by Dani Johnson
North Coast Athletic Conference

Ohio Wesleyan University assistant volleyball coach Amaya Smith was one of 20 coaches selected by the American Volleyball Coaches Association to receive the 2023 AVCA Diversity Award, it was announced by the AVCA.
 
Smith is in her first year with the Ohio Wesleyan volleyball program. She came to Ohio Wesleyan from Dublin Coffman High School, where she coached the Shamrock freshman team and served as an assistant on the varsity team during the 2022 season.  She is scheduled to graduate from The Ohio State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in education with a specialization in sport industry.  During her Buckeye career, Smith was a member of the women's rowing team and worked as a recruitment host for the Ohio State football team.

"Amaya has done a tremendous job in her first year in collegiate coaching," said Ohio Wesleyan volleyball coach Kirsta Cobb.  "She carries herself with poise beyond her age and has been wonderful with connecting with our student-athletes in a way that allows them to be themselves and find joy in the game.  She embodies our program goal of having a growth mindset with a love for the game, and her relational skills have been very impactful on our team culture. Amaya has a bright future in coaching, and I am so excited that she has an opportunity to grow further in the game and volleyball community with this experience.  We couldn't have picked a more deserving candidate."

"The NCAC and OAC volleyball coaches and the conference offices were able to come together to partner with the AVCA to support a Diversity Award recipient.  Together we raised more than $1000 towards the program," said NCAC Executive Director Keri Alexander Luchowski.  "Diversity and inclusion are a priority for the NCAC, and we were excited Amaya was selected for this opportunity."

The AVCA Diversity Award, which originated in 2015, will bring these volleyball leaders together for a development program at the 2023 AVCA Convention in Tampa, Fla. During this year's event, recipients will participate in a series of educational seminars, many of which focus on professional and personal development for coaches and take part in additional relationship-building experiences during the Convention.

"I am so excited and feel extremely blessed to be able to have the opportunity to go to the AVCA Convention," said Smith. "With this being my first year coaching college, I look forward to any learning experience that I am to take in, and I feel as though this one will help me significantly in my volleyball knowledge and leadership skills.  I am so thankful for Krista's leadership and the space she's given me to grow, learn, and connect. Also, thank you to the NCAC/OAC/UAA for picking me as your candidate."

This year's AVCA Convention, to be held in Dec. 13-17, will feature over 140 educational sessions with thousands of volleyball coaches expected to be in attendance.