Getting to Know … Janice Leao

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Last year, Janice Leao had the opportunity of a lifetime.

The veteran middle blocker was chosen by USA Volleyball to spend part of her summer training with the collegiate national team after excelling at a tryout that featured some of the nation’s top players.

“I was just in shock,” Leao said last year of the opportunity.

Turns out it wouldn’t be her only stint with USA Volleyball.

Leao, who helped lead the Hurricanes to a berth in the NCAA Tournament last fall and earned first-team All-ACC honors after recording a career-high 356.5 points for Miami in 2022, was invited to train with the collegiate national team again this past summer.

Though she wasn’t a wide-eyed rookie when she joined the team in Anaheim, California this time around, Leao was no less humbled by the opportunity and grateful for the experience that came with it.

“It just felt so surreal because it was my second time going and this time, they chose only 20 girls and the year prior, was 36,” said Leao, who was also an All-ACC Academic selection last year and was one of 11 student-athletes honored at this year’s Celebration of Women’s Athletics at Miami. “So, just being part of a smaller number felt more intimate with the coaches, [getting] more attention from them. That was really special. I felt like I got more insight and more knowledge and more teaching from going this past year, so, it was really fun. And the group of girls, I think this year was definitely more competitive. I just loved the experience because it showed me that I can be the volleyball player I went to be, especially getting the recognition I’ve been getting. So, it gives me more confidence going into the season. …

“It just felt super special and great. I was grateful that I was there for a second time.”

We asked Leao to take us through her summer, what the experience meant to her and what she’s looking forward to this season from Miami volleyball.

Here’s what she had to say, in her own words.

Q:  Last year, you spoke about how special it was to play for Team USA, not just for you, but for your family. What is it about that that is so meaningful for all of you?

Janice Leao: “My parents, they came from Cape Verde, so I’m first-generation here. I graduated already and having all these accolades and opportunities, especially with Team USA, kind of goes to show that the American dream for my parents is real and that they’re accomplishing things…