News Summary
Aniya Lewis, a Kankakee High School graduate, has committed to play collegiate volleyball at the University of Mississippi after a standout season at Kankakee Community College. Lewis excelled at KCC, leading the Cavaliers in kills and earning recognition for her athletic skills. With a strong academic background and determination, she is set to make her mark on the Ole Miss volleyball team, emphasizing the importance of support for athletes transitioning to higher levels of competition.
Kankakee – Aniya Lewis, a recent graduate of Kankakee High School, has committed to continue her collegiate volleyball career at the University of Mississippi (commonly known as Ole Miss) after a remarkable season at Kankakee Community College (KCC). The announcement of her commitment was made on July 1, 2025, during a ceremony held at KCC, attended by family, friends, and teammates.
During her first season at KCC, Lewis showcased her talents by leading the Cavaliers with an impressive average of 5.12 kills per set. This performance ranked her third nationwide among players in the NJCAA Division II, demonstrating her exceptional skills on the volleyball court. KCC finished their season with a commendable record of 21 wins and 10 losses, marking a successful outing for the team.
Prior to her time at KCC, Lewis was an integral member of the Kankakee Kays volleyball team in high school, where she helped achieve a record of 27-9 and an undefeated 13-0 run in the Southland Athletic Conference during her senior year. Her versatility was evident as she excelled in various positions, particularly as an outside hitter during her time with the Cavaliers.
Lewis’s achievements extend beyond volleyball; during her senior season, she earned Daily Journal All-Area honorable mention in both volleyball and basketball. Additionally, she played a crucial role on the Kankakee High School track team, contributing to the team’s victories in the 4×100, 4×200, and 4×400-meter relay events, all of which won Southland Athletic Conference titles.
The significance of Lewis’s move to Ole Miss was not lost on KCC’s volleyball coach, who expressed a mixture of sadness and excitement regarding her departure but acknowledged the incredible opportunity ahead for Lewis. The athletic director at KCC underscored the importance of supporting athletes as they transition to higher levels of competition, a sentiment highlighting the strong foundation KCC provides for its players.
Looking ahead, Lewis plans to major in communications at Ole Miss, a decision influenced by the academic support available at the institution. She expressed appreciation for the chance to compete at the Division I level, emphasizing her determination to succeed irrespective of her small-town origins. Lewis’s addition to the Ole Miss volleyball program is viewed as a vital aspect of their recruitment strategy for the upcoming 2025 season.
In her debut season at KCC, Lewis compiled a total of 353 kills, maintaining a hitting percentage of .295, alongside 45 total blocks. Over the course of the season, she played in 29 matches, participating in a total of 69 sets. Her performance not only contributed to KCC’s success but also established her as a promising athlete in the realm of collegiate volleyball.
Lewis graduated with honors from Kankakee High School, earning a summa cum laude distinction, which reflects her commitment to both her academic and athletic pursuits. As she transitions to Ole Miss, she prepares to join the Rebels as they kick off their 2025 regular season on August 29 against Arkansas State, where she will aim to make a significant impact on the program.
With her skills, background, and determination, Aniya Lewis represents the potential for success at the collegiate level, serving as an inspiration for aspiring athletes from small communities.
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Additional Resources
- Shaw Local: Aniya Lewis Commits to University of Mississippi for Volleyball
- Ole Miss Sports: Volleyball Signs Aniya Lewis as Transfer
- Sports Illustrated: Ole Miss Volleyball Officially Signs Aniya Lewis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Volleyball
- Google Search: Aniya Lewis Volleyball
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