Senior volleyball player and right side/outside hitter Kaiya Medina will take her talents up to Wilmington University after being stripped of her senior season due to COVID-19.

Wilmington University is a private university and D2 program in New Castle, Delaware. Medina made her commitment official on February 25. 

Along with Wilmington, Medina had interest from Eastern University and University of Charleston, but explained at times “the process was stressful waiting for the coaches to respond.” This year’s recruitment period looked different from years past with the pandemic, making it challenging for both coaches and players to meet face to face with the dead periods implemented.

Medina moved from Bahrain to the District and transferred to Wilson the beginning of her sophomore year. She adapted quickly and began preseason for the 2018-19 season with the Wilson varsity volleyball team in August. Medina became a key player to Wilson’s roster, training as a pin-hitter on the right side and outside. 

After playing on the Wilson varsity volleyball team her sophomore and junior year, gaining two DCIAA championships and a DCSAA runner-up title, Medina was unable to touch the court this year and compete. Although this was a sad and unexpected end to her high school athletic career, Medina enjoyed her time as a part of the Wilson family; she developed relationships with coaches Perette and Patrice Arrington and formed bonds with teammates.

Fortunately for Medina, however, a lack of school volleyball has not meant a lack of volleyball completely for her, as she continues to play for a travel team outside of high school. Despite the obvious obstacles presented by COVID-19, Medina was able to try out for and secure a spot on the 18s Virginia Elite team. Playing club has provided her the opportunity to continue to play in games and fine tune her skills before she makes the leap to be a Wildcat.

Medina credits her mom and her coaches for supporting her through her collegiate volleyball recruitment journey. The volleyball club Medina plays for uses a recruiting website called Sport Recruit, which stores athletes academic and athletic information. All Medina had to do was “research schools and email through the website.”

Medina plans to pursue a major in psychology but is most excited to “meet new people and play higher level volleyball.”