Volleyball player Simonia Kanyumara grew up in Rundu in an athletic family that encouraged sports. Her mother supported her throughout school. As a child, she was very active, trying netball, soccer and hockey before discovering volleyball. 

As she grew older, she realised she could not balance multiple sports. 

She then chose volleyball because she enjoyed it most and her coach invested in her growth. 

Her volleyball journey started around age 11 in primary school in Rundu. She played throughout high school, making volleyball a core part of her life. 

She recalls getting into volleyball because of her older sister. 

“She was never home after school – and at the time, I just wanted a reason not to be at home either. So, I started going to training with her. Once I began training, I realised volleyball made me feel like I was doing something right – like I had found something that gave me direction,” she said. 

In high school, her coach enhanced ove for the sport with precise training, pushing players to improve while being thoughtful and supportive. 

“That balance made a big difference for me. What keeps me committed now is that feeling of purpose, growth and the constant desire to improve,” she said. 

She describes her playing style as diverse, reflecting the multiple positions she has played over the years. 

In primary and high school, she played as a setter. Toward the end of high school, she transitioned into an outside hitter, a position she played for some time. 

After sustaining an injury, she later transitioned into the libero role. 

“Because of this, I’d describe my playing style as adaptable and versatile. As an outside hitter, I focus on aggression, confidence and scoring points. As a libero, my game is defence-oriented, with quick movement, anticipation, strong passing and consistency. I’ve learned how to adjust my mindset and energy depending on the role I’m playing on the court,” Kanyumara said. 

Her proudest achievement is making Namibia’s national volleyball team after years without one. Being selected was an honour, showing her hard work and sacrifices paid off. 

Kanyumara calls 2025 her toughest season, as an ankle injury sidelined her, taking a mental and emotional toll. 

“Volleyball had always been my safe space, so suddenly not being able to train, travel or compete with my teammates was painful. Watching games from the sidelines instead of being on the court was incredibly emotional. Returning from injury was also tough because people expect you to perform at the same level immediately, yet you’re still mentally and physically recovering. As the team captain, I felt a lot of pressure to lead, even though I was struggling myself,” Kanyumara shared. 

That season taught her that injury recovery is challenging mentally, and highlighted the importance of support systems. Her key skill in matches is defensive awareness and anticipation, reading the game, positioning and reacting quickly to make an impact, especially under pressure. Kanyumara is a volleyball standout and former pageant queen. She credits pageantry with teaching her resilience. 

“People often think pageantry is just about glitz, glamour and looking beautiful on stage, but it’s so much deeper than that. When you enter a pageant, you’re putting yourself out there to be judged and criticised by people who don’t even know you. That takes a lot of mental strength, and it wasn’t easy for me,” Kanyumara stated. 

She compares pageantry and volleyball, highlighting that mental toughness is vital in both, as athletes face pressure and critics, while confidence, self-belief and focus are key. Kanyumara recalls balancing pageantry and volleyball during Miss Supranational Namibia, believing people prioritise what they value. 

She learned to stay connected to volleyball, and found both disciplines complemented each other, helping her manage pressure and nerves. 

She works in conservation and wildlife. She also volunteers in marketing for volleyball through the Central Volleyball Association League, merging her passions. Her coach, Henk Bronner, greatly influenced her volleyball journey, sacrificing for the team and pushing them to improve. Transitioning from such a long-term coach was challenging. 

The Volleyball National League has played a major role in shaping Kanyumara’s career. 

This will be her third season in the league. Earning a promotion to the National League remains one of her most significant achievements. Her biggest goal and top priority are to maintain her place in the senior national team. 

She also aims to earn a Best Libero award at a major tournament, and to continue representing Namibia at the Zone 6 Championships. 

-hnalupe@nepc. com.na