A young volleyball talent from Nakuru, Kimberly Fatia, has taken a major step in her sporting career after being selected to join the national women’s volleyball team, Malkia Strikers Under-20 squad, a milestone she describes as both motivating and life changing.

‎‎Kimberly traces her volleyball journey back to her secondary school days, when she first discovered the sport in Form Two.

‎‎“I started playing volleyball when I was in secondary school, Form Two,” she says. Her potential was soon recognized by coaches from the Volt Volleyball Academy, where she was given the opportunity to train and develop her skills.

Kimberly Fatia during a training session at Afraha Annex Pitch

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU /MTAA WANGU

‎‎“The head of the Volleyball Academy came to see me play, and I was allowed to come and train at the academy,” she explains.

‎‎Her growth continued when the coach of Young Spikers, a Nyandarua-based volleyball team, identified her talent and supported her move to a club in the league.

‎‎“The Young Spikers coach came to the academy training grounds and supported me to join the team and play for them,” Kimberly notes, adding that it was during this period that she was trained as a Centre player.

‎‎In June 2025, Kimberly officially joined Young Spikers, where her performances quickly stood out. In December, during league matches held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, her consistency and discipline earned her national recognition.

Kimberly Fatia during a training session at Afraha Annex Pitch

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU / MTAA WANGU

‎‎“We went to the league games in Nairobi, and I was selected to be a centre player for the year 2025 and also got a call-up to the Malkia Strikers Under 20 team,” she says.

‎‎Her call-up to the Malkia Strikers Under-20 team means she will report to camp in early January, with possible international assignments on the horizon.

‎‎Reflecting on the selection, Kimberly described the moment as deeply fulfilling. “It was a motivation for me. Volleyball is my passion, and I felt good to get the call up to play for the national team,” she says.

‎‎Looking ahead, she has clear ambitions. “My goal is to be the best player, to gain experience, and to teach the next generation.”

‎‎She also offered advice to young athletes in Nakuru dreaming of professional careers. “You have to get out of your comfort zone. When you do, God sees you and gives you strength and blessings,” she says.

‎The 19- year- old credited her parents and coaches for their unwavering support.

“My parents were thrilled. They always prayed for me,” she says, while also thanking the Volt Volleyball Academy and Young Spikers coaches for believing in her journey.

‎‎Despite challenges such as limited resources she remains focused, hopeful, and determined to inspire others through her rise to the national stage.

muthoniw813@gmail.com

Nakuru teen selected for national volleyball squad

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Muthoni Wanjiku