For Natanael Mena, or Nat as his teammates call him, volleyball started out as something casual — just for fun. But after a few years, it turned into something much bigger.

A freshman from Kentwood, Mich., Nat joins the Davenport men's volleyball team as a Middle, ready to take his game to the next level and compete among some of the best players in college volleyball.

"I actually started playing through my friend Shaq," Nat said, referring to his current teammate, Shaquann Amenuvor. "I enjoyed the sport in general from playing for fun in the past, and once I joined a team, I really started to love it."

Though he's only been playing organized volleyball for about two years, Nat has already had his share of standout moments. His favorite so far?

"Probably my game-winning dump against Loy Norrix in the third set, my senior year," he said. "That one felt good."

Off the court, Nat is just as competitive — he loves to play and watch basketball, and when it comes to snacks, Fruity Pebbles are his go-to. His pregame playlist features Yeat, whose energy helps him lock in before matches.

And there's more to Nat than just athletics — he's got a hidden skill that surprises most people. "In fourth grade, I could solve a Rubik's Cube in about 30 seconds," he said with a grin.

When it came time to choose a college, Davenport University felt like the right fit. "I heard good things about the programs here," Nat said. "The volleyball team and the coach were really welcoming — that made my decision easy."

Now, Nat's looking forward to what lies ahead. "I'm most excited to play with and against guys on the next level," he said. "I want to learn and improve my game as much as I can."

With his athletic drive, curiosity, and positive attitude, Natanael "Nat" Mena is stepping into his freshman season ready to grow, compete, and make his mark on the Panthers program.