Plagued by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic during her recruitment and the heartache of injury, senior Aźyah Dailey has shown resilience in the face of adversity. She has done everything in her power to work towards, not only the goals she laid out for herself as a student-athlete, but for a future beyond what she does on the court. Once arriving on campus, Dailey has capitalized on her Clemson experience through the Black Student Athlete Summit, POWER Women’s Leadership Academy and the support of the staff to set herself up for a prosperous future.
The Port Charlotte, Fla., native had a nontraditional journey to division-one volleyball. For many athletes, the path to collegiate sports is a well-trodden journey of in-person campus visits of campus and the athletic facilities. For Dailey, the pandemic redirected her to Clemson via virtual official visits. “The COVID-19 pandemic directed me here…Clemson was one of the few schools to accept me without a campus visit. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise.”
Though volleyball was not her first love–softball had that honor–a chance to try out for her middle school volleyball team set her on a different path. “Despite not making the team initially, I persisted and earned a spot the following year. Even now, people in my hometown tell this story to young girls due to my success in volleyball.”
Playing at Clemson has been a transformative experience both on and off the court. “Wearing the Clemson paw catches people’s attention, allowing me to share my journey and growth at a university. As I embark on my senior year, I have witnessed my transformation into a confident and resilient woman that I could not envision during my uncertain freshman year.”
Key to this transformation has been the support of her coaches and the entire volleyball staff, who have fostered a nurturing and open environment. “Our unique personalities are celebrated, and the coaches demonstrate a deep understanding of each of us. I’ve developed strong bonds with the coaching staff, both on and off the court.” A crucial helping factor in building the bonds with the staff was the initiation of NVA or ‘No Volleyball Allowed’ chats. Each student-athlete is on a three-week revolving schedule where they have one-on-one meetings with each staff member that can include anything but the discussion of volleyball – practice or game related. The camaraderie extends beyond the gym, with personal connections that include sharing social media posts and even FaceTime calls with Head Coach Simpson Kirr’s children.
Adversity has played a significant role in her development as a leader and trusted teammate. Facing two knee surgeries, she had to dig deep to find her place on the team. “Facing adversity and learning to listen have helped me evolve into a better version of myself. Trust is what builds relationships.” This resilience has not only earned her the trust of her teammates but has also taught her valuable life lessons.
Now a senior, she takes pride in mentoring younger players. “It is incredible to think back to my freshman year. I am thankful for the opportunities I have had; thanks to the amazing people I have met during my first three years. Now, all I want to do is pass on this knowledge to help the younger players,” she reflects, acknowledging the role experience plays in leadership.
Her journey has not been without its challenges, particularly when dealing with injuries. “After my first surgery, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, which helped me face the second surgery with more clarity about my future. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about how these injuries shaped me.”
Majoring in sociology and completing a micro internship at Adobe’s New York office, Dailey has set herself up for a bright future following her time at Clemson. Her involvement in POWER and the Black Student-Athlete Summit has already started to cash in dividends in shaping her mindset outside of volleyball. “Clemson provides extensive resources for its athletes, ensuring that you leave with more than what you came with… (these experiences) have helped me develop as an individual beyond my sport. The wealth of experiences and opportunities I have had at Clemson will help set me apart from others when future employers look at my resume.”
Looking to the future, she has clear aspirations to work in the athlete branding space. “Post-college, my goal is to work as an agent for professional or collegiate athletes. I am deeply engaged in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives at the moment and aspire to continue in sales or branding within this field after graduation.”
After graduating this past summer and playing in her final season as a volleyball player, her journey at Clemson is a testament to resilience, growth and the power of community. Her story serves as an inspiration, not just to her teammates, but to all who face challenges and rise above them.
Learn more about Azyah Dailey and her journey to and at Clemson by catching her ‘Beyond the Paw’ podcast episode with Megan Bornkamp, Ally Lynch and Tori Niemann on ClemsonPlus.com or by following this link.
