she’s only a freshman,” she said. 

She said the seniors, including herself, could learn a lot from the under classman.  Acosta said the upper classmen grudge over mistakes on the court rather than letting them go.

“She doesn’t give up and she is very determined.  If she messes up she shakes it off, that’s the way its suppose to be.  It makes you think to yourself if a freshman can do this then I should be able to too.” 

Acosta added she has been adapting well because she is more involved and confident.  “I love how she sees things with a different perspective. She’s unique and I don’t want her to ever get down on herself.  I look up to her even though she’s the freshman and I’m the senior.”

Being on varsity has helped Isom establish her presence around campus.  In fact, when Isom is up to serve the student section shouts “She’s a freshman!” at the top of their lungs. “It gives me a little confidence.  I love that people like to cheer me on. It makes me nervous, but also it makes me do a better job,” she said.

Isom has produced solid passes and multiple aces each game when she serves.  She hopes her talent will be recognized and receives a scholarship.  “I want to work on being more energetic and to try my best at all times,” said Isom.  Garcia believes in her athlete’s potential.  “I already know she’s a great player and what she is capable of its just so awesome that she produces every single game.”

Isom still has a three-year journey ahead and she hopes to excel as a student athlete.  She expects her team to work on mechanics and communication and improve as the season moves forward.  Sierra Linda (1-7) going into Thursday’s game against Willow Canyon.  Because her team is not winning as much as she had wanted she looks forward to improving as a player and relies on her coach and teammates to help her. 

She’s excited to establish relationships with her teammates on the team throughout her volleyball career.  “I trust my teammates, they’re like family.  They help me by putting me in a position to fit in with the team.”