Jamya Fields, a senior at Elsik High School, is making her mark both on the volleyball court and in the classroom. Fields, one of the standout players for the Elsik Rams, was inspired to take up the sport after looking up to her older sister, Jayla Fields, who also played at Elsik before graduating in 2018.
Following in her sister’s footsteps, Jamya began her volleyball journey during her freshman year, as the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her from starting in eighth grade.
“I’ve always looked up to [Jayla] and seeing her play made me interested. Volleyball is my life and playing it releases my mind. I love volleyball, and anything volleyball-related brings me happiness,” said Fields.
Despite the delayed start, Fields quickly developed a passion for the sport. She currently plays club volleyball for First Triumph Volleyball Club, where she started in her sophomore year and has remained ever since. For Fields, playing volleyball brings a sense of peace and purpose.
Fields knows that playing at the collegiate level requires hard work and dedication, and she is constantly striving to improve her game. To prepare, she concentrates on increasing her hitting power with guidance from Coach Rose, her club volleyball head coach.
“Although I’m consistent and my hits are good, I want to become more powerful with them and more aggressive,” said Fields. “I also want to improve on switching the direction of my hand when hitting different and difficult angles.
As a senior, Fields plays a crucial role as a leader on the team, especially being one of only three returning starters from last year. Her experience and leadership are vital to the development of this year’s squad.
“We only have three returning starters from last year’s team, five returning varsity total, so we’re building a whole new offense,” said Elsik head volleyball coach, Alyssa Lantz. “We have a few rookies that have never played varsity indoor volleyball and one player from Canada that transferred in, so it helps to have Jamya because she’s played a variety of positions and she knows how to move, play and adjust when we need her to.”
“On and off the court I try my best to uplift my teammates even when I’m hard on myself,” said Fields. “I tell them to shake it off, we got the next one or make up the mistake with a pass or a hit. Overall, I try to help them get out of their head because I know from personal experience that once you’re in your head, it’s hard to get out of it.”
Fields has drawn inspiration from several sources. Although she does not follow a particular collegiate volleyball team religiously, her love for the game drives her to watch various college volleyball matches. During the 2024 Olympics, she was particularly captivated by Avery Skinner, an outside hitter for Team USA, and the professional Italian Series A1 team Chieri.
“I love how aggressive she is and how she always does her best to hustle for the ball,” said Fields.
With a few collegiate recruitment looks under her belt, Fields has yet to commit to a college. She is searching for a program that offers a supportive environment, a hardworking atmosphere, and a strong focus on player development.
If a volleyball career doesn’t pan out, Fields has a solid backup plan. After graduating, she aims to pursue a degree in education and become a middle or high school history or science teacher. Inspired by her mother, Tamny Fields, who has been an educator since Jamya was born, Fields is eager to make an impact in students’ lives during their formative years.
While most might shy away from teaching middle school, Fields believes it’s the most important time to influence a student’s life.
“Those are the times that a lot of kids need people in their life to steer them the right way, and if I can be that person, then I know that I’m fulfilling my purpose in life,” said Fields.
Fields is supported by a strong network of family and friends who encourage her to stay positive and persistent, no matter the challenges she faces.
“They’ve always encouraged me to keep my head held high, keep pushing no matter what I go through, and no matter how hard it may become, keep going. I never know who’s watching. All the hard work will pay off. Keep fighting for what I want, pray, and give all my problems to God. Everything will work out in the end if I just stay cool, calm, and collected,” said Fields.
About Jamya Fields:
Class: 2025
IG: @jfields_volleyball
Twitter: @jfields_vb
Position: Middle Hitter/Blocker, OPP, OH, Middle Back, and Left Back
Height & weight: 5-feet-10, 154 pounds
Player she studies: Avery Skinner (United States women’s national volleyball team)
Favorite artist: Kaash Paige
Status: uncommitted
Favorite subject: History and Science
Shout Outs: God, Mom, Dad, Coach Rose, Coach Lantz, best friend Cacey and everyone who believes in me
