Blazer Spotlight: Hedia Lewis '24

This singular goal became the main focus for Hedia growing up, and this year, her incredible drive and determination made her dream a reality. Next year, Hedia will join the Division I volleyball program at South Carolina State in Orangeburg, South Carolina as an outside hitter. 

Hedia’s athletic journey began in First Grade, when she finagled her way onto her older sister’s Fifth Grade volleyball team at her local Boys and Girls club in Seattle. She started pursuing the sport more seriously in Eighth Grade when she joined the club team Washington Academy Volleyball, while also playing Middle School volleyball at Bush. She also began making her own recruitment profiles and emailing college coaches at this time. Hedia looked up to former Bush student Sophie Stephenson ’22, who recently transferred to Loyola Marymount University after two years of playing volleyball at the University of Illinois.

“Sophie helped me set up my first recruitment profile and my first email,” Hedia recalled.

As her high school career progressed, Hedia steadily whittled down her college choices until she had just four her senior year. She ended up choosing South Carolina State because she loved the players and coaches during her visit, and she will be able to play right away as a freshman next year. 

Hedia was the captain of the Bush volleyball team this past season. 

“I learned how to lead the team and help my teammates stay motivated,” Hedia said. 

A player who prefers to lead by her actions, Hedia was able to find her voice “a lot more” this year. Because of her busy schedule with club volleyball, Hedia balances school and sports by taking advantage of her free periods and off days from volleyball to finish her school work. She is grateful for the flexibility her Bush teachers give her in staggering her schedule and make-up work when she is catching up after being away for club tournaments.

“Hedia's growth over the past years has been remarkable. She was a dominant player in middle school, and her potential was evident," Bush Athletic Director Jo Ito said. "Four years later, she has evolved into one of the most competitive volleyball players Bush has ever seen. Thanks to her exceptional level of play, she earned the respect of players and coaches from across the conference. It was no surprise when she was named MVP for our division this year. She has served as an inspiration to our entire volleyball program; our current middle school players look up to her, aspiring to follow in her footsteps one day. We can’t wait to follow her future career at South Carolina State.”

“Bush is the perfect school for me to be at considering how much time I’ve dedicated to volleyball. They’re very supportive,” Hedia said. 

Though the process was oftentimes stressful, Hedia is excited to see where the next chapter of her volleyball career goes next year. 

“I’m nervous, but I’m excited to play against such a tough level of competition,” Hedia said. 

Reflecting on her journey, she offered this advice to any other young athletes looking to play sports seriously in college. 

“Keep your college options open, and don’t let the college process define you,” Hedia said. “You never know what a college might want.” Furthermore, “Having a good attitude and being a good teammate also helps,” she advised. “It’s not just about your skill level.” 

Wise words from a true veteran of the process. 

On Friday, April 26, Hedia, along with a handful of other Upper School student-athletes competing at the next level next year, will take part in a signing day event for friends, family, and faculty and staff.