Freshman year of college is a transformative experience filled with excitement, ambitions, and new opportunities. Wake Forest volleyball freshman Cy Rae Campbell is currently experiencing this journey as she embarks on her collegiate career in Winston-Salem during the 2024-25 academic year. As she reaches the midpoint of her first season, Cy is not only focused on her studies and upcoming exams but is also celebrating National Native American Heritage Month, which holds special significance for her.
Originally from Olathe, Kansas, Cy is proud of her roots in the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska community. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating Native American culture and contributions, mentioning, “This month means a lot to me. It’s about celebrating our past, present, and future.” Growing up in a close-knit community has greatly influenced her values of family and giving back.
Cy’s enthusiasm for sports blossomed during her youth, playing various sports before concentrating on volleyball. As a student at Heritage Christian Academy, she became one of the top volleyball prospects in the nation, earning accolades such as all-state selections and achieving a state championship in all four years of varsity play. However, she values her relationships with teammates even more than her individual achievements, highlighting the joy of competing with friends and the sense of community they built around the sport.
Her recruitment decision to commit to Wake Forest came naturally to her, as she was drawn in by the school’s inclusive environment and its Pro Humanitate motto. The transition from Kansas to the East Coast brought noticeable differences, particularly in climate and campus culture, which she appreciates for its laid-back atmosphere.
In her volleyball experience so far, Cy has observed a significant difference in the level of competition. As college athletes tend to be more physically developed and skilled, she acknowledges the need for a different strategic approach to the game. The learning curve of analyzing opponents intensively distinguishes college play from her previous experiences in high school.
As Cy adapts to college life, she remains focused on her goals, which include excelling academically and making new friends despite her busy schedule. She aims to improve her skills and strength in the offseason, recognizing the importance of training in enhancing her performance on the court.
This insightful journey as a freshman not only highlights Cy Rae Campbell’s potential in volleyball but also her personal growth and commitment to her heritage. As she progresses through her first year, the future looks bright for this young athlete as she continues to embrace all that college life has to offer.
Summary: Cy Rae Campbell, a freshman volleyball player at Wake Forest, reflects on her transformative first year in college, celebrating her Native American heritage while adapting to the competitive level of collegiate sports. Hailing from Olathe, Kansas, she values her close-knit community and looks forward to balancing academics and athletics while forging new relationships. As she navigates this new chapter, she stands poised for future success both on and off the court.