Help Build ULV Champions like Mya Ray

Help Build ULV Champions like Mya Ray

Mya Ray brings the same focus to her studies as she does to the court, embodying the balance between academic excellence and athletic achievement. (ULV Photo/Claudia Gonzalez)

As a scholarship recipient, Mya Ray's story highlights how Giving Day support creates opportunities for student success

To learn more about ULV Giving Day click here.

Mya Ray does not demand attention until the match begins. Then, the quiet University of La Verne senior takes over, becoming one of the most impactful players in program history.

A senior business administration major and recipient of an academic scholarship, Ray has distinguished herself not only in the classroom but also as one of the most accomplished athletes in ULV volleyball history. Over her four-year career at ULV, she has built a reputation for consistency, discipline, and quiet dominance, helping elevate the Leopards within Division III athletics.

Her recent accolades include becoming the first four-time All-American in La Verne history, earning NCAA Division III National Player of the Year honors, being named to the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship All-Tournament Team, and leading the Leopards to one of the program's most successful seasons.

"I try to stay consistent and get a little better every day. I just appreciate being able to come out and compete at a high level, " Ray said humbly.

Raised in Diamond Bar and Pomona, she was encouraged from an early age to stay active and competitive, Ray explored different paths before finding her own. Though her father, a former basketball player, hoped she would follow in his footsteps, she spent nearly a decade playing soccer before ultimately discovering her true passion on the volleyball court.

Ray's decision to attend ULV was influenced by the guidance of former head coach Jeff Hendershot and former assistant coach Mario Meza, who coached her in high school and helped navigate the application and financial aid process, leading to her academic scholarship.

That scholarship represented more than just financial aid, it opened the door to an opportunity that may not have otherwise been within reach. It allowed Ray to remain close to home and embrace the college experience. "I would say that the academic scholarship was definitely the deciding factor for me to live on campus," she said. "If I didn't get the scholarship, I probably would not have gone here."

At ULV she built close relationships with her coaches and teammates, crediting those connections as a defining part of her experience. "They've always pushed me to do my best," she said. "They keep me grounded."

Through those connections, she has grown not only in skill, but in confidence, learning to lead in a way that reflects who she is. "On the court, I feel like I don't really lead with my voice. It's more of leading through action." she said, earning the admiration of her teammates and coaches alike.

"Mya's growth at the University has been holistic and ever changing," said head volleyball coach Randi Taylor-Toomay. "She has earned respect through hard work, exemplary behavior, and, tenacity to be the best version of herself every single day. She has dedicated herself dutifully as a student-athlete every day for the entirety of her time as a Leopard and will leave a lasting mark on all of the women who follow after her."

That leadership was tested in one of the team's most defining moments, an unexpected 3-2 loss to University of Redlands that broke their winning streak and challenged their identity. Rather than letting the setback define their season, Ray and her teammates used it as motivation.

When then assistant coach Taylor-Toomay told this team, "this is either going to make or break us," Ray realized that the team was at a turning point.

They rallied together and ultimately advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championship finals. For Ray, the moment was the culmination of four years of discipline, resilience, and belief in both herself and her team.

"I don't think I realized how much that experience would push me," she said. "But it really prepared me for what's next."

As she looks ahead, Ray is weighing opportunities to remain in the game that has shaped so much of her journey, whether continuing her career as a professional player or stepping into a role in sports management. Whatever path she chooses, her story stands as a reflection of what is possible when talent meets opportunity and of the lasting impact academic scholars can have in helping students turn potential into purpose.

2026 SCHOLARSHIP GALA

The ULV Women's Volleyball team will be celebrated for their accomplishments at the 2026 Scholarship Gala on May 2. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and an evening of dancing at 8:30 p.m. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, and additional details, visit laverne.edu/gala.