Wiltrace Ngoh has already accomplished more than most high school volleyball players could imagine.
The Seven Lakes senior holds the school’s single-season blocks record, has represented the United States on the U19 and U23 national teams, and earned an invitation to the Under Armour All-American Game after being named District 19-6A Blocker of the Year in 2025. She has also committed to USC after receiving interest from some of the nation’s top volleyball programs.
But her greatest test never came on a volleyball court.
On June 24, 2025, lightning struck Ngoh’s family home, destroying it just one day before she was scheduled to leave for Nationals with Houston Juniors. Along with the house went trophies, medals, memories, and a meaningful gift from her late grandfather, Augustine Mbaku.
Now, as Ngoh prepares for the next chapter of her volleyball career, she carries the lessons of resilience and hard work along with her grandfather’s memory.
“When I look back at everything I’ve accomplished in volleyball, the one I’m most proud of is making the national team,” said Ngoh. “That was my biggest accomplishment because it shows the impact of those around me who helped me get to this point.”
For all of Ngoh’s accomplishments on the court, the experience that would have the greatest impact on her came from outside volleyball. One hour before heading to Dallas for Nationals on June 24, 2025, Ngoh and her family’s life changed when a lightning bolt struck the family home, disabling the fire alarm.
Assuming the smoke came from her cooking, Ngoh thought nothing of it. However, a frantic neighbor soon informed the family that their roof was on fire.
“My mom was at work, so my brothers and I got out of the house,” said Ngoh. “After everything happened, I broke down in tears, called my parents, then I called Kara Pratt and Mr. Watson because they were going to take me to Dallas the next day.”
On the way to Dallas the next day, it was difficult to process what had just occurred while mentally preparing for Nationals.
“My club was very supportive, and so were USA Volleyball and Seven Lakes Volleyball,” said Ngoh. “When I arrived in Dallas, my coach told me to let my emotions out and to cry if I needed to. This encouragement helped me zone out and focus.”
Among everything lost that day, however, one item held a meaning far beyond its material value: A family gift from her grandfather, Augustine Mbaku, who had given the family a special gift from his homeland of Cameroon before his passing.
“My grandfather was a very noble and respectful man who always showed great integrity and encouraged his kids to be resilient, no matter the circumstances,” said Ngoh. “He was someone I could rely on and trust. He taught me to stay true to myself, and what I valued, while also reinforcing the idea ‘if you want it, you have to work for it.’”
Those lessons continue to shape Ngoh, both on the volleyball court and in how she has handled the challenges that followed the fire. She now carries her grandfather’s example with her, drawing on his resilience and work ethic to keep moving forward.
While the fire showed Ngoh how much she had lost, what happened afterward showed her how much she still had. Her club volleyball team set up a GoFundMe, USA Volleyball provided some gear, and the Severn Lakes community gave the family gift cards to help.
“The overwhelming support assured me that I was going to be okay,” said Ngoh.
“Watching her navigate such a difficult and unexpected situation while continuing to show up for her teammates demonstrated incredible resilience, maturity, and commitment,” said Seven Lakes Head Volleyball Coach Amy Cataline. “She never let what happened define her or become an excuse. Instead, she continued to focus on her team and what she could control.”
That same resilience has carried over into her approach to the game, where Ngoh has consistently looked for ways to improve and put in extra work.
“What separates her is that she doesn’t simply want to be talented. She wants to do the work necessary to become better,” said Cataline.
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The experience changed Ngoh’s perspective on more than just the people around her. It also helped shape her approach to the next chapter of her volleyball career.
As a top volleyball prospect, Ngoh visited many schools including USC, Texas A&M and Florida, but it was her relationship that grew with USC head volleyball coach Brad Keller during her most difficult time and her desire to compete for a national championship that swayed her decision.
“He was there for me emotionally, and he didn’t rush my commitment or give me a time limit,” said Ngoh. “Looking back at everything since the fire, it made me realize how important it was to be in a program that valued me more than just a volleyball player. It was important for me to truly surround myself in an environment I know I would thrive in.”
For Cataline, Ngoh’s decision to attend USC isn’t just about finding the right volleyball program, it is the next step in the growth she has witnessed in Ngoh as a player, teammate and leader.
“My grandfather was a very noble and respectful man who always showed great integrity and encouraged his kids to be resilient, no matter the circumstances,” said Wiltrace Ngoh.
“Beyond her volleyball ability, Willtrace is taking a growing understanding of what it means to be a leader both on and off the court to USC,” said Cataline. “Playing alongside other talented athletes on the USA Volleyball team has challenged and inspired her. Over the past three years, I have watched her grow tremendously, not only as a volleyball player but as a teammate, leader, and young woman. USC will give Ngoh a new team, a new campus, and a new challenge. But the person who helped shape the way she approaches those challenges will remain with her.”
That growth has also shaped what Ngoh hopes to carry with her when she begins the next chapter of her career at USC.
“When I step on the court at USC for the first time, I’ll be thinking of him and how proud he would be of me for coming this far,” said Ngoh. “Because I’ve accomplished a lot in a short period of time, I want people to remember me for my smile. Always staying true to myself and being resilient on the court, no matter what’s going on.”
As Ngoh begins her USC journey, she will carry more than her accomplishments with her. She will carry the lessons, resilience and example of the grandfather who helped shape the person she has become.
