PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — When you take one look at Isaiah Pruitt walking into a room, one question can't help but come to mind.
How many people would ask a 6-foot-8 senior if he plays basketball?
“Too much,” Pruitt said with a laugh. “It's probably an everyday occurrence.”
Pruitt is truly a volleyball player, and her talent shines on the court.
“It started with me and my mom sitting on the living room floor, with me on her lap, and practicing ball passing form outside,” Pruitt recalls. “I did rec for a year, my mom coached the team, and then I started a club in fifth grade. I stuck with it ever since. I just loved it.”
Pruitt not only loves it, but he's also a very good middle blocker.
“Isaiah's athleticism is unparalleled,” club coach Ben Stern said. “He's a guy's guy and has been since he was a freshman. Really, coaches at the national level are talking about his strength and athleticism that sets him apart from other players at his position.”
That's not an exaggeration.
A week and a half ago, the Central Catholic senior was ranked the fourth-best player in the class of 2024 by Volleyball Magazine.
“I just couldn't believe it. When I saw Isaiah Pruitt from Oregon, I thought, 'No way,'” Pruitt said with a big smile. “I remember two years ago, my coach said, “I want you to be on this Fab 50 list.'' Last year I was on the list, so this year I'm going to be ranked fourth? I didn't think so.
But perhaps Isaiah may have foreseen this coming, as it was not his first honor.
Last March, Pruitt was selected to represent Team USA's U19 squad, which competed in the Pan American Cup and won a gold medal.
“It's surreal,” Pruitt said. “You know that so many people are supporting you and you are able to do this for your country. It is truly an honor and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to do so. Thank you very much.”
Pruitt feels her chances are endless as she next heads to Long Beach State, which will play for the NCAA volleyball title on Saturday.
“Each opportunity I've had has really taught me a lot about why I love this sport and why I want to continue playing,” Pruitt said. “I want to play this sport as much as I can.”