Coach Nelson on Reese Animashaun…Possessing a rare combination of athleticism and skill, Reese can impact a match in a variety of ways. She’s more confident in the front row as an attacker and blocker than she was as a freshman, and her serve reception took a leap this spring as well. We’ve been especially impressed with Reese’s ability to continue improving while balancing a demanding academic and professional workload. Voted one of our captains, Reese can play a major role for Team 2 both on and off the court.
Academic Honors
• 2025 Fall SEC Academic Honor Roll
• 2024-25 First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll
As a Sophomore (2025)
• Appeared in 103 sets, recording 250 kills, 239 digs and 23 aces
• Ranked second on the team in kills
• Registered four double-doubles during the 2025 season
• Tallied a season-high 20 digs at Cal
• Recorded a double-double in collegiate debut vs. Kansas (18 kills/11 digs)
As a Freshman (2024)
• Redshirted during the 2024 season
The Animashaun File
• Played club volleyball for the Houston Skyline
• 2023, 2024 USA Volleyball National Team Development Program
• USAV 17 Open all-tournament team
• Not Without Honor Award (girls athlete of the year award) all four years of high school
• Holds high school track and field records in the 100 and 200 meters and 4×100-meter relay
• Volunteers with the Jack and Jill of America Leukemia and Lymphona Society
• St. John’s African American Affinity Group president
• St. John’s Black Girls Coalition group leader
• St. John’s Tour Guild
• College Board African American National Recognition
• St. John’s Honor Roll
Personal
• Mother played volleyball at Texas State
Why Vanderbilt?
“The Vanderbilt community is amazing. It is supportive and invested in the beginning of volleyball at Vanderbilt. The coaching staff cares about my development as a person, athlete and student. Finally, I wanted the opportunity to study at one of the top schools in the nation, compete with the best of the best in the SEC and experience the city of Nashville.”
Reese’s Essentials
Favorite Nashville food spot: Raising Cane’s on Broadway
Favorite spot on campus: McGugin Center
First song on aux: CN Tower by Drake and PARTYNEXTDOOR