Oftentimes when people use the terminology M.I.A., it is referring to the saying “missing in action.” For COS volleyball player Mia Gilcrest, missing in on the action is something that she simply has no knowledge of. With her state-leading average of 5.76 kills per set and 352 kills on the year (and counting), Gilcrest is a giant that has been awoken for the women’s volleyball team this year.

“My goal this year is beating out last year’s self and I feel like I have been on the right track. I have already beat last year Mia, I’m looking to grow even more,” she said.

It’s not just Mia’s actions that are a part of the COS Women’s Volleyball Team’s success this year, which has catapulted them into the 13th spot amongst all community colleges in the state. Mia puts a lot of appreciation on her teammates stating, “This year its the defense that is challenging me to be a better hitter. The setters are giving me sets that are just perfect for what I like to get the ball down.”

Although now Gilcrest is getting the spotlight, volleyball has been a lifelong passion for the second-year sophomore from Redwood High School. “[My sister] started from the baseline with me and taught me the basics,” Gilcrest said. “I fell in love with the game, I grew up watching her until I got to the level to perform and show everyone what I could do.”

She cites her older sister as a huge inspiration, saying that she was the reason she continued her drive for the sport. Gilcrest continued her playing volleyball outside of the traditional school team though, as she was a member of club travel teams all over the Central Valley in areas like Fresno and Clovis.

When asked about her options coming out of high school, Gilcrest cites the 2020 pandemic as having an impact on her decision if she wanted to continue her career in volleyball. Despite interest in her junior season from some division one programs, Gilcrest stated that it was not enough to get her any offers, especially once the pandemic had hit. “Once my senior year of high school hit and I had no more film to produce it was kind of just cut off… I am pretty sure if I had the film and had the senior year to perform I could have gone elsewhere and I am now here,” Gilcrest said.

Although her original plan was to head to Texas and pursue a degree at Southern Methodist University, Gilcrest had a change of heart and decided to give volleyball a shot once again. “It was a last-minute decision to come to COS. I decided while I’m here I should see what I can do,” she said. Gilcrest later went on to get a meeting set up with Head Coach Kimberly Rix, and as the old saying goes, the rest is history.

For words that she wishes she could share with the adolescence involved in sports today, Gilcrest states, “Never doubt yourself. I know the valley can be small and talents limited, don’t let anyone hold you back. Don’t fall to others’ talents, just keep pushing yourself. If you really love a sport, get those extra reps in. Prove it. Prove that you can dominate and keep striving for what you love.”

As for her plans after College of Sequoias, Gilcrest is looking to take her career onward past the Dr. Thomas Porter Field House gymnasium floors. “I have definitely unlocked a new passion for the sport. I believe I can go even further… Mia now compared to senior Mia is very different… I believe I can go D1,” she said.

For her, it never seemed to be a matter of drive but instead a matter of opportunity. Now, with two great years with the COS Giants and a potential playoff run in the looks, Mia Gilcrest’s future is one that looks to still be written, but I am sure many valley residents will be cheering for.