• Slug: Sports–Khalia Lanier Olympics Volleyball. 650 words.
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By Abigail Scott
Cronkite News

PARIS – It can be hard growing up in the shadow of greatness. Even though that was the case for Khalia Lanier, she managed to forge her own path.

She recently was selected as an alternate for the Team USA women’s volleyball team and will come to the Paris Olympics if needed.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” the Scottsdale native said. “Always take a step back and get perspective, enjoy your journey, and be willing to make changes if needed.”

Lanier is one of four alternates that will complement the 12-member U.S. women’s volleyball team, which opened up pool-play competition with a nail-biting loss to China Monday, and will take on Serbia Wednesday.

Lanier credits her parents, including her father, the late professional NBA All-Star Bob Lanier, for their support and guidance.

“My dad, having done the professional athlete path, gave me mentorship,” she said.

Lanier, a Hall of Famer who played for the Detroit Pistons and the Milwaukee Bucks and was an eight-time All-Star, left a legacy that his daughter aims to achieve.

It was another family member, however, that inspired her to pursue the sport she loved.

“I saw my sister playing volleyball, and my sister was just my biggest idol for the longest time. So I wanted to play,” she said about her introduction to the sport at 12 after transitioning from playing basketball. “I ended up falling in love with it.”

Competing with Scottsdale’s Arizona Storm was transformative for Lanier, providing both a competitive environment and lasting friendships.

Arizona Storm coach Terri Spann said Lanier is “a big name in our gym. … Everyone wants to kind of mirror after an athlete like Khalia Lanier.”

Winning the national Gatorade Player of the Year award during her Xavier Prep years is one of Lanier’s favorite memories.

The decision to play at USC was influenced by family ties and a sense of comfort.

“I ended up honestly just having a gut feeling at USC,” Lanier said. “My aunt, uncle and cousins also live in L.A., so it was a good opportunity to have their support.”

As a student-athlete at USC, Lanier juggled rigorous schedules with early morning workouts, classes and afternoon practices.

“Choosing a sport as your career path is like an addiction,” she said. “You have to choose to be uncomfortable and take huge risks.”

Named as an alternate outside hitter for Paris Games, Lanier acknowledged the honor while navigating mixed emotions.

“It’s an interesting conversation being chosen as an alternate, because you’re so close to being on the Olympic team but not quite there,” she said. “There’s a lot of appreciation, but also even more to do.”

Preparing for her role involves physical and mental readiness, knowing she could be called upon at any moment.

“We’re still practicing every day like the other girls,” she said. “I think the bigger challenge is mentally staying ready, especially after wanting to be on the roster but being chosen as an alternate.”

Xavier Prep coach Lamar-Reneé Bryant is impressed with Lanier’s growth.

“Just with the natural progression of maturity, she understood the importance of celebrating teammates and supporting them, not just focusing on her own success,” she said.

Bryant believes Lanier’s “legacy here is going to be here forever. She’s extremely talented and very decorated, and her impact will inspire future players who come through the program.”

Venturing into new territory has been crucial for Lanier’s growth.

“It’s really scary to be uncomfortable, but it’s valuable to take a step out of your comfort zone and experience something else,” she said. “Arizona will always be home, and I appreciate it even more after experiencing life overseas.”

Spann is thrilled for the opportunity volleyball presented to Lanier.

“There’s a lot of athletes out there that don’t realize how blessed they are to have that natural ability to be successful and I’m glad she was able to find that inner beast in her and challenge herself,” she said.

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