POCATELLO, Idaho - Jaydin Watts first found volleyball because a middle school coach thought her height might translate to the court.
Nora Waddoups practically grew up in a gym while her mother coached the sport. Their introductions to volleyball could hardly have been more different, but both eventually found a game that would shape their lives, test their patience and bring them to Idaho State. Now, as the Bengals prepare for another season, Watts and Waddoups are leaning on the lessons and relationships that helped them reach this point.
Volleyball was not always part of the plan for Watts. The senior middle blocker first tried the sport in middle school after receiving some straightforward encouragement from her eighth-grade coach. "In eighth grade, my coach decided I would be good because I'm tall," Watts said with a laugh. "I wasn't actually good until probably my sophomore year." Although the game did not immediately come naturally, Watts stayed with it. Over time, she developed into one of the Big Sky's top middle blockers, earning First Team All-Big Sky honors in 2024 and Second Team recognition in 2025.
Waddoups' introduction to volleyball came much earlier. With her mother coaching at the high school level, the sophomore setter spent much of her childhood around the game. "My mom was a volleyball coach at my high school, so growing up, I was always just in the gym and around volleyball," Waddoups said. "I learned to love it when I was really young." Those early years in the gym helped build the foundation for Waddoups' own playing career. She made an immediate impact during her first season with the Bengals and earned Big Sky All-Tournament Team honors during Idaho State's postseason run.
For both players, family has remained at the center of their volleyball careers. Waddoups credits her mother not only with introducing her to the sport, but also with helping her push through the days when her motivation was not as strong. "She really pushed me to be the player I am today," Waddoups said. "She helped keep me motivated, even on the days when I didn't feel like playing volleyball. Shout out to Mom." Watts points to her parents and her brother, as the people who have made the biggest impact on her career. Their support has helped keep her grounded as her role and expectations have continued to grow.
The two have also learned that improvement does not happen overnight. For Waddoups, volleyball has reinforced the importance of patience, especially when progress does not come as quickly as expected. "I think it takes a lot of patience to get where you want to go," Waddoups said. "Sometimes it's frustrating, but you end up getting there in the end if you just wait."
Watts has taken a slightly different lesson from the game. For her, success begins with discipline and a willingness to give complete effort, even during moments when it would be easy to let up. "With volleyball, you have to give your all," Watts said. "If you give any less, you'll get caught at the worst moments." Those lessons have helped both players navigate the demands of college volleyball, from practices and matches to academics and life away from the court. Waddoups said finding that balance took practice. One of the biggest adjustments was learning that volleyball can be important without becoming her entire identity. "Remembering that volleyball is supposed to be fun and not your entire life helped me realize that you're allowed to do other things," Waddoups said. "You can hang out with your friends, go to school and have other things in your life."
Watts has adopted a similar mindset while handling the expectations that come with individual recognition. After earning all-conference honors in consecutive seasons and entering 2025 as the Big Sky Preseason MVP, she has learned not to allow outside pressure to change the way she approaches the game. "I try not to put too much pressure on myself because, if I'm doing that, I'm not going to perform the way I want to," Watts said. "The best way I perform is to have fun." For Watts, that means trusting her preparation, understanding her role and focusing on what she can control. "I just have to remind myself that I'm here to have fun and do my job," she said. "As long as I feel comfortable executing what I have to do, then I'm fine."
As another season approaches, both players are grateful for the people who have surrounded them at Idaho State. For Waddoups, Pocatello quickly became a place she was proud to call home. "It's been amazing," Waddoups said. "My coaches, my teammates and all the support we get from our community have been fabulous. I really love it here."
Watts enters her senior season with an even greater appreciation for the relationships she has built during her time as a Bengal. "In my four years here at ISU, I've had a lot of fun and met a lot of great people," Watts said. "I've gotten to know my coaches very well. They are definitely lifelong people in my life."
Watts and Waddoups will enter the new season at different points in their careers, but both will bring the same perspective back to the court. Their paths have taught them to remain patient, give their full effort and remember why they began playing in the first place. For both Bengals, the best volleyball still comes when they are enjoying the game.
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