Simone Miller's experience with Jeter's Leaders has influenced her on and off the volleyball court.
Simone Miller is one of Ohio’s top freshman recruits this season and won’t hesitate to tell you how privileged she is to be an integral part of Ohio's 7-3 season.
At the same time, she’s open about being a proud alumna of "Jeter's Leaders."
“I miss the program a lot,” Miller said of her previous involvement with the youth leadership and social change program founded by former MLB All-Star Derek Jeter.
As a member, Miller completed community service projects, helped give back to children in need and frequently traveled from state-to-state to promote awareness of violence and bullying among young adults.
Miller, a Kalamazoo, Michigan native — as is Jeter himself, who moved to Kalamazoo when he was 4 years old — was initiated as a "Jeter's Leader" after the eighth grade and graduated from the program her senior year of high school.
Originally just attracted by the thought of meeting a Yankee's legend, Miller said she became hooked on the organization as she made her way from community to community meeting a variety of individuals.
While serving her mission of succeeding academically, participating in social change activities and promoting a healthy lifestyle as a role model to her peers, Miller excelled on the volleyball court.
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As an outside hitter at Kalamazoo Central High, she took over the single season kills record with 414 and the career kills record with 934.
“The program basically taught me that you don’t have to be front and center to be a leader,” Miller said. “You can just do what you’re supposed to do on and off the court.”
With an abundance of playmakers on the Bobcats, Miller's transition to Ohio has been a patient process.
Even though she wants to make herself known and play for the "green and white" right away, Miller still finds value in being involved in the Athens community.
“She is by nature a leader,” Ohio coach Deane Webb said of Miller. “That comes across just when you have a conversation with her. She is much more polished in her speech than many people who are 18 years old and just starting college.”
Miller is already dissecting how the team’s four seniors are able to lead Ohio. She used terms such as “vocal general,” “imposing presence” and “model of competitive spirit and talent” to describe the eldest Bobcats.
Miller's relationship with Webb stems from her dedication to the program and improving on, and off, the court.
“He’s always there to encourage me and let me know what I’m doing wrong and what I’m doing right,” Miller said of Webb. “He lets me know I have a chance, and that’s always nice to know.”
In her latter years with "Jeter's Leaders," Miller eventually experienced what she had originally hoped would occur.
She conversed and took pictures with her idol Jeter on multiple occasions along with mentoring and tutoring elementary school students during the school year.
It seems Miller, however, feels just as fortunate and excited to be among the presence of her teammates.
“It’s honestly an honor,” she said. “I get here, and these girls are really, really good. I’m just so honored to grow with them."
nk596613@ohio.edu
@NKairys
