Graduate Student Miya Carmichael wore number 17 for UI and recorded 329 assists, more than anyone this season and last season. She averaged 4.16 assists per set putting her towards the top of the stat sheet. She was one of only four players on the team to play in all 27 matches this year. Playing a total of 79 sets, second most behind Taylor Brickey at 80. Carmichael stated her mindset going into each game this year, “We wanted to prove something and it’s a new fresh start for Vandal volleyball.”
Carmichael also had the highest attack percentage on the team at .302, recorded 10 service aces, tied for third with teammate Chiara Gennari and had more aces than service errors. “Every day I came into the gym, before every game I told myself just to do my best and to just leave it all out there on the court,” Carmichael said reflecting on her performance this season.
This — for the time being — was her final season of playing volleyball as she was still uncertain about what the future holds.
Carmichael came to Idaho after graduating from Eastern Kentucky in just three years. She had one more year of eligibility and wanted to play volleyball one last time, so she entered the portal and found UI. When she came out to visit, she instantly fell in love with the town of Moscow, and the U of I campus. “I immediately felt connected to the community,” she said. She felt very welcomed by the Vandal coaching staff and players. “I felt comfortable with these girls, and this was the right place to be for my last year,” said Carmichael.
Carmichael’s volleyball story goes all the way back 15 years when she was just seven years old. She would tag along with her older sister, Miki, to her volleyball practices where Carmichael began to learn how to play the sport. “I’ve always been really grateful for volleyball” she said, the game has brought her to so many places especially being part of a family that was moving frequently. Volleyball was the one staple for Carmichael, something she could always find no matter where she was.
Aside from volleyball, some of the things Carmichael enjoys are cooking. Around the holidays she likes to make her grandma’s recipe for sushi rolls. She also enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Recently they’ve been watching Yellowstone.
Miya has traveled so much throughout life, which she enjoyed, but one of her favorite places was in California, where her family lived for a while. “There was lots of good seafood”, she said coming from a family that likes the fruits of the sea.
Carmichael put her best efforts on the court and in her studies. In high school, she was a three-time, all-scholastic team member and part of the ASUN conference honor roll and National Honor Society. She was an undergrad psychology major and is currently taking classes at UI towards her master’s degree in business administration. “It’s just honestly been an amazing experience at Idaho,” Carmichael had to say. She is set to graduate next summer, and she is finishing her degree online.
Carmichael hinted at the opportunity she might return to the volleyball court in her future, stating, “There is the possibly I might play overseas next fall.” For now, she is focused on receiving her master’s. Carmichael enjoyed her time playing for the Vandals, one of her favorite memories was coming back to get their first win against Sienna College on Sienna’s home court and the first win for the team and coaches. “It was just the most rewarding experience because we worked so hard and we left it all out on the court and getting that win was just the most amazing feeling ever,” Carmichael said, reflecting on that moment.
Carmichael is one of five Vandals that are leaving the team as they are all set to graduate. Despite the season not being one of the better ones, she is super grateful for the support. “I learned so much,” she said. She’s thankful for her teammates for being the most amazing friends and support system through this season.
She’s grateful for the opportunity Head Coach Romana Redondo Kriskova gave her to come to Moscow and play one final year. “She’s a legacy in the volleyball world, a Wisconsin legend. I grew up watching her when I was little so having the opportunity to play for her was honestly a dream come true,” Carmicheal said.
Lastly, Carmichael appreciated all the fans and family that came out to watch the team this season, despite it not being one of the better ones. “The environment was absolutely electrifying,” she had to say about the home games this season. She’s glad her family was able to make it to every game and supported her all the way. As Carmichael got ready to say goodbye to the university and her team, she loved every moment, saying, “I will be a Vandal for life.”
You can reach Jackson Hamelund at arg-sports@uidaho.edu