NSR volleyball prospect rises to the top

Grace Nelson can jump.  Wow, can this National Scouting Report volleyball prospect get off the floor  How does a 35-inch vertical jump strike you?  Believe it.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter from Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, Fla., signed a National Letter of Intent to play volleyball next fall for the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs during last week’s NCAA early signing period.

“It takes opposing teams very little time to notice Grace’s tremendous jumping ability as well as her thunderous quick swing,” Cambridge Christian coach Dave Wolcott said.  “Often our warm-ups are filled with many ‘Wow, watch No. 4!’ comments from the visiting team and fans.  Most teams we play are well aware of Grace’s hitting and passing abilities, well before we even arrive.  Probably one of the most influential notes I can attribute is that every team we play, specifically game-plans with respect to Grace’s abilities because she can so totally take over a game.  She is as athletic as any player I’ve ever had walk into a gym and that becomes noticeable quickly to any responsible eye.

“Grace is driven to compete.  She has an insatiable appetite to compete — in practice and in games.  It’s not that she fears losing, but she truly wants to compete with every flight of the ball. She will contend with every play, drill or encounter.  That passion is not common in all players as any coach can attest. It’s a trait that helps make the good players great.”

Mark Kachurak, her club coach for the Tampa Bay Titans 18U team, was just as effusive about Grace’s skills, describing her as a five-tool player with superb leadership.

“Grace is the prototypical five-tool athlete,” he said. “She has the ability to excel in all five skill areas on the court at any given time: serving, hitting, blocking, passing, and digging. This gives her the ability to take control of a match in any situation — whether at the service line with an ace, at the net with a big kill, or in the back row making an incredible dig to save a critical point.  Her desire to be a leader by example shines throughout each match. Whether through a smile after a big play or a positive comment to a teammate who is struggling, Grace is always willing and able to help the team.”

Steve Swain, NSR’s Area Director of Tampa, gushes over Grace when he says: “She’s not just a pure athlete. She is one of the nicest kids I’ve ever worked with as a scout. And her attitude affects everyone around her.  UCCS is really lucky to have landed this really outstanding young woman.”

A 4.5 GPA student, Grace puts just as much time and effort into her studies as she does her volleyball game.

“I approach school as I do sports,” said Grace, a member of the National Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society,

Perhaps Grace is best known for her sunny personality. Her smile can light up a room.

“I am grateful for my joyful disposition towards life and relationships,” she said. “To me, the glass is half full, and that positive attitude help me make the best of every situation, whether it’s on the court, in school, or in my personal life.  The success I have been blessed with can be attributed to my loving and dedicated family.  They encouraged me to look outward and see how I can benefit those around me.  This has helped me develop leadership in the gym, in the classroom, and life in general.”