UNF volleyball sensation fueled by family-taught strength and positivity

Mahalia White was 16 years old in 2015, when she watched her mother exude remarkable strength and optimism after being diagnosed with breast cancer. 

"We're a 'glass half-full' kind of family," said Patsy White, Mahalia's mother. "There is a choice in life, you either let setbacks bring you down and you can stay there wallowing in regret, or you make the choice to get up and move on." 

That is the choice Mahalia made three years later when she was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma while a freshman at the University of California at Davis, and again in 2021, when she tore her ACL. 

"She set the example of keeping a positive attitude," Mahalia said of her mother. "And I couldn't help but follow it." 

Since coming to the University of North Florida in 2022, Mahalia has been known for her optimism, her leadership skills and for being a volleyball sensation. This summer, she will graduate from UNF with a master's degree in communication management with a concentration in leadership. 

She will use what she's learned from her family, from her coaches, her team and the faculty and staff at UNF to work as a recruiter, helping companies find their own future stars.

Building resilience early on

Mahalia White grew up with a loving, supportive family in a home filled with "fun and laughter." Her father taught accounting at Devry University and at Cal State Dominguez University, and her mother a homemaker.  

Patsy White recalled that Mahalia was shy as a child around others outside the family.   

"Mahalia was in kindergarten when she had to give a speech in front of an audience," said Patsy. "She thought she couldn't do it. We practiced repeatedly, and I told her I would sit in the front row so she could see me. She focused on me and did great. Every speech after, I kept moving farther and farther back in the audience until I was in the back row."  

With an older brother, Michael, and a twin brother, Matthew, White said achieving excellence in academics was a priority in her family early on.

"My parents always instilled a sense of hard work and competitiveness in us," said White. "It was understood that if I was involved in something, I would do it to the best of my ability."  

There were tough times, including when her father lost his job temporarily in 2008 during the economic recession. The family supported each other. 

It's that deep family bond and respect that has been the hallmark of White's overall success.  

"Our parents created an environment that instilled in us that we could be and do anything we set our minds to and do it well," White said. "They taught us that there is so much to be grateful for even during challenging times. That way of thinking set me up for success in both my studies and my sport."

The once shy young girl blossomed over the years and would become one of 20 Valedictorians of her high school class of 470 seniors in Canoga Park, California. 

She stood out on the volleyball court while an undergraduate at UC Davis - where she earned a bachelor's degree in American studies with an emphasis in Business Communication. 

Excelling at UNF

When it came time for White to continue her Division 1 play eligibility and continue with her graduate studies, choosing UNF was an easy decision, she said. 

"I moved two weeks after touring UNF," she said. "It was scary moving coast to coast, but when I met Coach [Kristen] Wright and the volleyball team, they seemed like family to me." 

At UNF, White garnered numerous academic and athletic awards and recognitions, most recently the 2024 Manny Velasquez Perseverance Award, inspired by the former UNF Track standout who overcame life's challenges and inspires those around them.  

While her trophy list is deservedly long, White said she is most proud of being named a College Women Sports Awards (CWSA) Honda Inspiration Award winner last year. The award goes to Division 1 student athletes who have succeeded on and off the field of competition in their sport, but also overcame significant hardships enroute to that success. 

"That was such a memorable honor," White said. "To be in a room with such amazing people such as Caitlin Clark and 2022 NCAA Volleyball MVP and National Champion Logan Eggleston and others, listening to the conversation, sharing our ideas and connections was truly uplifting and inspirational. Having my family, friends and UNF coaches made it even more special." 

White says she draws upon these experiences to put things in perspective and for inspiration. As a graduate student athlete, she admits the rigors of balancing both sports and academics can take its toll - mentally and physically - but she draws on her friends and lessons she learned from her professors to keep her grounded. 

"One of the biggest lessons I've learned as an athlete is that everything really starts with mindset," White explained. "Performance and attitude are a choice, so is waking up, lifestyle, eating healthy and everything in between so that you can be the best version of yourself. If I'm going through a tough time, I don't dwell in a negative mindset. I know I can lean on my teammates or my family."    

Dr. Matthew Ohlson, director of Taylor Leadership Institute at UNF, guides student athletes with leadership training. White turned to him often for guidance throughout her UNF journey. 

"The Team Leadership class I had with Dr. Ohlson gave me the tools I needed to identify my leadership style and showed me ways to challenge myself so that I can be a good leader," White said. "It's about having a positive mindset in order to be mentally strong even when I feel physically weak, so I can be the best leader I can be." 

Inspiring others

This past April, White was the keynote speaker at the Taylor Leadership Institute Taylor Talks and Awards show at UNF. The TED Talks-type event included community leaders, area high school students and UNF students and faculty.  

Ohlson said that rather than looking globally for a keynote speaker, he knew he could find a big star on UNF's campus.  

"Mahalia is someone whose light and positivity could serve as a beacon for our students, staff, and community stakeholders," Ohlson said. 

"Mahalia's strongest leadership quality is her ability to combine perseverance and passion and demonstrate grit as a student, an athlete and a campus/community leader." 

In addition, White won an audition to be one of 10 students featured on the UNF episode of The College Tour series with Alex Boylan. The series, which airs on Amazon Prime, tells the UNF story from campus life, to academics, sports, housing and other activities. 

Outside of sports and academics, White's passion lies in volunteering at the local Ronald McDonald House.   

"I love playing games with the kids, decorating for holidays and just being there for encouragement," said White, who stayed at the house in Davis [California] when she was receiving treatment. "I can relate to what those kids are going through and any time I can bring a positive light to their lives,makes me happy."  

Ohlson said White's work with children undergoing cancer treatment while juggling a busy academic and athletic schedule is inspirational. 

"She helped these children see that if she could overcome the ravages of stage 4 cancer and thrive as a top-tier student-athlete, then they, too, could face any challenge," he said. 

Working with White for her two years at UNF, Ohlson said he witnessed her tremendous growth as a graduate student, athlete and leader. 

"Mahalia has emerged as a powerful presence that has overcome extreme adversity and allows all of us to see that anything is possible when you believe in yourself and the greatness within you," Ohlson said. 

UNF Head Volleyball Coach Kristen Wright has worked with White for two years. Recognizing her positive and encouraging attitude early on, Wright named her captain of the volleyball team her first season at UNF.  

"Although Mahalia has hit a couple of roadblocks in her athletic career, she perseveres and her spirit is contagious," Wright said. "She is resilient and an optimist. That type of attitude spills over to her teammates. It does not mean things are not hard; she just does not let them change her behaviors or attitudes. She chooses to respond in a way that is inspiring." 

White shares her story and uses her experiences to encourage others, Wright said. 

"We had ACL injuries, we had a torn retina, we have had illness, parents ill, etc.," Wright said. "Mahalia would mentor and gravitate toward those teammates. I know she encouraged them in attitude." 

Wright said the family-like atmosphere and culture of the team is dictated by behaviors. 

"Mahalia is extremely enthusiastic, positive, athletic, dynamic, strong, fast-twitched, fit and fiery," said Wright. "As an optimist, she sees the best in everyone, loves doing things well and was excellent at celebrating herself and others. She played with joy and as a teammate she was supportive and empathetic. She led by example." 

After graduation

After graduation, White accepted a position with Insight Global in North Carolina as a recruiter in their business division.  

"This new position excites me because it allows me to be a supportive figure to those who are in the process of finding their new career roles," White said, thinking back to when her family experienced the recession years firsthand. "I understand how an opportunity at a job can change your life." 

Ohlson said employers are looking for the type of characteristics White possesses - strong communication skills, problem-solving abilities, grit and a collaborative mindset. 

"I have witnessed Mahalia demonstrating these skills in many ways," he said.  

As White moves on after graduation, she carries with her a wealth of experience and a UNF education she will put to good use.  

"Overall, my two years at UNF have been amazing," White said. "It's been a great experience all around."    

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