Mia McGrath has been involved in sports since childhood. In addition to volleyball, she also tried soccer, basketball, softball, tennis, swimming and diving, but her love for volleyball goes much deeper. Growing up with her parents who played Division I volleyball and football in Western Kentucky, sports were a big part of her identity. College athletics has always been a goal for McGrath. Her love for volleyball began at an early age. “My mom actually put my footprints on a volleyball when I was little. I was born that way.”
Her mother has always been her biggest role model. McGrath noted that her mother always pushed her to be the best version of herself. Her mom was always there to support her after practices and games, even helping her get accepted into a varsity volleyball program. At age eight, her mother would come home late after volleyball practice to find McGrath hitting a volleyball against the garage door in the dark. “It’s good for me to have a little volley mom.”
Unfortunately, in fourth grade, McGrath’s elementary school didn’t have a volleyball team, but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her passion. McGrath begged her elementary school’s athletic director to form a fourth-grade girls’ volleyball team; eventually, they gave in to her demands. McGrath has fallen in love with volleyball since joining the fourth-grade team.
Growing up surrounded by sports had a more lasting impact on McGrath than just rewarding her athleticism. “Growing up as a very athletic kid and working hard every day has made me a more confident person. Sports in general have made me a better person.”
McGrath is excited to see more recognition for female athletes today. She noted that since her mother played volleyball at Western Kentucky, women’s sports have become more competitive, which will hopefully attract more fans. While she still notes that male sports have a larger fanbase, McGrath noted that the culture surrounding women’s sports is getting better.
Besides her mother, McGrath has always looked up to Kelly Walsh Jennings. Jennings is an American professional beach volleyball player who has won three Olympic gold medals and one Olympic bronze medal. He is the most victorious player in his career as of 2016, with a total of 135 international and domestic beach volleyball games won in his career. McGrath played beach volleyball a lot in the summers before college and has always looked up to Jennings because of her huge success. “One day I want to be her (Jennings).”
Since finishing her stellar freshman campaign with the Tigers, earning a spot on the All-ACC freshman team, McGrath has an inspiring message she wants her younger self to know. “Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do anything you’re passionate about. Be yourself. If you work hard, you can do anything.” Her words of encouragement will hopefully inspire the next generation of female athletes.
