Libero and defensive specialist Bella Humphrey (1) serving the ball over to the opposing team’s side. Ohio State fell to Minnesota 3-0. Credit: Rachel Klancher | Freelance Photographer.

Bella Humphrey began high school as a standout offensive volleyball player, expecting to play outside hitter in college.

But at 5-foot-9, her height limited her opportunities as an outside hitter at the highest collegiate level. Her club coaches suggested she move to libero, a back-row defensive specialist focused on receiving serves and keeping opponents’ attacks in play.

Just like that, Humphrey was learning to play the game she loved in an entirely different way.

“I wanted to play at the highest level possible, and I was willing to do whatever it was that would get me there,” Humphrey said.

The junior libero did not start her collegiate career in Columbus.?

After graduating high school early, she joined Auburn during spring 2024 to fill the team’s roster gaps, leaving her with less experience than other defensive specialists.

Ten hours from her home in Lafayette, Indiana, Humphrey dealt with homesickness and playing time struggles, appearing in 19 matches over two seasons. Her sophomore year grew harder after close friends graduated, and she questioned her relationship with volleyball.?

“I was struggling to just feel really significant where I was,” Humphrey said.

She worked to earn playing time and game film, hoping to open other doors. After her sophomore season at Auburn, she entered the transfer portal.

A conversation with Ohio State coach Jen Flynn Oldenburg stood out when she shared how she wanted her daughter to feel valued and respected as an athlete.?

“She really can see me as more than a player,” Humphrey said. “This is someone who can see me as a person, as well.”

Oldenburg valued her work ethic but didn’t guarantee her playing time.

“I said, ‘You’re gonna have to earn it,’” Oldenburg said.

Humphrey did just that. Oldenburg said her powerful serve helped her earn playing opportunities, while her consistent communication and leadership on and off the court have made her a valuable presence on the team. Those strengths have helped Humphrey establish herself in the Buckeyes’ rotation, with the coaching staff continuing to look for ways to increase her role in the future.

Through Ohio State’s first 22 matches, Humphrey has played 63 sets with 30 digs, seven service aces and five assists, surpassing the 59 sets she played in two seasons at Auburn. Her serving ability has helped her earn a consistent role in the Buckeyes’ rotation, giving her more opportunities to contribute than she had at Auburn.

Oldenburg also praised Humphrey’s growing leadership, noting that she continues to encourage and support her teammates even when she’s not on the court.

“I don’t know that there’s a day that we’re like, ‘Wow, I didn’t hear Bella today,’” Oldenburg said.

Ohio State senior setter Mia Tuman, who has spent all four of her collegiate seasons with the Buckeyes, recalled Humphrey stepping up against UCLA on Oct. 18, as Ohio State rallied from a two-set deficit before falling in five sets.

“She really just rose to the occasion,” Tuman said.

Adjusting to Columbus brought new teammates and a new campus, but also a sense of belonging.

“I absolutely love it here. Like I love being a Buckeye. I love everything that it has to offer. I love these girls. I love these coaches, and I’ve just never felt more a part of something like I do right now,” Humphrey said.

Tuman also praised Humphrey’s presence on the team.

“She’s just brought so much joy to this team,” she said.

Oldenburg said Humphrey’s play improved when she stopped putting pressure on herself to serve aces.

“You just have to be you,” Oldenburg told her.

Humphrey once struggled to name a hobby outside volleyball. Now she appreciates life beyond the court.

“Volleyball isn’t my entire life,” Humphrey said. “I love it. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t. But there’s just so much more to life.”

As Humphrey continues her journey with the Buckeyes, she leans on her faith while hoping to inspire others facing similar challenges.

“I hope that just through my transfer journey, people are able to look at that and be able to see when there is a little bit of uncertainty that there really is light at the end of the tunnel,” she said.