WHO IS SANAI?
Hi, I’m Sanai Severloh. I’m a volleyball athlete committed to the University of Michigan, but my story is about more than where I’m going next. I’m still growing, still learning, and still working every day to become the best version of myself on and off the court.
I believe confidence is built through consistency, and I want younger athletes to know they do not have to be perfect to be powerful. You can be calm and still compete hard. You can feel pressure and still keep showing up.
THE SANAI STANDARD
EARLY LIFE
I’m from the California, LA area, and I was born at Pomona Valley Hospital. Growing up, life was really fun and full of experiences.
I traveled a lot, got to see amazing places, went on camping trips, played different sports, and spent summers swimming with my family.
I was also a super social kid who always wanted to be with my cousins or friends, and some of my favorite memories were going to the movies with my mom.
FAMILY FOUNDATION
My family has taught me to stay grounded, keep showing up, and trust the process. I’ve learned that confidence comes from consistency, and that growth means taking feedback, developing tougher skin, and becoming better without losing who I am.
My biggest influence has always been my mom. I grew up watching her work, sitting with her during meetings, and seeing how she carried herself. She taught me so much about self-love, respect, and work ethic. More than anything, she supported me in everything I did, allowed me to be myself, and gave me space to make mistakes and learn from them without feeling like I had to be perfect. She was always the first person to tell me she was proud of me, and that shaped a lot of who I am today.
VALUES
My calm presence is shaped by the values I have been taught at home. My mother (Kiana Webb)'s lessons about character, confidence, discipline, and how to carry myself have helped shape the athlete and person I am becoming.
I want people to feel that I’m genuine, grounded, and easy to connect with. I may be serious about volleyball, but I also want people to know I’m real, kind, and still growing.
When someone meets me, I want them to feel comfortable being themselves too.
PERSONAL INTERESTS
Outside of volleyball, I love spending time with my friends, exploring fashion, trying favorite food spots, and showing more of who I am beyond the court.
My style is confident, comfortable, and true to me, whether it is a practice fit, travel-day outfit, or game-day look. It naturally fits into my everyday life, whether I’m training, recovering, getting ready, or just moving through my daily routine.
I see myself building a platform that connects sports, lifestyle, media, fashion, and helping others. I want volleyball to open doors, but I also want to keep growing into the person and leader I am becoming.
FOR THE GIRL STILL FINDING HER CONFIDENCE
You do not have to be perfect to be powerful. You do not have to be loud to be confident.
You do not have to fit anyone else’s mold to belong.
You can be growing and still be worthy of the next level. You can make mistakes and still be becoming. You can feel pressure and still choose preparation.
My journey is proof that confidence is not something you wake up with one day. It is something you build, one choice at a time.