Anita Anwusi Followed Her Own Path to Pro Volleyball

00:00:00
Speaker 1: As a volleyball player, I trust Adidas to meet my on court needs, but they'll also offer the ultimate in everyday's style from trendy platform sneakers, vibrant track pants, and cozy chic flee sweatshirts from their zny collection, Adidas has everything I need to feel comfortable, stylish, and confident. Explore all that Adidas has to offer at Adidas dot Com or through the adidasa app and receive fifteen percent off your first order when you sign up for ADDI Club, getting access to fantastic perks, including free shipping. Unlock your style with Adidas today. Hi, I'm timniyo Oshinsky, and this is serving pancakes with League one Volleyball. With the inaugural Love Season just around the corner, over the next few weeks, we'll be following some of the biggest women's college volleyball games featuring schools that our players attended. Today's episode features Lsu Alm and current Love Houston middle blocker Anita On we see. A native of Houston, Anita's towns shined early when she was a member of the USA Volleyball junior national team and won gold at the North SEKA Women's U twenty Continental Championships. She then took her talents to the Louisiana by You, playing five seasons at LSU, where she was named to the twenty twenty three SMU Invitational All Tournament Team and received the ABCA South All Region Honorable Mention. In twenty twenty two, she graduated among the top ten Tigers all time in blocks, block assists, and hitting percentage, and now she's coming back to her hometown to play for Love Houston. Anita, Welcome to Serving Pancakes. Thank you so much for being here.

00:01:38
Speaker 2: Thank you for having me.

00:01:39
Speaker 1: Very excited to have you. What's it like being back in Houston.

00:01:43
Speaker 2: It's been amazing being able to spend time with my family and my loved ones and being able to have a home cooked meal every day. So I've been having a great time being back home and being able to play volleyball and home too.

00:01:58
Speaker 1: Are you in the facility right now? Is that we're doing the interview from?

00:02:01
Speaker 2: I am not in the facility.

00:02:02
Speaker 1: Where are you? You look like you're in a very comfy location.

00:02:06
Speaker 2: I'm at the nail salon.

00:02:08
Speaker 1: Oh no way, what are you doing? What are you getting done currently?

00:02:13
Speaker 2: I'm doing a pedicure, basic pedicure.

00:02:16
Speaker 1: Do you do your finger nails too? I always found that whenever I got my nails done, I always chip them or broke them whenever I played.

00:02:23
Speaker 2: Uh No, I don't. I did early on in college, but I stopped. It was too much money to keep going back and forth.

00:02:32
Speaker 1: So yeah, petticure all the way. Especially when you're jumping so much on your feet, you gotta get the massage too. Yes, all right, Well back to volleyball. What have the practice has been like so far?

00:02:43
Speaker 2: Honestly, so far, the practice has been really good. I know coming into it, I wanted to be able to take in the information that was given, especially from those proopotes. I've been playing for ten plus years, five plus years, and being able to learn from them and also be teammates with them is honestly so real. Middle school a Needo would not imagine being in this position right now. So I'm glad that I'm able to do this, especially in my hometown.

00:03:11
Speaker 1: Has there been any sort of adjustment coming to this new team with all new players, all different ages and career lengths.

00:03:19
Speaker 2: I think the biggest adjustment I would say is we have I believe seven or eight different countries in our team. So being able to help the girls understand what we're saying in English, but also understand what they're saying has been like one of the biggest challenge, but also something that we're all willing to get to understand each other and get to know each other better too. So other than that, we're all there to play volleyball. We all love volleyball, so that hasn't been an issue at all.

00:03:51
Speaker 1: Volleyball is the love language of the team, right, Yeah, I was gonna actually say, because your team is so diverse. I mean you mentioned in different countries, but there's also girls from all over the country, like the United States, different colleges, your head coaches from Italy. Have you found this to be a really cool and unique situation because in school, I'm assuming that you know, you didn't have as many people from all over the world. So what's it like having this group together.

00:04:20
Speaker 2: Yeah, it's definitely a change from college because everyone is I think I have one teammate that was outside the country, but now there's multiple so it's like and the people that are from different parts of the world, they're from different countries, so everyone speaks different languages, so it's being able to like communicate and understand what each other needs to know. And like you said, volleyball is like our similar language that we all have in common. So that's a great start. But everyone is all welcome to getting to know each other and being able to understand each other better. That's going to really helpful.

00:05:16
Speaker 1: Now let's go back to kind of your origin story. Now, I know that your parents are from Nigeria. You're a first generation college graduate. How important is your background and culture and defining who you are?

00:05:28
Speaker 2: So for me, I say, it's really important because I too how hard my parents work all my life and my brothers they did not play sports, but I took the leap of faith and I wanted to begin doing a sport. And it's not really common in the culture of Nigeria, Like parents usually want you to go to college and get a degree and straight out of college go straight to work. But I'm taking a different rout. So my parents were kind of get the coe first, Like after they saw how successful I was continuing becoming, it was more reassuring and they trusted my college coaches to be able to train me and take care of me. And also now that I'm back home in Houston, it's even better because now they can be able to come see me play, and they're also like able to see like how successful college was and trust that like Okay, yes this is something that she loves and she will continue to do. Like they're very confident about the whole process and very proud.

00:06:33
Speaker 1: Yeah, for sure, I love that. Have you been to Nigeria.

00:06:36
Speaker 2: I have not. I hope to go soon, but I have not been.

00:06:40
Speaker 1: It looks like a beautiful country. I was looking at pictures while I was doing research for this interview on seems like a really cool place.

00:06:47
Speaker 2: Now.

00:06:47
Speaker 1: I do love a good origin story. So can you talk about your parents just briefly, Like were they athletes and what made them decide to eventually come to the United States and ultimately choose to set on Houston.

00:07:00
Speaker 2: For my knowledge, in Nigeria, they have what we call high school. They call it secondary school, So they have a school where like everyone participated in some school of sport, but it wasn't anything serious. I remember my mom telling me about how she played with her classmates and they played in the yard of soccer, volleyball. Like when I first said, like I was interested in volleyball, and I was like, I remember play volleyball when I was younger, like it was something that they did. But back then it was like such care free. There was no aau, there was no club or anything of the store, so everything was fun and care free. And my parents decided to come to the United States. It was for them to give us, my brothers and I a great opportunity here in America. So they decided to come, and so far they've done amazing job with all of us, and we're so appreciative of them.

00:07:58
Speaker 1: Definitely said, you were the one that got into sports, So how did you end up finding volleyball and falling in love with it.

00:08:04
Speaker 2: I did start in seventh grade, but I didn't start competitively till my freshman summer of high school. So I was playing in seventh grade and I was not the best. I was not good at all, so it was it was really fun though. I played it, and a lot of people that was on my team were my friends, so it was really cool to be like, oh, we had a class together and then go after school. Well, like played volleyball, and I remember, I think it was my eighth grade year. I was very hesitant on continue because I was little embarrassed. But I remember one time I blocked the serve and I was like, that was so embarrassing because they the ref blew the whistle and I was like, what did I do wrong? And then they explained I couldn't block the serve and I was like, to me, I think that's a road that should change. Was so easy the service probably the easiest thing to block. It's coming from such a long distance. You have enough time to see where it's gonna go. And I was like, I was so excited when I blocked with it. After that I was like, oh my gosh, this is embarrassing, but I loved it because it was a action of getting the block. I was like, Okay, I can block. I have the skill. And then from then on being trained from different club coaches, high school coaches, trainers, and I continue to see myself getting better. So it was a very motivating and promising journey.

00:09:38
Speaker 1: So that's amazing. I would love if you could block a serf. I remember when I was playing. My fault when I was first learning was a ball was going out of bounds and you know you're supposed to let the ball fall out of bounds and I didn't realize this, so I caught it, and then the other team got the point and my team just yelled at me, like what what are you doing? And I'm like, sorry, you didn't realize that that was what you're supposed to do. But obviously everything paid off. And I love to know that. You know, everybody goes through some sort of learning curve. It's not something that's going to come to you always naturally. So I love hearing that you know, you began not knowing much blocking serves and now here you are playing professionally in the United States. I think that it's so cool. So what ultimately made you decide to choose LSU as the school to play at?

00:10:32
Speaker 2: So for me, it was on a super long recruiting process, but I knew I wanted to stay close to home, Like I was a huge family person and I didn't want to be in Texas, but I wanted to like venture out. So after I want to go visit Louisiana where my parents. I fell in love with the atmosphere. The family oriented FIOD comes to Louisiana. A lot of people talk about like that's the reason why they end up committing to OSU. But for me, I enjoyed like the family atmosphere. I also felt comfortable, Like as soon as I was there, I was like, this is somewhere that I want to be. So that's and that's actually why I committed there.

00:11:12
Speaker 1: So what was the experience like for you?

00:11:14
Speaker 2: So at LSU, I enjoyed all five years I saw myself throw. I enjoyed having like all the coaches that I was able to play under because they all came with different learning aspects also different information I was given. So when I first came at LSU, I probably played club honestly for two years. So I was like, I'm not gonna play. I didn't think I was gonna play, and I was okay with that, but I was like, I eventually wanted to play because I loved playing. I loved playing with my teammates. So after that, I started playing more and started becoming more confident. But the first few times playing I was so nervous. I was like, I don't want to mess up. I know was na troll to mess up, but I was like, if I was a point, they're gonna hate me.

00:12:04
Speaker 1: Like this, it is like I was so.

00:12:07
Speaker 2: Scared to do anything wrong. But volleyball is a game of mistakes. Is who can make the less mistakes is ultimately what the goal is.

00:12:16
Speaker 1: How did you overcome that mindset where you were like I've barely played and I'm kind of nervous to be playing.

00:12:23
Speaker 2: For me, I would say it was being patient with myself and also having grace understanding like there's people that have been playing here for three four years, and also on top of that, how long I have been playing. I had to give myself the opportunity to practice because I wasn't able to get where I needed to go and become who I wanted to be unless I practice. And in order to do that, I had to put in the work in practice and trust myself. And I ultimately did that based off of like my mind to how I came into the gym every day, if I came into the gym knowing I didn't and one hundred percent I knew the next day that I had to come in twice as harder to replenish and make up for the day before, and also taking note of the people that were older than me and asking them questions. I'm always asking questions, always trying to understand like, hey, like how were you able to hit that shot? What do you see? And continue to try and use what the coaches have told us, Like, I know, a big thing I struggled with, for example and the being in my career was watching the ball as I'm going in for the set. Now it's very natural for me, but at first it was something that I really struggled with and like I really wanted to but it was really comfortable for me to not watch the ball. But if you've watched the setter, you go in and like you never know where to fall. Is the setter company running forward and you're watching the sutter, then you're not going to be able to connect. But being able to figure it out the connection with watching the ball and like it will take you to where the setter is, that was like a game changer for me, amongst other things, but that was like a big thing for me.

00:13:56
Speaker 1: While you were learning your groove on the core, you also majored in kinesiology with the concentration in Physical Activity and health with a minor in psychology. Correct. Yes, and you're currently pursuing your master's degree in business administration.

00:14:13
Speaker 2: Yes, I actually finished my masters.

00:14:16
Speaker 1: Oh so you've congratulations, I mean, what inspired you to pursue this?

00:14:22
Speaker 2: So my bachelors, I wanted to be able to focus on one of my passions, which is helping people. I knew I wanted to go into the medical field, and I had a few occupations that I was looking into, but I was able to come across physical therapy, which was a really big occupation of a big area that I really liked because it was similar to sports medicine. But I knew I didn't want to work in sports because I knew after I was on playing sports that I would be done, and I wanted to focus more so on other people than athletes. So I also love working with children, so I wanted to become a pediatric physical therapist. So yes, working with kids that are going through any cancer like treatment and trying to regain their ability of walking, or kids I get into car accidents or fall up their bike things of the sort. So that's like a really big thing for me. And being able to shadow other physical therapists and see it, I knew for sure like this is something I wanted to do. And then the minor psychology. I always enjoyed learning more about the human psyche and our mentality, and it's really helped to minor in that while I was in college, and it helped me too in volleyball, learning about why we think the way we think and talk the way we talk. And then my business masters, we had the opportunity to take the COVID year. So I originally wanted to do something relating to cheminology, but I couldn't because all the programs were two years. So I ended up going into the NBA program because it was a one year program, and I believe it was a skill that I could use later on after doing like medical terminology type courses all throughout college, I was like, I'm going to do something different.

00:16:15
Speaker 1: I could understand that you're doing the good work helping out people. It's super inspiring and I'm so excited for you. I mean, I want you to keep playing volleyball for a while, but when you do decide to go to the next chapter in your life, it's going to be super exciting and super rewarding. So what ultimately made you decide to continue playing volleyball and to go pro.

00:16:37
Speaker 2: I got reached out by Janie al Scott, and she was someone that I was posed by in the USAGM for the collegiate national team, and after working with her and she reached out. She was so helpful during the time there. And then finding out there was going to be a team in Houston and like there was pro coming to the United States, I was like, this is honestly an opportunity from God. Like it being in my home city. I'm able to go from home to the practices and matches, my family's able to come to games, my friends are able to come to games. Like it was something that I truly believe was an opportunity provided and a blessing provided, so I couldn't pass it up.

00:17:21
Speaker 1: Yeah, you seem to have this very good smart mentality when you're in college about learning from your peers and the older players. Going into Houston. You're one of the youngest players on Love Houston's team, So how are you hoping to grow and evolve your game from this roster of super talented players.

00:17:39
Speaker 2: So I'm planning on doing that by taking as much notes as possible, watching everyone, not only my position, but all the players, learning more about like what it is to play on a professional level, because coming from collegiate volleyball into the professional level there's more that goes into it, and honestly, learning from my mistake seem graceful for myself, allowing myself to go for it and if I fall down, get back up and try the bruline. But just like my main goals coming into it up.

00:18:26
Speaker 1: So a great thing that I love about this podcast is that not only do we get to talk volleyball, but I also get to learn about you ladies off the court as well. So obviously I know that you like to get your nails done, you like to get pedicures, but what else do you like to do in your spare time?

00:18:41
Speaker 2: So I also like to game? I am a gamer. Nope, I yes, I play basketball, video games. I play simms. I like the game with my siblings. I like to blame with my friends. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family, so watch movies, watching sports. Me and my family oftentime watch football on Sundays. So that's something that I enjoy doing.

00:19:07
Speaker 1: That's cool. And just say, you know, my six year old is a gamer and is obsessed with Mario Karts. So if you ever find yourself doing the global whatever it is the Internet connected you, maybe you'll raise him. Oh cool. Well, I want to talk about food because your love profile says that you love cooking and trying different cultural dishes. So what's the best meal you've ever had?

00:19:34
Speaker 2: Jeel off rice? I love jelap rice hands down, is an Angerian dish, and my mom cooks the best jaalaf rice. I have also cooked a loaf rice, so jeelafrice is one of my favorite dishes of all time.

00:19:46
Speaker 1: For sure, you're gonna make it for your team if they would like.

00:19:48
Speaker 2: I wouldn't mind.

00:19:51
Speaker 1: Is that your go to meal to impress people?

00:19:53
Speaker 2: No, it's not. I like to offer the idea of like my mom college. I would offer like my mom k Majial operas because she's always willing to. But it's up to if anyone's interested in it, because not everyone. Some people are picky eater, so not everyone's interested.

00:20:11
Speaker 1: True. Now, In a similar vein in your love profile, it also said that you enjoy traveling. So what's the coolest place you've ever traveled?

00:20:21
Speaker 2: I would say when we went to Mexico. That was something that was super cool. To experience the culture too, and getting to meet all the people that were at the games, helping out and seeing the different scenery. I definitely say Mexico was one of the coolest places.

00:20:40
Speaker 1: What's a place on your bucket list that you really want.

00:20:42
Speaker 2: To go to? A place on my bucket list I was saying, Nangeria. We talked about it earlier. Nanguria is somewhere on my bucket that I would love to go to.

00:20:52
Speaker 1: What about if you could choose a country to go to, specifically for the food. What country would you want to go to?

00:21:01
Speaker 2: We first came to mind was Japan. I think they would have like a wide variety of snaps and food, So Japan.

00:21:15
Speaker 1: I like it all right, Well, last question to wrap it up, we're going to bring it back to love. What are you hoping to showcase in the inaugural season and what do you hope the public, the fans, the media get to learn and see.

00:21:30
Speaker 2: I'm hoping to showcase how amazing the sport of volleyball is and hoping that more people see that if a sport we're watching and that it will be one of the next biggest sports here in America. And to showcase the talent that's across all teams and how competitive the league is. So really looking forward.

00:21:49
Speaker 1: To it awesome. Well, Anita, thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me.

00:21:54
Speaker 2: Thank you to thank you.

00:21:57
Speaker 1: Serving Pancakes is an iheartwomen's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Production by League one Volleyball, I'm your host Tiffany Oshinsky. Anya Alvarez is our senior producer. Our executive producers are Carrie Stett, Tamaradike, and Lindsay Hoffman. Our marketing lead is Jawara Parker. Sound editing and mixing by Daniel Gonzalez. Our theme music is Pancakes.

00:22:28
Speaker 2: By Eric W.

00:22:29
Speaker 1: Mast Junior Special thanks to Anita A. Lucie. Stay tuned for another episode of Serving Pancakes. Thanks for listening.