Nyah Leveretter: Who is she on and off the court?

[Editor’s note: This story was originally published in the Rise Up Sports Media Blog on Feb. 19.]

When you think about the 2023-24 Kentucky women’s basketball team, it is likely that your mind immediately drifts to seniors Ajae Petty and Maddie Scherr, and for good reason. Petty is putting up All-SEC-type numbers while Scherr’s all-around ability has taken a leap as her leadership and poise have carried over from last season. 

However, the roster is more than two-deep, and it’s time that we get to know some other faces on the team. Let’s get to know senior forward Nyah Leveretter specifically. Leveretter took the time to tell us a bit about herself in order for this to be possible. 

Who is Nyah Leveretter?

Nyah Leveretter is a senior forward out of Blythewood, South Carolina who fought her way onto a Division-I court through her focus and goal-driven personality. “I take a lot of pride in how I do anything,” Leveretter said. “Whether it is work, being a great friend, or accomplishing a goal of mine, I do that to the best of my ability.”

Life in Blythewood, South Carolina

Before she made it to the collegiate ranks, however, Leveretter’s path to UK got started in Blythewood, South Carolina, a place that the senior holds dearly in her heart. Leveretter told us, “Growing up in Blythewood was very interesting. I was there when it was in the early stages of growing. My family was one of the first to even move into the neighborhood we live in. Seeing it grow the way it has is crazy.”

She added, “I feel like every time I go home, the businesses and neighborhoods just multiply. The support remained genuine and present though. I never feel like it’s gotten so big to where all the relationships I have in the community fade. I love going home and seeing that growth but also feeling that familiarity from my time growing up there.”

How volleyball translates to basketball

We already know just how good Leveretter is at basketball, but she was an All-Region and All-State volleyball star in high school as well. She even led the state in blocks at one point. Leveretter acknowledged how her volleyball skillset made her a better rebounder when playing basketball.

“I wasn’t always great at volleyball,” Leveretter revealed. “After playing club and sticking with it, a lot of skills between the sports crossed over. For example, I’m great at rebounding because in volleyball you try to hit the ball at its highest point. In basketball, I try to grab it at the highest point I physically can.”

Another valuable skill that Leveretter got from playing volleyball is the ability to communicate and lead. 

“In volleyball, there is constant communication going on, and I think taking that to basketball and having pride in being the loudest one on the court calling screens and talking about any movement was easier because of volleyball.”

Being a broadcast journalism major

Life as a student-athlete can be a lot for someone. Not only do you have to go through rigorous practices and games, travel a lot, and keep up with your diet and workout routine as an athlete, but you also have to attend class, study, and do schoolwork like any other college student. For Leveretter, she decided to be a broadcast journalism major.

“I chose broadcast journalism because I like being on camera and speaking,” Leveretter mentioned. “It’s a little nerve-racking but builds my confidence quickly. I have been around sports my whole life, so finding that intersection of two things I enjoy was a no-brainer for me.”

On top of that, Leveretter said, “I also love stories that people don’t get to know by just watching a game because athletes are more than just their sport and I want to continue to help humanizing us.”

“Why Kentucky?”

Coming out of high school, Leveretter was a four-star recruit who was one of the best overall players in the 2020 class. She ultimately chose the ‘Cats over an SEC foe in the Florida Gators and even her home state Clemson Tigers, among others. But why?

“I came to Kentucky because I knew I would grow physically in my sport in an environment where that is not my only role,” Leveretter said. “Here at Kentucky, our coaches and administration help us grow in ways that will show not just in the next four years, but the next forty.” 

She added, “That has always been a big deal to me, even while I was being recruited in high school. I’m more than a basketball player and I wanted coaches to know, respect and appreciate that and they do here.”

Overcoming her ACL injury

On February 20, 2023, Leveretter tore the ACL in her right knee in a 79-57 loss to Vanderbilt. You would think the most challenging part of that kind of injury would regard her knee, where the injury actually was. However, it’s more of a mental struggle than anything.

Leveretter stated, “The toughest part about my ACL injury has been the mental aspect. I’ve never been seriously injured or out for this long of a time. Even in day-to-day life, I haven’t faced a lot of incredibly hard challenges. I understand now more than ever how easy it is to become negative-minded and angry so quickly because of circumstances.”

She continued, “When I reflect over the last few months I’ve grown so much about my perspective on things and I truly think that has helped when I intentionally start my days with positive thoughts and affirmations. Anything physical is hard too, but it’s not easy even getting to play collegiately so I take working out easily. The mental part is definitely where I’ve struggled the most.”

Playing with Rhyne Howard and Robyn Benton

Leveretter has been around the UK program for about as long as Kyra Elzy has been head coach. That means Leveretter has had the experience of sharing the court with some of the best players the team has had this decade, including now WNBA sensation Rhyne Howard and former five-star guard Robyn Benton.

“I’m very lucky to have played with Rhyne and Robyn. They are true competitors but also sisters to me,” Leveretter mentioned. “I’ve looked up to them in so many ways, and on the flip side, they have also always taken my words with respect. Something I’ve witnessed and taken from the both of them is that when times are hard or things aren’t going exactly how you want them to, just continue to control what you can control and it will pay off.”