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Friendswood Sr. OH Nadi'ya Shelby
THE FINAL RUN: Friendswood Star Nadi’ya Shelby Reflects on Her Journey; Powered by LOVB
For the past three season, Nadi'ya Shelby has been the face of Friendswood Volleyball -- a dominant force on the court, a leader in the locker room, and a name that resonates across the Texas volleyball scene.
Now, as she enters her senior year, Shelby is filled with emotion.
“It’s bittersweet and exciting,” she said. “I’ve been dreaming of my senior year since I got into high school. But now that it’s here... it’s kind of sad. This is our last run. The last time we’ll all be together. We want to make it memorable.”
The Mustangs went undefeated in district play last season and made it all the way to the Regional Final, falling just short of the State Tournament. In 2025, they’re not settling for anything less than history.
“We have a lot more to accomplish,” Shelby said. “Of course winning State is the big goal, but for me, it’s also about continuing to build relationships along the way. That’s what really matters.”
The stars of 2025-26 Friendswood VolleyballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
A University of Florida-commit, Shelby has already carved her name into Friendswood’s history books. Her legacy is secure—but she’s not done yet.
“I want to go out on top,” she said. “That would be the perfect ending.”
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VYPE Q&A WITH NADI’YA SHELBY
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
VYPE: Your brothers played college football and even reached the NFL. What did you learn from watching their journeys?
SHELBY: "I went on some of their official visits, and those experiences showed me what it’s like to be on a college campus out of state. Because of that, I knew I wouldn’t be intimidated about leaving home. I’m not afraid to step out of my comfort zone."
VYPE: Who’s been the most influential person in your life?
SHELBY: "Definitely my parents. They always told me to set goals and helped keep me on track. They’ve played such a huge role in everything I’ve accomplished."
VYPE: How do you think people see you outside of volleyball?
SHELBY: "I know people recognize me for volleyball, but I think I’m more than that. I’d say I’m a comfort person. I want to be someone people can come to for anything—on or off the court. I try to be a great teammate and friend, someone who lifts others up."
VYPE: What drew you to Florida?
SHELBY: "The Sunshine State is the best—come on! But really, campus life is amazing, and I feel like the athletes there are really supported both physically and mentally. I’m just super excited about the future."
VYPE: NIL is changing the game. What brands would you love to represent?
SHELBY: "I love Alo—their gear is amazing. And I’d definitely love to rep Main Squeeze Juice Co. That would be perfect."
VYPE: Any athletes you look up to?
SHELBY: "(Two-time Olympian) Jordan Thompson. I feel like our vibes are really similar. I follow her social media and love how she shows that there’s more to life than just your sport. She’s inspiring."
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Perry, Collins Give Friendswood Shot At State
Under the tutelage of coach Robert Benavides, the Mustangs are coming off another stellar season, finishing with a 30-7-1 record and advancing to the fourth round of the postseason, where they narrowly fell to Lake Creek.
With a skilled roster returning, there’s little reason to believe they won’t continue their dominance in 2025. Friendswood will once again rely on District 18-5A Offensive MVP Dane Perry (Blinn commit), who is expected to be a key contributor both at the plate and behind the dish as catcher.
The pitching staff also remains strong, with Landon Collins (Texas Tech), second-team selection Eric McGill (UT Dallas), and honorable mention Cooper Harris (Sam Houston State) all poised to lead the way on the mound.
Furthermore, junior 3B Dawson Hinson (Baylor), Lane Vegas (Sr. CF), and District Newcomer of the Year Caiden Wells (Jr. IF) round out what should be one of the most complete rosters in all of Class 5A this spring.