Adrianah Grajeda: From California to Bluefield

The Bluefield University women’s volleyball team had a great season this fall, going 20-12 overall and 16-5 in the conference, which included an impressive seven-game winning streak. A big part of that success came from the help the team received from fifth-year senior Adrianah Grajeda.

Grajeda, affectionately known as AD, went to Sylmar High School in San Fernando, California,
and didn’t start playing volleyball until the end of her freshman year in high school. But despite her late start, she was named First Team All-League in both her junior and senior seasons and City Player of the Year. Her accomplishments were more than enough to give her opportunities to play volleyball at the collegiate level. Deciding where was all about expanding her horizons.

“I grew up in the city, and I thought traveling across the country would give me a new perspective on life and
other things,” Grajeda said about her decision to attend Bluefield University and play volleyball for the Lady Rams. Head women’s volleyball coach Buddy Gallemore was pleased with that decision.

“Adrianah took a chance coming across the country to complete her education and to help build our program,” Coach Gallemore said.

In addition to playing volleyball, Grajeda majors in mathematics at BC, but that wasn’t her first choice.

“I wanted to pursue a career in architecture,” Grajeda said, “but my path has changed and I want to eventually become a math teacher to help those that really struggle in that subject.”

She also minors in art and would count anything art related as one of her extracurricular activities. In fact, she really enjoys ceramics the most. But volleyball is her greatest passion, and the thing she loves the most about volleyball is the way she responds to every play.

“No play in volleyball is the same…” Grajeda said. “It’s a fast decision you have to make, but it has to be smart.”

Grajeda finished the 2021 season with 144 total kills to help the Lady Rams to their 20-12 season. Coach Gallemore said she is one of the best he’s ever coached.

“She filled a need that we were looking for in the middle of the front court and did an excellent job,” Coach Gallemore said. “She is one of the best middle blockers that I have coached at Bluefield University.”

Grajeda said she is thankful for the people she has met at BU who have made her college experience a great one.

“What I enjoy most about BU is the people I’ve met,” she said. “We are all here for something and we’re college students that know each other’s struggles. We all have a mindset to be great, and it’s nice to be surrounded by people who understand that. The people I’ve met have given me some of the best memories I will have.”