My freshman year, I headed east to attend Coppin State University, an HBCU in Baltimore. Our crosstown rival? Morgan State University. And while I still can’t bring myself to root for Morgan all these years later, I’ve got to give a shoutout to Nikyah for choosing to continue her volleyball career there.

One of the biggest leaps I saw from any middle this club season came from Chappell. She has developed into a legitimate offensive weapon in the middle, getting off the floor quickly and showing excellent court awareness. Defensively, she’s just as impactful, covering ground well and creating problems for opposing hitters.

The middles of Club North was on thanks to great passing from the defense. Chappell was explosive off the floor and bounced a few balls in the matches I was able to see. You see the growth in her game offensively. Defensively, she was a force at the net, roofing a couple of attempts from the opponent.

Nikyah Chappell Nikyah Chappell 6'1" | MB Park Hill | 2028 State MO is a middle who is learning to attack with more purpose. After recognizing a smaller block on the right side, she immediately adjusted her route, attacked the three, tooled the hands, and took the setter out of the play.

That is a small read with a big offensive impact.

Her growth this season has come through becoming a more complete scorer. She talks about developing different shots, learning how to finish points in multiple ways, and becoming more comfortable making decisions instead of relying on one swing.

Competition has always been part of who she is, something shaped early through growing up with sisters and learning to bring that same urgency into the sport she loves.

After finishing second at the Boston National Qualifier and securing a Liberty bid, Nikyah’s focus now shifts toward Nationals and next-level exposure, and her game is trending toward physical, versatile, and increasingly difficult to defend.

~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247

Chappell is a very talented athlete who is becoming a strong volleyball player. She made our debut rankings as the 56th-ranked prospect playing for Club North 15 Janell/IB. She is long and has a high contact point. Last weekend, she placed fourth in the top class at the Missouri High School State Track and Field Championships in the triple jump. Her team will start at the Mavs Facility on Saturday.