Mia Tuman - A Higher Purpose

Mia Tuman broke onto the scene during her freshman year at Ohio State. With accolades such as Big Ten Setter of the Week, Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week, and a spot on the 2023 NKU All-Tournament Team, she quickly established herself as a key player on the Buckeyes’ roster. By the end of her freshman season, Mia had already made her mark in the program’s history, ranking 16th in career assists with 963—a testament to her skill and dedication on the court.

Mia’s journey to Ohio State was paved with success from her time at North Allegheny, where she lettered for four years as the setter. She was instrumental in leading the team to four consecutive state championships, earning MVP honors in three of those seasons. Her high school career was decorated with numerous awards, including Gatorade Player of the Year, Post Gazette Player of the Year, and North Allegheny’s Athlete of the Year. Mia’s athletic prowess wasn’t limited to volleyball; she also excelled in basketball and track & field, breaking records and winning championships.

However, the transition to college life wasn’t easy for Mia. Graduating high school a semester early and moving to Ohio State in January 2023 brought its own set of challenges.

“This was a very hard transition for me at the time with so many unknowns,” Mia reflects. “I was scared and feeling like I was not in control of my life. Throughout my first couple weeks on campus, I was overwhelmed with stress, anxiety, and loneliness. I turned to God seeking comfort and begging for His peace, and He met me right where I was. The loneliness was gone, and joy began flooding my life. It felt like I could breathe again.”

Mia’s faith is at the core of her life, both on and off the court.

“My faith has brought back the love and joy I found in this sport when I started playing 10 years ago. I have peace in knowing that when I have struggles in not only my sport but in life, I am growing my perseverance and obedience to God. My joy does not come with the absence of suffering, but from the presence of God!” she says. This deep-rooted faith is evident in the way she plays and interacts with her teammates and coaches.

On the court, Mia led the team with an impressive 9.53 assists per set, ranking fifth in the Big Ten. She also contributed significantly in other areas, with 230 digs, 29 kills, 21 blocks, and 12 service aces. Her ability to perform under pressure was highlighted in key matches, such as her season-high 56 assists against Indiana and 17 digs at Texas.

But for Mia, her achievements are about more than just numbers. “I hope that I can be a reflection of God’s love, kindness, and humility on and off the court,” she explains. “He has blessed me with more than athleticism but also the opportunity to do what I love at the highest level. I aim to display His character and values in all that I do and spread His love and joy through my play and in how I live my life.”

As Mia continues her journey at Ohio State, she remains focused on her goals—both as an athlete and as a person. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the pursuit of excellence, and there’s no doubt that she will continue to inspire those around her with her unwavering dedication and commitment to her sport and her faith.