Buckeye alum Kamiah Gibson transferring from WVU to Ohio State

The thought of entering the transfer portal was something that weighed on former Buckeye volleyball standout Kamiah Gibson's mind. Gibson decided she was going to leave West Virginia after two years, then the incoming redshirt sophomore setter jumped at the opportunity to compete for Ohio State. "Ohio State was my dream school growing up before I committed to West Virginia," Gibson said in a phone interview Tuesday. "I'm just really happy to be home." The pull of playing for her dream school in her home state was enough to steer away Gibson from her initial goal of going to a school in a warmer climate. She also is continuing a familial athletic legacy. Gibson's uncle Heath Queen, a Cloverleaf graduate, was a defensive lineman for the Buckeyes from 1997-2000, compiling 13 tackles and a pass breakup in 25 career games. Gibson, who is currently enrolled in two summer classes at Ohio State, recently returned home from a trip to Greece and Italy, where the Buckeyes competed against some European professional teams. The trip was a driving force behind Gibson's fast-paced decision after completing the spring term at West Virginia. Whether it was competing in the gym, sightseeing or relaxing on the beach, the trip offered a great opportunity for Gibson to bond with the rest of the Buckeyes. "It was an amazing trip," she said. "We're a young team, and it was great for us to get that experience. Greece was amazing. They have beautiful beaches. The volleyball in Italy was great. We played some really good competition." Gibson joins an Ohio State squad that went 22-10 last season, including 15-5 in the Big Ten to tie Minnesota for third behind champion Wisconsin and runner-up Nebraska. The Buckeyes went on to reach the regional finals before losing to eventual national champion Texas. With an infusion of young talent, the goals are set even higher for Ohio State this fall. "The skill level is amazing," she said. "I fit in perfectly well with all of the girls. They are all super nice but at the same time determined to win a national championship." The environment cultivated by head coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg and her staff was a big influence on Gibson's decision. "The coaches here are amazing," she said. "I can already tell that they are supportive and want nothing but the best for me. We can still have fun at practice and stay focused." The 6-foot-1 Gibson opted to leave the Mountaineers after racking up 640 assists (6.4/set) and 162 digs (1.4/set) in her lone season as a starter. She joined a number of players from her class who left West Virginia after the fall semester, including many of Gibson's best friends on the team. "I entered the portal because West Virginia just wasn't a good fit for me anymore," she said. "I wanted somewhere that had a happier atmosphere and my personality would fit in better. I wanted to go somewhere that was better academically and a program that had a positive environment." Though she knew she needed to find a better fit for herself, Gibson said leaving teammates still in Morgantown was difficult. "I loved all of my teammates," she said. "I was close with all of my teammates, which is what made it such a hard decision to leave." Along with switching schools, Gibson has also switched her academic focus. After first seeking a degree in biology at West Virginia in hopes of becoming a doctor, she is now majoring in psychology with a minor in nutrition. Gibson hopes to go into sports psychology or help those with health issues. Gibson was diagnosed with Celiac disease last year. "Psychology plays such an important role in college athletics," she said. "It's something that everyone in the world needs to focus on more. I'm big on taking care of my mind and my body before anything else." Contact John Urchek at jurchek@medina-gazette.com.