RAM TOUGH
MINERAL RIDGE, OH- Mineral Ridge, a small community with a big heart for volleyball, is shining the spotlight on a young athlete who has captured the hearts and minds of fans and teammates alike. Malayna Wilson, an 8th-grade volleyball phenomenon, sat down with DJ Yokley at the Post Office Pub to discuss her journey, her dreams, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
For Malayna, the setting was familiar and casual, a comfortable backdrop for a discussion about her ambitions and challenges. After devouring an assortment of quesadillas and buffalo dip—”There was a lot,” Wilson admits—she opened up about her impressive accomplishments. The young athlete has already set her sights high: “I really want to accomplish, like being able to get on varsity at a young age. Like I want to be able to set records, like Ava [Hulett]” she shares, referencing her drive to reach a thousand hits and digs.
Wilson’s inner drive is a key component of her success, and her personal motivation acts as a catalyst for the entire team. “Mainly, I personally just use my confidence,” Wilson reveals, discussing her own growth and how she uses it to lift the team. She explains her method for overcoming self-doubt: “Ever since I brought [my confidence] up, I was able to push myself to get better and better.”
Adversity is not a stranger to Malayna, and she detailed her strategy for dealing with on-court pressure, particularly during a challenging match against Hubbard. “I always close my eyes and breathe,” Wilson explains, affirming how breathing exercises, a technique she was taught in the first grade, aid in regaining her composure during pivotal moments. This self-awareness is a critical tool she also shares with her teammates, emphasizing the importance of “not getting down on themselves” as they improve.
Looking forward, Wilson’s transition to high school presents new aspirations and fears. The thrill of playing with her sister on the high school team and being pushed by Coach Lasco excites her, although the challenge itself also scares her. Her reflections on the program at Mineral Ridge show a deep appreciation for the community and her teammates, her goals stretching beyond personal accolades to team achievements: “I hope we accomplish things that our school has never had,” she states with determination.
College is certainly on the horizon for this rising star, with Wilson emphatically sharing her fixed resolve to play at the collegiate level: “I’m playing in college no matter what.” Her unwavering commitment to her sport shines through every word.
As Malayna Wilson stands on the cusp of her high school career, her passion for volleyball and her dedication to improvement remind us all that with confidence, teamwork, and resilience, we can overcome our challenges and achieve greatness.
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