On Monday, April 29, sophomore Malia Moore announced on social media that she had committed to play volleyball at the University of Alabama.
“What really set Alabama apart for me was the environment,” Moore said. “The facilities were extremely nice and the coaches were amazing. I loved how all the students loved their school and were so proud to be a part of the university.”
Moore had received other offers from Appalachian State, University of North Carolina Wilmington and Baylor and had contact schools like the University of Central Florida, Dayton and Wofford.
Moore made her college choice just ahead of new NCAA recruiting rules being made May 1, which she said provided added relief to the stress she had been feeling since declaring her decision.
“With the new rules, I wouldn’t be able to have an official visit until my junior year of high school, but I knew when I saw the facility on my unofficial visit (that I wanted to go there),” Moore said. “(More factors for me were) the players that loved where they were and the fans who are drawn to the sports and provide major support. (I knew) I was where I was supposed to be.”
The process as a whole to play at the next level even without the new NCAA rule can be a long and difficult process for any athlete, according to Moore.
“The recruiting process for me was stressful at times and was a lot of work especially since the process is so different for volleyball, with phone calls and emails every week on tournament weeks,” Moore said. “In the end, I don’t regret any of it, and wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s a lot of hard work that led me to my dream school. It’s been super rewarding.”
When committing to the large program, Moore said she knew the obstacles ahead, and that the hard work wouldn’t be letting up anytime soon.
“My freshman year I plan on working my hardest and trying my hardest every day, not only in practice, but in workouts,” Moore said. “I really plan to be a leader and be ready for anything I would be asked to do for the team and program.”
With a family full of athletes and even a stepsister attending the University of Alabama to play softball, Moore said she felt the full support of those around throughout her recruiting process, whether she chose to Roll Tide or not.
“My dad was so supportive, and even the rest of my family even though they are huge Clemson fans,” Moore said. “Of course they said they would rather see me in orange and purple, but they were proud and couldn’t wait to see what I’d do at (Alabama). My dad has always been a part of my volleyball life and was behind me 100 percent. He felt comfortable putting me in the hands of Coach DeVine and wanted me to make my impact on Alabama.”
Moore has not only made her mark during the club volleyball season; her high school season has also been an achievement in itself. Earning accolades such as Times-News Player of the Year in her sophomore season, she has been leading in her short time as a high school athlete. Moore had 269 kills for the Lady Falcons last season, combined with 427 assists, 227 digs and 20 aces.
“Malia is a very compassionate volleyball player,” head coach Tiffany Lowrance said. “She is very competitive and as a coach you want that in your players. Alabama is getting a hard working athlete that will give you 100 percent. This level of volleyball is what Malia has been working towards and I know she will fit right in.”
Moore credits not only her family and hard work to her success and recent commitment. She said her teammates have been behind her since her career began and only helped her grow and improve her game.
“Malia is my setter for club ball and West. It’s really important to have a strong leader in a setter that works to adjust and connect with hitters like me,” sophomore America Anderson said. “Malia is one of the hardest-working players I know and has helped me improve while she improves and I’m super proud of her for committing. There is no doubt that she is going to do big things for Alabama.”
By: Kinsley Morgan, A&E Editor
