From Doubt to Dominance: How Mia Santos Found Her Perfect Fit at Eastfield

Dec. 12, 2025

For Mia Santos, what began as a setback became a story of resilience, growth and triumph — a reminder that sometimes the best path isn’t the o ne you first imagine.

Santos’ college volleyball dreams seemed to unravel when she walked away from a four-year university just one day before classes began. She had spent months preparing for her new life there.

“I was so set that I did not want to go to JUCO,” Santos said. “I got obsessed with the idea of going to a big school.”

But the last-minute decision to leave turned out to be the best one she could have made. Today, Santos is a standout student at Dallas College Eastfield Campus — and a key player on Eastfield’s three-time national championship volleyball team. In December, she was named NJCAA Division III Volleyball Player of the Year. Her journey is one of resilience, self-discovery and learning that sometimes true growth happens through discomfort. 

A Detour That Changed Everything

Santos moved into her university dorm, got ready to start classes, but something didn’t feel right. “I ended up moving in and moving out in the same week,” she recalled feeling like she just didn’t belong.

The financial reality added more pressure. Even with scholarships, the cost was about $25,000 a year. So, she went home, unsure of what was next. “It was probably one of the best choices I’ve made,” she said. “But at the time, it was mentally challenging. I thought I was done with volleyball.”

Finding Her Way Back

Despite it being late to join the team that Fall, her parents encouraged her to reach out to Eastfield’s volleyball coach. Coach Phil Nickel listened to her story and said he’d give her a chance. She’d have a jersey, could join the team and practice, but may not get much playing time. For Santos that was fine; she still needed to figure out some things.

That first season wasn’t easy. She joined a team that had already been working together for over a month. At first, she felt like she didn’t belong. But she chose not to wallow in those feelings; instead, she stepped out of her comfort zone and worked to earn the trust of her coaches and teammates.

Being on the bench helped Santos realize that playing is a privilege. “Once you’re on the court, you have to keep earning that position. I fell in love with the team, and it brought back a different love for the game,” she said.

From Benchwarmer to Leader

By her second season, Santos fought for a starting spot and embraced leadership opportunities. “I told the coach I wanted to be a captain,” she said. “It’s hard to be a captain coming from sitting the bench all last season.” But she knew what it was like to be on the court and understood what it was like to be on the bench. “That allowed me to be the best captain I could be.”

Santos also vowed to the coach that the team would three-peat this year.

Her determination paid off. Eastfield went on to win another national championship, and Santos played a key role in the latest victory. “This championship was special,” she explained. “The ring feels so much different when it’s earned versus given.” 

Lessons Beyond the Court

Through it all, Santos excelled academically, earning two associate degrees at Dallas College and preparing to transfer for her bachelor’s in business management. She recently entered the transfer portal, keeping her options open for continuing volleyball, while planning for a future career in law.

For Santos, attending Dallas College Eastfield gave her opportunities and shaped her in ways she would never have imagined. “I’ve learned it’s okay to start small,” Santos said. “Going to a community college saved me a ton of money. If I could go back, I’d choose Eastfield from the start.”

Her advice to other students? Don’t fear the unknown. “I’m the type of person who loves to have everything in order. I learned that it’s okay being uncomfortable,” Santos said. “The moment you’re comfortable being uncomfortable, everything falls into place. If I had let fear stop me, I’d be wondering what I could have been instead of realizing what I can be.”

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