Academics were always the priority in the Adebayo household.
Sports were unfamiliar territory until Abisola Adebayo picked up a volleyball during her freshman year in high school.
The Westside High School senior has not only become the first athlete in her Nigerian family, but also transformed how her parents and older brother view the role of athletics. With a 4.15 GPA, a Division I scholarship to the University at Buffalo and a future that blends brains with athleticism, Abisola is rewriting what’s possible for her family.
Growing up in a Nigerian household, sports were an integral part of everyday life, but primarily as a community pastime, rather than a career path.
“Sports are intertwined with our culture in Nigeria,” said Abisola’s father, Ola Adebayo. “Street soccer is very popular in Nigeria and across Africa, where if you’re not playing in the game, it’s definitely a form of spectacle entertainment.”
For the Adebayos, education was the foundation for success.
“Academics are and have always been the Nigerian cultural way of parents giving their children a heads up in life,” said Ola. “It helps with securing their future and being well-grounded for whatever life throws at you.”
That focus on education made Abisola’s interest in volleyball a surprise to her parents.
“I was very skeptical at first, because of the commitment involved,” said Samone Adebayo, Abisola’s mother.
Still, the same discipline and respect her parents instilled in her gave Abisola the confidence to try something new.
“At a young age, my parents taught me discipline, respect and hard work,” said Abisola. “At first, I questioned if sports were realistic since no one in my family had played, but I also felt excited to pursue something I loved.”
Without a family blueprint to follow, Abisola was carving her own path.
“Stepping into uncharted territory as the first athlete in my family felt empowering,” said Abisola. “I knew I was setting a new path that was uniquely mine, which gave me motivation to keep going.”
That motivation came with a sense of responsibility.
“I felt I had to show this wasn’t just a hobby, but it could actually lead somewhere meaningful“
– Abisola Adebayo
Her older brother, Isaac Adebayo, remembers being surprised when he first saw her play.
“I thought she was pretty tall compared to most other girls,” said Isaac.
Over time, that unfamiliarity turned into pride as he watched his sister’s hard work pay off.
As Abisola’s game grew, so did her family’s perspective on athletics.
“When I noticed her passion and commitment to the game, her zeal for self-improvement, that’s when I knew she was all in, and it wasn’t just an activity,” said Samone.
That commitment didn’t just change how her parents viewed sports; it changed what they believed was possible.
“It’s changed greatly because of her commitment and dedication to the game and team at large,” said Samone.
When Abisola committed to the University at Buffalo, emotions ran high for everyone, especially for her father.
“Originally, I didn’t want her to go so far away,” said Ola. “But she reminded me that I traveled further away than her when I left Nigeria to go to college in the States. She reminded me that even though she’s going far away, she’d still be in the country. That’s when I remembered the emotions I felt when I told my mom my plans when I was her age.”
For Abisola, her family’s growing pride was a form of validation.
“Their growing support gave me reassurance,” said Abisola. “Seeing that they recognized my growth helped me play with more freedom.”
On September 15, Abisola’s dream became official.
“When I committed to the University at Buffalo and saw my family’s pride, it felt really good knowing all my hard work was worth something bigger than just me,” said Abisola.
Despite her athletic rise, Abisola never lost sight of her academic goals.
“I balance excelling in school with my volleyball commitments by managing my time, staying organized and remembering that both academics and volleyball deserve equal focus,” said Abisola.
She also feels a sense of purpose in setting an example for her family and community.
“I want to prove that you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other; both can coexist,” said Abisola.
Her mother shares the same confidence.
“I feel very confident she can tackle any hurdles she may face academically and sports-wise, because her drive to succeed outweighs anything else,” said Samone.
Abisola’s health teacher, Ms. Alexia Thomas, echoed that same sentiment.
“Abi has always displayed what it means to be a student-athlete, maintaining grades, sitting at the front of the classroom and speaking in class discussions,” said Thomas. “Abisola is respectful and carries herself like a young lady. She’s able to communicate with her teachers during athletic events and displays a determination to be successful.”
As Abisola looks ahead to her collegiate career, she understands her journey carries more weight than wins or scholarships.
“I’m breaking new ground and showing that different paths are possible,” said Abisola. “I hope my journey shows that to achieve your goals, you have to fight for them.”
Abisola’s desire to fight for her goals has already made an impact at home as her older brother has felt encouraged to take action.”
“I’m proud of her, and it makes me want to work harder and move closer to what I’m passionate about,” said Isaac.
For Abisola’s varsity volleyball coach, Andre King, Abisola’s story is one of courage and perseverance.
“Navigating the volleyball world is no easy feat, especially for a teenager balancing academics and athletics,” said King. “Abisola’s journey is a powerful example of what determination and resilience can achieve. Coming from a family that emphasizes academics over sports, she didn’t begin club volleyball until her junior year. Despite the late start, she embraced the challenge, managing tryouts, traveling to tournaments across cities, and maintaining an impressive GPA. Her ability to rise above the pressure and stay focused is nothing short of inspiring.”
About Abisola Adebayo:
Class: 2026
Instagram: @Bisinextdoor
Height & weight: 6-feet-2, 160 pounds
Position: Middle blocker
Favorite artists: SZA, Frank Ocean
Status: Committed to the University at Buffalo
Favorite subjects: English
