National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.
If you are ready to take your recruiting to the next level, click the Get Scouted button below to be evaluated by an NSR College Scout.
Get Scouted Scouting Careers
In women’s volleyball there is one important benchmark for determining the competitive level of a front-row prospect — her approach touch.
National Scouting Report prospect Sami Meyer‘s approach is 9 feet 10. That means she can stand still, take two steps and come within two inches of touching a basketball goal. Yes, that is 2 1/2 feet over a regulation volleyball net.
Meyer’s exceptional vertical jump raises eyebrows because most players who can touch 9-10 or higher measure at least 6-0 tall. Meyer is 5-10, which makes her leaping ability even more impressive.
Apparently, University of Idaho head volleyball coach, Debbie Buchanan, was impressed enough to offer the 2016 prospect an invited walk-on roster spot during a recent unofficial visit to the Big Sky Conference member. Meyer, who did not sign during the NCAA early signing period in November, accepted on the spot.
A senior at West Valley High School in Yakima, Wash., Meyer has not had everything handed to her. In her junior year, arguably the most important for an aspiring college prospect, she suffered a broken foot. Yet she remained undaunted in her ultimate objective — to be recruited.
“The injury did anything but stop me from achieving my goals as I’ve come back much stronger mentally and physically,” she proudly proclaimed.
Meyer’s high school coach, Katie Hinckley, views her as an essential part of her team — both as a key player and leader.
“Sami is an all around talented volleyball player,” Hinckley said. “She was my captain this year, and has been my outside hitter for the last three years. She is a huge offensive threat in the front row, and an amazing defensive player in the back row. Sami has a natural ability to lead the team. She has a huge presence about her. She is also a very hard worker on and off the court and is not only a physically talented volleyball player she is a smart player. She very rarely makes mental mistakes and is always aware of what’s going on with the other team. She can figure out their weakness in defense and offense really quick. Sami is definitely one of my best all-around players that I have had.”
NSR scout Kari Chavez, who discovered her, was equally impressed.
“Sami is one of the most physical volleyball players I’ve seen in a long time,” Chavez said. “She has a frame that is every coach’s dream. She is very explosive on her approach and gets out far to take it. She sees the block very well and swings with not only her arms but uses her core strength for power as well. Sami also plays phenomenal defense. She is able to read the hitters and is able to cover a lot of ground to get balls up. She also has a great back row attack out of the middle back. This athlete is so determined, coachable, competitive, hard working, and always striving to get better.”
Meyer also is a standout student. Her 3.7 GPA put her in an enviable recruiting position. As a junior, she added the 2015 academic honor for “Athlete in Literature.”
The importance of strong grades is not lost on Meyer.
“I approach volleyball and school with my best effort day in and day out,” she said. “My strong work ethic will help me to continue doing well in school while performing at my best in volleyball. This year, my goal is to raise my GPA above a 3.7 while taking AP and CHS courses. I pride myself on putting 100-percent effort into all of my schoolwork, and coming to school every day on time.”
National Scouting Report is dedicated to finding scholarship opportunities for athletes who possess the talent, desire, and motivation to compete at the collegiate level. We’ve helped connect thousands of athletes with their perfect college.