Personal Statement

Hi!!  My name is Manaia Ogbechie (pronounced    ma-NY-yah    o-BAY-chay).

I was born in Manhattan NYC and moved to Southern California when I was very young and I'm now the oldest of 5 children.   Living by the coast with such beautiful weather has allowed me to competitively pursue my interests in both indoor and beach volleyball year round.  

I’m 16 years old and part of the class of 2025 at Oaks Christian High School in Westlake Village, CA.  I am both Middle Blocker for my high school and club team, Oaks Volleyball Club.  As a rising sophomore, I am 6' 2” and currently touching 10’ 4” for my approach jump.  At the net, I have power, hops, great footwork, excellent vision, dynamic offensive skills, and formidable defense.  I have also excelled in the back row and pride myself in bringing positive energy to teammates when we compete.

See for yourself! Please check out my highlight videos at NCSA (Manaia Ogbechie | 6' 2" 185 lbs | 2025 | Middle Blocker) or Hudl.com (Manaia Ogbechie | 6' 2" 185 lbs | 2025 | Middle Blocker)

I am seeking the most competitive academic and athletic environment for my college experience.  I am a disciplined and intrinsically motivated student athlete with ambition to major in Economics, compete for a team built upon a culture of success, and become a business leader after graduate school.  

Having learned from the examples of both my father, Nkem Ogbechie, who played football at Stanford and earned a Human Biology degree, and my aunt, Kaego Ogbechie, who had a Hall of Fame volleyball career at Harvard and earned an Economics degree, I’m excited about earning an opportunity for admission into an elite university and reputable Economics program while competing alongside great coaches and a talented team.

While my high school season schedule is not yet posted (Manaia Ogbechie | Middle Blocker '25 | High School Schedule), I am really hoping to compete with you in the gym next Spring during my sophomore club season.

Good luck this season!  I wish you and your team success!

Grateful, 

Manaia