What started as an unexpected tournament match against UHD became the spark that shaped her transfer from Houston Community College and her growth as a student, athlete, and leader. Now a recent graduate with a Master of Business Administration and a concentration in Leadership, Quanisha Vaughn, known to many as Nisha, brings that same passion to her role as president of the Women’s Volleyball Club.
After arriving at UHD, Nisha didn’t expect volleyball to become the center of her college life. Unsure of where she fit, she found herself drawn to the gym, open recreation sessions, and teammates who welcomed her in. When tryouts came around, she gave it a chance and unexpectedly made the team as the only new member.
“The next semester, I was the only one who came back, which put our club at risk of becoming inactive,” she said. “So I took matters into my own hands.” Through grassroots recruiting, consistent practice, and campus involvement, she helped bring the team back to life, an achievement her teammates later recognized by electing her president. “I guess they liked me,” she laughs.
As the oldest of seven and a caretaker for her mother, she learned to lead early. Balancing full-time work, her MBA program, and church commitments, she found steady support from professors like Dr. Curran and Dr. Cedillos, along with former UHD sports coordinator Justin Sarabia, who encouraged her when she doubted herself. “I’m used to early mornings and late nights. I show up because I love what I do,” she said.
Vaughn hopes more students will take a chance on themselves. To her, the Women’s Volleyball Club is more than a team; it’s a sisterhood on a commuter campus where community can be hard to find. That bond shows up not only during matches and practices, but also through volunteering, Tail-Gatoring, and showing up for campus events together. “If someone’s having a tough day, I say, ‘I’ve got your back, and you’ve got mine,’” she said, a reminder of the closeness that defines the team.
The impact of Vaughn’s journey is one that resonates beyond the team itself. “The journey that Quanisha experienced with UHD Women’s Volleyball is a great example of the impact that student involvement can have on an individual’s experience while attending school,” said Caleb Wells, Director of Sports and Fitness at UHD. “If you are looking for a way to connect, grow, and gain experience on campus, consider joining a student organization.”
UHD’s open gyms and on-campus facilities give students space to practice and build confidence, something Nisha relied on as she learned the sport as an adult. “We compete, we work hard, and we look out for each other,” she said. “Show up ready to learn and stay coachable.”
As she reflects on her time as president, Nisha is proud of what the team has built together. What began with a handful of players is now a resilient, connected community shaped by grit, trust, and shared purpose.