Mikayla Sharpless #5
Freshman | Duluth, GA | Middle Blocker

Joining the Golden Bears this season, Mikayla Sharpless enters the program as one of the newest additions and an exciting piece of the future of Clinton Volleyball. Coming straight out of high school, Mikayla brings energy, competitiveness, and a mindset that aligns with the culture we continue to build within our program.

A middle blocker with a strong desire to improve, Mikayla has already shown that she is a confident and vocal presence on the court. She understands the importance of communication, whether that is building a connection with her setter, making adjustments during play, or helping her teammates find success. Her willingness to use her voice, combined with her athletic ability and quickness, gives her a strong foundation as she continues to develop in the position.

Mikayla’s journey to Clinton has been built on patience, dedication, and a willingness to grow. Beginning volleyball during her freshman year of high school, she initially played simply for the enjoyment of the game and the opportunity to spend time with friends. After earning a varsity opportunity as a sophomore, she began to approach the sport with a greater level of commitment and passion. Her recruiting journey required persistence, as she continued searching for the right fit both academically and athletically. Through that process, Mikayla discovered that finding the right environment was just as important as finding the right opportunity.

That search led her to Clinton, where she immediately felt a connection to the program and the people within it. The family atmosphere, supportive coaching staff, competitive mindset of the players, and the emphasis on supporting one another spiritually and athletically were all qualities that stood out to her. For Mikayla, Clinton felt like home and provided the environment she was looking for to continue her volleyball career while working toward her future goals.

One of the things that stands out about Mikayla is her coachability and willingness to learn. She embraces feedback, applies adjustments quickly, and continues to challenge herself to become better. Her confidence, positive attitude, and ability to bring energy into the gym make her a valuable teammate who fits naturally into the Golden Bear culture.

Off the court, Mikayla is committed to being successful academically while balancing the demands of being a student-athlete. She prides herself on leadership qualities such as communication, hard work, positivity, and accountability. Whether through leading by example, encouraging her teammates, or continuing to push herself, Mikayla understands the importance of putting the team first.

As she begins her journey at Clinton, Mikayla’s goals are centered around continued growth—improving her overall skills, becoming a more consistent player, maintaining strong academics, and contributing to the success of the team. We are excited to watch her develop as a player and as a person, and we believe her work ethic, mindset, and competitive spirit will allow her to make a lasting impact as a Golden Bear.