Kaeden Noble: From South Lenoir to Brazil with USA D-3 Volleyball
Kaeden Noble, a former South Lenoir Blue Devil and current sophomore at Roanoke College, is set to embark on an extraordinary journey as he joins the USA D-3 Volleyball Teams for their Brazil Tour 2024. Noble's selection for this prestigious team is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for volleyball.
Noble, a defensive specialist, had an outstanding season, playing in a team-high 102 out of 103 sets, leading the team with 253 digs, and contributing 51 assists. Reflecting on his journey, Noble shared, "Last year, I saw that a guy in my conference was selected to this team, and from that point on, I knew that this was something I wanted to accomplish."
Noble's path to success was not without its challenges. "My parents are both very realistic, and they said that I would have to work hard and get better if this was something I wanted to do," Noble recalled. To achieve his goal, he immersed himself in the sport, often playing volleyball four times a week. "Spending all this time on a volleyball court has paid off, which is probably what I am most proud of," he said.
Despite his relatively short time playing the sport—only about 3-4 years—Noble has quickly risen through the ranks, crediting his teammates for much of his development. "Coming into college as one of the more inexperienced players, seeing my teammates' instant success motivated me every day," Noble explained. "I could never pin my success down to one person or role model, but my teammates make me better each day."
Noble's journey has now earned him a spot on the USA D-3 Volleyball Teams, a group of top NCAA Division III men's and women's players recognized as All-Americans, All-Region, and All-Conference athletes. The teams, consisting of players from various colleges and universities across the country, will embark on a tour of Brazil from June 10 through June 19.
The tour will begin with an orientation in Orlando, Florida, on June 10 before the team flies to Rio de Janeiro that evening. In Rio, the teams will play four matches between June 12 and June 17 and co-host a youth skills clinic at Marina Barra Club on June 15. The same day, both the men's and women's teams will compete in the Marina Barra Club "International Challenge" in the Barra neighborhood, the site of the 2016 Olympic Village and many of its venues.
During their stay, the teams will not only compete but also immerse themselves in the rich culture of Brazil. They will stay on the world-famous Copacabana Beach and tour iconic landmarks such as the Christ the Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain.
"This is an outstanding group of young men and women," said Ron Smith of USA Sports Tours & Events. "Many of the players on this year's USA/Brazil tour team had great individual seasons and led their teams into postseason play. This tour is designed to expose players to a great volleyball experience while providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for educational, cultural, and social growth."
Noble's participation in the Brazil Tour 2024 is a significant achievement for him and a proud moment for South Lenoir. His journey from a dedicated high school athlete to a member of the USA D-3 Volleyball Team highlights the power of perseverance and teamwork. We wish Noble and his teammates great success on their upcoming tour and look forward to following their progress.
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