The experience of transitioning into college life is unique for every freshman, filled with excitement and challenges. For Cy Rae Campbell, a first-year middle hitter on the Wake Forest volleyball team, this journey has been both thrilling and enlightening during the 2024-25 school year. As she approaches the midway point of her inaugural season, Cy has embraced her time in Winston-Salem, managing the demands of academic life while preparing for the final stretch of her regular volleyball season.
Originally from Olathe, Kansas, Cy’s background is rich in community and heritage, stemming from her roots in the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. November holds special significance for her as it is National Native American Heritage Month, a time Cy sees as an opportunity to celebrate and advocate for her culture. She expressed, “This month means a lot to me. It’s about celebrating our past, present, and future. It highlights, as a community, what we can stand for and advocate for.”
Growing up in Olathe, Cy was actively involved in various sports. Her close-knit community fostered a supportive environment that shaped her athletic journey. She developed a passion for volleyball while attending Heritage Christian Academy, where she became one of the top-ranked players nationally, earning numerous accolades, including state championships during her four years on the varsity team.
Cy’s decision to attend Wake Forest was made early in the recruiting process. In July 2022, she committed to the university, ready to embrace the differences between her home state and her new East Coast surroundings. She noted the warmer climate in Winston-Salem compared to Kansas and appreciated the inclusive nature of the campus, especially its Pro Humanitate motto.
As Cy navigates collegiate volleyball, she recognizes the elevated level of competition compared to high school. Adapting to the physical intensity of the game and the strategic element of analyzing opponents has been a significant change. “In college, you study players for hours,” she explained, emphasizing the need to find opponents’ weaknesses to succeed.
Looking ahead, Cy has set several objectives for herself both academically and athletically. She aims to maintain her studies while making connections with her classmates. Additionally, she plans to focus on training in the offseason to enhance her performance. “The game really improves in the weight room, and it all starts again in the spring,” she concluded.
In summary, Cy Rae Campbell’s transition into college life exemplifies the exciting yet challenging nature of a freshman experience. With both personal and athletic growth on her horizon, Cy embodies a hopeful perspective as she embraces the opportunities that lie ahead. This inspiring journey reflects the potential within every student-athlete as they carve their paths in academia and sports.