Tia Shum '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Tia Shum, and I am a senior at East Carolina University (ECU) JERSEY #27, where I serve as the starting Libero for the Division I Women’s Volleyball Team. I am a Graduate Transfer I am set to graduate in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing with an Honors Business College distinction and a Professional Sales certificate. My dedication to academics and athletics has shaped my journey. I aspire to continue my education by pursuing an MBA while competing at the highest level of collegiate volleyball.

Here are my highlights for each season at East Carolina University as a Libero/DS (2021-2024):

Tia Shum (Grad Transfer) / East Carolina University Senior Year Highlights 2024: https://youtu.be/-6zKgMbHwgA?si=44I85glVEsrIDF3U

Tia Shum (Grad Transfer) / East Carolina University Junior Year Highlights 2023: https://youtu.be/19FmajnXwek?si=uP5A2S7U_dXIkHay 

Here are some notable games on VolleyMetrics: 

• ECU vs. Charlotte (Senior Night 2023): https://portal.volleymetrics.hudl.com/#/portal/match/405936
• FAU vs. ECU (Conference Quarterfinal, 2024): https://portal.volleymetrics.hudl.com/#/portal/match/582656
• ECU vs. Charlotte (2023): https://portal.volleymetrics.hudl.com/#/portal/match/410399
• ECU vs. UCF (2021): https://portal.volleymetrics.hudl.com/#/portal/match/229916
• ECU vs. USF (2021): https://portal.volleymetrics.hudl.com/#/portal/match/221350
• 
  

Throughout my time at ECU, I have balanced rigorous academics with the demands of being a student-athlete, maintaining a 3.8 GPA while contributing to my team’s success on and off the court. Beyond my studies and athletic commitments, I founded and manage Pirate Swap, a student-led initiative promoting environmental sustainability and reducing fast fashion's impact on campus. This endeavor reflects my passion for leadership and making a positive difference in my community.

In my volleyball career, I have been driven by the goal of transforming our program’s culture into a winning one. Through resilience, teamwork, and commitment, we achieved back-to-back winning seasons, a historic accomplishment for ECU Volleyball. Over the years, I’ve played as both starting Libero and Defensive Specialist, consistently contributing to the team’s performance. Despite overcoming significant challenges—including ACL and shoulder injuries—I’ve returned stronger, both mentally and physically, each time. These experiences have fueled my growth as an athlete, leader, and individual.

Highlights of my volleyball journey include:

- Competing in the AAC Conference Tournament as the starting Libero

- Helping our team achieve a top-three finish in 2024 in the AAC (2021 ranked 8th in the AAC) and best finish in program HISTORY!

- Representing Canada’s U21 youth team internationally in Shanghai. These opportunities have strengthened my defensive skills and provided invaluable experience against elite teams, including China’s Junior National Team and the Korean Junior National Team.

-Freshman Honor Roll 2021, Preseason ECU Home Tournament MVP 2021, Nominated for Female Athlete Breakthrough of the Year in 2023-24: "Returned to the court this season after injury and took over the Libero role for the team and finished the season as one of the top passers in the league and also one of the reasons why our defense was #15th in the country."

My approach to the game extends beyond technical skills—I take pride in building a culture of accountability, excellence, and teamwork. Leading by example, I aim to inspire my teammates to perform at their best, both on and off the court, and I aim to do that for the next program I transfer to.

As I look ahead, my goal as a Graduate transfer is to combine my passion for athletics and business by earning an MBA on an athletic scholarship. I am committed to continuing to grow as a leader, both in sports and in my professional aspirations.