From “Overlooked” to “On the Court”: The Tenacity of Noah Swao Omolo

I joined the volleyball team in Form 1, but got a good team that had qualified for nationals that year, so we… never got the chance to practice or to be trained much.”

Noah Swao Omolo’s journey from being overlooked in school volleyball teams to debuting for Trailblazers Volleyball Club (TVC) is a testament to his determination and resilience. Born and raised in Siaya County, Noah’s love for volleyball began early at Duha Boys Boarding Primary School, though his initial efforts were thwarted due to his height. His passion persisted through his time at Chianda High School, where he joined the volleyball team, only to remain on the sidelines, as he didn’t get the opportunity to play competitively.

“I never got the opportunity to play for the school team. I only managed to be on the team list but never played.”

After high school, Noah continued to pursue both academics and athletics. In 2016, he joined St. Paul’s University to pursue a diploma in Criminology and Security Studies, where he made it onto the volleyball team. His hard work and potential on the court were eventually recognized, and he earned a sports scholarship with support from Coach Sammy Kirongo. This opportunity allowed him to further his studies and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Security Studies with a focus on forensic investigations. Set to graduate in 2025, Noah has shown a strong commitment to balancing his academic pursuits with his athletic goals.

“In 2023, I met with Coach Geoffrey Omondi… I joined the team in July 2024, where my main aim was to just sharpen my volleyball skills.”

This pivotal meeting with Coach Omondi at Trailblazers Volleyball Club led Noah to a club renowned for its advanced training facilities and structured coaching. After months of training with TVC, Noah made his debut for the club last weekend in Nyeri, demonstrating his impressive skills in tactical serves, blocking, and backcourt defence. His standout performance reflected the years of persistence, growth, and hard work he invested in the sport.

From his early days of being underestimated to now playing a key role at TVC, Noah’s journey is an inspiring story of resilience, showing that with unwavering dedication, even the steepest challenges can be overcome.