In a tiny town of just 500 people, a young athlete found something big—her purpose. Through volleyball and faith, she discovered perseverance, identity, and joy in unexpected places.
Growing up in such a small town meant limited options, but it also gave Graysin Hansell the space to discover what really mattered most.
“Um, I grew up in a very, very, very tiny town that had a population of like probably 500 people,” Hansell explained. “There wasn’t much to do, but I always found my way to volleyball.”
Even though her hometown didn’t offer much excitement, she found herself drawn to the court. What started as a simple pastime quickly became a core part of who she was.
Despite the calm appearance of small-town life, she faced her own challenges. One of the biggest came right before something important.
“I got a concussion the day before tryouts for the volleyball team,” Hansell said. “I overcame it by rescheduling tryouts. I wasn’t going to let it stop me.”
That setback could have discouraged her, but instead, it fueled her determination. Her ability to push through hard moments came from something much deeper than competitiveness—it came from faith. That kind of determination comes from something deeper—her faith. One decision in particular shifted the way she saw her life and her future.
“The day I got baptized and gave my life to Jesus—that changed everything,” Hansell shared. “I was struggling with a lot of things and I wanted to give it all to Jesus.”
After that day, her outlook on life completely changed. Her faith gave her strength, focus, and a new sense of peace that carried over into every part of her life—including volleyball. Her faith not only gave her peace but also helped her rediscover her passion for volleyball—a sport she had fallen in love with at a young age.
“When I was like six or seven, my parents put me through every single sport,” Hansell said. “Volleyball is the one that stuck out to me the most because I had a really good coach and really good teammates.”
That early love for the sport never faded. Instead, it grew stronger as she learned to balance her competitive drive with humility and gratitude. Though confident in her path, she knows how to laugh at herself and stay grounded.
“Some would say I’m amazing, some would say I’m annoying,” Hansell said. “But I’m lowkey smart too—most people don’t know that.”
Her sense of humor and self-awareness keep her humble. She knows how to take herself seriously without losing her ability to smile along the way. Looking ahead, she hopes to keep things simple: work hard, stay grounded, and keep doing what she loves.
“In the next five years, I hope to get a job and hopefully still be playing volleyball,” Hansell said. “That’s the dream.”
Her goals are simple, but they reflect her determination and optimism. She wants to continue following her passion while staying true to her values. When she’s not practicing or competing, she enjoys the little things that make her happy.
“In my free time, I like eating and sleeping and going to practice,” Hansell said. “Because honestly, I like all of those things.”
Those everyday moments are what keep her balanced. Whether she’s resting, eating, or playing, she finds joy in the simple things. Her positive attitude and humor make her stand out, even when she doesn’t realize it. It’s clear that her faith, determination, and love for volleyball have shaped her into who she is today.
Hansell said “Jesus Christ” probably has influenced her most “because He’s helped me through everything.”
