BOISE, Idaho — Former College of Southern Idaho volleyball standout Airi Miyabe is headed to Paris as part of Japan's Olympic volleyball team. She is one of 12 athletes on the 2024 squad.
Miyabe helped the Golden Eagles capture their 12th national championship and was named NJCAA Player of the Year and American Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Year in 2018.
The native of Osaka, Japan, led CSI to a 61-6 overall record in two seasons before transferring to the University of Minnesota. The Eagles had a runner-up finish at the NJCAA National Tournament during Miyabe's freshman campaign before the 2018 title run.
In addition to the AVCA and NJCAA Player of the Year honors, Miyabe earned Region 18 Player of the Year and AVCA and NJCAA first team All-American honors as a sophomore. CSI's star outside hitter also claimed NJCAA National Tournament MVP and Region 18 All-Tournament team accolades.
Miyabe's 3.82 kills per set ranks fourth in College of Southern Idaho history. She also ranks sixth all-time with 807 kills and fifth in service reception percent (.954).
The success started as a freshman in Twin Falls, when the Olympian received Region 18 first-team honors, NJCAA All-American recognition and a second team AVCA All-American nod.
Miyabe plays middle blocker for Japan, which earned a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics by finishing second in the Volleyball Nations League. She posted 11 points on six kills, four blocks and one ace during the semifinals, helping Japan reach its first-ever VNL final, defeating top-ranked Brazil 3-2.
Japan is currently ranked No. 7 in the world and was placed in Group B, looking to capture its first medal since the London Olympics. Japan opens the Paris Olympics on Sunday, July 28, against No. 4 Poland. The women's preliminary rounds begin Saturday, July 27.
The 12 teams are divided into three groups, with the top-two squad advancing to the final tournament. The top two from the third-placed teams also advance.
Miyabe averaged 2.97 kills, 0.93 digs and 0.27 blocks per set in 2021 at Minnesota, appearing in 27 matches. The Gophers reached a Final Four, Elite Eight and Sweet 16 during Miyabe's time in the Big Ten. She had a career-high 18-kill outing on .324 hitting during a Sweet 16 showdown with Baylor in 2021.
The former Golden Eagle is the 10th member of Team Idaho to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Miyabe is the third international qualifier, joining Great Britain's Sam Atkin and Elizabeth Bird.
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