LEVI COOVERT / CONTRIBUTOR

Many  first-years  in  college struggle with the transition to university life. It can take time to get used to a new environment, a bigger school, more pressure in academics, athletics and extracurriculars. Being a first-year student is not supposed to be easy, but on the volleyball court, Neomi Beach, who goes by  Nemo, sure makes it seem like it is. The first-year USD women’s Volleyball player was recently named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Freshman of the Year. 

   Nemo Beach is USD’s first recipient of the award since 2019. She was honored to be given such recognition.

   “I felt really happy to   know that my hard work was noticed and accomplished, so it was great to see that,” Beach said. 

Beach certainly worked hard this year. She totaled 185 kills, 31 blocks and 36 digs, while playing in all but two of USD’s 26 matches. Her impact was a major reason why the Toreros were able to finish third place in the WCC. Beach was also named as an All-WCC honorable mention. 

   Before coming to USD, Beach was the team captain for the Hamilton High School Huskies in Chandler, Arizona. As captain, she led her team to back-to-back Arizona state championships, and was named as the 2022-23 Gatorade Arizona Volleyball Player of the Year. She also led all-Arizona girls volleyball players with 673 kills that season. She has  played for numerous club teams including the 2019 Girls’ international youth team, of which she was a team captain. Beach was also an Under Armour All-American nominee. 

Beach    mentioned  one    specific  family member as one of her influences   and  sources  of  motivation. 

   “My aunt really motivated me, because she was basically the first one in our family to make it far to the next level… and I wanted to do anything to get myself to a high level, such as where I am at now, but still continuing to push myself for these next years of volleyball,” Beach said. 

   Beach also acknowledged her high school coach, Sharon Vanis. 

  “She pushed me beyond my limits and challenged me to be the best that I can be, so thank you to her for all of her help.” 

 Beach is the tenth recipient of the WCC Freshman of the Year award to come from USD, but her goals do not stop there. 

    “I’m     working      to      become the next all-American, that’s my goal that I want to achieve. To get to that status… I will be working tremendously hard and improving my skills.” 

    So  far  in  her  young  career,   Beach has done just that, proving herself a hard worker and a very talented athlete. Beach says she is still just getting started. 

Beach is the 10th Torero to win the high honor as a first-year. Photo courtesy @usdvolleyball/Instagram