Nicole Miller '21 Recruiting Profile

Outside of volleyball, I enjoy being outdoors. The beach is my happy place, whether I am playing a friendly competition of spike ball with friends, enjoying a few beach volleyball games, or simply catching a tan in the sun. I also enjoy going on hikes in new places, going fishing with family and friends. A family hobby that I also love to participate in when I get the chance is offroading, there is a place called Hollister Hills here where I live and it is such a fun experience every trip we take. I also participate in clubs at my school, Club Ed to help tutor kids who need help in certain subjects, Link Crew to help include incoming freshman, and Circle of Friends to help include special needs students and make new friends. 

I have always been interested in the medical field, because I love to help people in need. I narrowed it down to my two favorite things, helping people and volleyball. Which led me to my major in kinesiology, which would lead me later to be an athletic trainer for a professional volleyball team. I am very intrigued on how the body works to heal itself, and what trained professionals can do to help speed the recovery for any injured athlete. 

I consider volleyball not only as a sport, but as a way of life. This season will be my seventh indoor season, and every practice, game and tournament to this day makes me love it even more. Over the past 2 summers, I have also participated in playing beach volleyball, and the most recent past summer I went to Hermosa Beach for a National Beach Volleyball Tournament. It was a great experience, and I plan to continue playing beach volleyball as long as possible. I have always dreamed about being able to play at a four year university to further improve my athletic and academic skills. I remember when I was on my 12’s team playing at a tournament in Reno, walking past all of the older girls courts and thinking to myself, I want to be that skilled right now. Though, I knew that was not possible to happen overnight, every practice and game since then I have worked so hard to be where I am now. I have learned that having a positive attitude and being coachable are the key terms to being a volleyball player, and I consider myself to have both. I’ve developed a positive mindset and strive to always give my 100% both on the court and in the classroom. I consider myself to be a great teammate, not only do I want to make myself better but I push to better our team as a whole. Although I am hoping to be able to compete as a pin hitter or defensive specialist at a DI school, I am also open to playing at a competitive DII school as long as they are a good fit for me. 

Since this is my seventh season of indoor volleyball, this year will be my third season with the IMUA volleyball family. With this club being based out of Salinas, California and having to commute three times a week from Hollister, California my family has made a huge commitment being able to make it to every practice. My family and myself have reached as many goals as possible with putting me with the best club that will be able to coach me to help achieve my next goal to play at the next level. The incredible coaching staff has definitely made it possible to improve my skills and reach the many goals I have set for myself.