VOLLEYBALL: Bradley commits to continue volleyball career at UVA Wise

Published 11:57 am Monday, August 19, 2024

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Mia Bradley has already crossed off her to-do list one of the toughest tasks for any high school senior.

Bradley has decided where she’ll spend the next four years following graduation – and where she’ll also continue her volleyball career.

The Polk County standout has verbally committed to join the program at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, informing coaches Wednesday evening of her decision.

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Bradley joins teammate Sophia Overholt, who committed earlier this year to USC Upstate, as Polk County players with post-graduate playing plans. She’ll also be the third Polk County graduate in the UVA Wise athletic program as former Wolverine Micah Hill is part of the school’s baseball roster and former Wolverine Reilly Yoder is part of the men’s golf program.

Reaching a decision early in the school year was a priority for Bradley.

“I wanted to go ahead and figure out where I wanted to go,” she said. “Obviously, I didn’t want to rush it, but I wanted to get that stress out of the way, not have to worry about it and just have fun my senior year and work on getting better.”

A multi-sport standout, Bradley has been continually improving since her arrival at Polk County. She has blossomed into one of the Wolverines’ top attackers while also excelling on defense – she has already surpassed 500 career digs and will soon do the same for career kills.

Her play at Polk County, as well as her offseason efforts with Biltmore Volleyball Academy, caught the eye of several college coaches, giving her options to consider about her future.

“I was in between a couple of schools, but my top two were Lander and UV Wise,” Bradley said. “I just felt at home at UV Wise. I felt wanted, which was very important to me and very important to my parents, too.

“Obviously, they have nice facilities and everything, but it just came down to that they really wanted me and they really wanted me to be part of their team.”

UVA Wise competes in the Division II South Atlantic Conference. The Cavaliers finished 9-17 last season under head coach Alyssa Hanley, who will enter her third season with the program in 2024.

Bradley is looking forward to playing for Hanley, but she’s also equally excited to know that’s the case.

“It has been a relief,” Bradley said. “It has.”