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WESTON, Mass. — Nevaeh Yancey (17) is a force to be reckoned with on the volleyball court. As an outside hitter, she’s both powerful and precise – known for her explosive swing and smart shot placement that often ends rallies in her team’s favor.

What began as a fun way to reconnect with friends in 8th grade after the isolation of Covid quickly turned into a true passion. Nevaeh joined a club team at the national level and earned a spot on Weston High School’s Varsity team as a freshman. Since then, she’s been a key contributor to both teams’ success, helping Weston win the D3 State Championship in 2023, finish as runners-up in 2024, and secure back-to-back DCL titles. Individually, Nevaeh’s talents on the court haven’t gone unnoticed – she was named a 2024 DCL All-Star and received one of the special Coach’s Awards for her standout performance.

Congrats, Nevaeh!

Interview with Nevaeh:

What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?

Nevaeh Yancey: To be the best player and teammate I can be. I want to lead with energy and elevate not only my skills, but those of my teammates. I dream of playing in college and pushing my talent as far as it can go. Volleyball has taught me discipline, confidence, and how to fight for what I want; and I’m determined to prove I’m capable of greatness.

What do you love about your sport?

Yancey: Volleyball’s intensity and energy is what drew me in – it’s fast-paced and competitive, where every point matters, and you have to stay locked in the whole time. I love the adrenaline of a close match, the challenge of pushing past my limits, and the teamwork it demands. Volleyball has taught me how to handle pressure, recover from mistakes, and fight for every point. Most of all, I love how it makes me feel strong, confident, and unstoppable when I’m out there doing what I love.

What is a favorite quote that inspires you?

Yancey: Serena Williams said, ‘A champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall.’ This reminds me that it’s not just about winning, but about how you bounce back, stay hungry, and keep going when things get tough.

What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Yancey: Dealing with moments when I feel like I’m not good enough or start doubting myself is hard – those thoughts can take over and make me lose focus. But I try to pull myself together, not just for me but for my teammates, because they count on me. I remind myself everyone makes mistakes, and what matters is how I bounce back. I take a deep breath, shake off the doubt, and focus on being present. It’s not always easy, but pushing through has made me stronger as a player and a person.

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Yancey: It’s taught me the true meaning of trust and accountability. It’s not just about individual skills, but how everyone works together toward a common goal. I’ve learned to communicate better, support my teammates through challenges, and push myself to be better for the team. We’re always stronger when we’re united and lifting each other up.

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