Summer Nash's time has arrived at Bishop Blanchet

As Bishop Blanchet prepared for its first volleyball match this season, a member of the junior varsity turned, looked at the people sitting behind her in the stands and said: "You see No. 20, that blond girl? She's really good."

All around the gym, filled with more fans than usual, people were talking about Summer Nash, the Braves' 6-foot-2 outside hitter. They wanted to see the player everyone had been talking about for the past year.

They weren't disappointed.

The senior, who spent her junior season on the JV team because of the state's transfer rules, had 19 kills and six aces. Each time the ball went her way, the crowd grew quiet before erupting in cheers after the ball slammed off the floor on the other side of the net.

Blanchet's student section chanted, "Summer in the fall. Summer in the fall," before switching to "Welcome to Nash-ville."

"It's just great to have the support, no matter who it is," said Nash, who has committed to San Diego State. "That's definitely the most support I've ever had, and it feels great."

For Nash, the match was a release, a way to move on after a season in volleyball purgatory.

Four years ago, she was a member of the freshman team at Mount Si High School. After the school year, her family moved to West Seattle, but she remained a student at the school in Snoqualmie. She played on the Wildcats' varsity as a sophomore, making the daily drive to school in the Cascade Mountain foothills. The commute was so long, she couldn't take a first-period class.

"It was just too much. I couldn't do it," she said. "If I had continued to go there I wouldn't have graduated."

Before her junior year, she transferred to Bishop Blanchet. When she learned she wasn't eligible to play varsity, she broke down.

"I was crying," said Nash, who could have played varsity if she had transferred as soon as her family moved. "It was extremely hard for me to deal with."

After the initial shock of a season lost, she moved on. Teammates and friends helped her through a difficult year.

"It really wasn't as horrible as some people think it is," Nash said. "Everyone has to have their time on the bench and it just let me develop more of the vocal skills of volleyball. I think it was tough, for sure, but it was also a good thing for me."

While playing JV volleyball, she learned how to be a more vocal leader and a better teammate.

"She's a huge team player," Blanchet senior Abby Smith said. "As much as her own success, she wants her teammates to have success."

As difficult as it was for Nash to be unable to contribute, it was hard for the Braves to take the floor knowing one of their best players was on the sideline.

"It was hard," coach Matt Chang said. "Every day in practice she would play with us. You could just see that she was a really talented player. Actually, I think this year she's a more mature player."

Nash is also a member of Kent Juniors Volleyball Club. The club circuit attracts college scouts, which creates pressure. After settling on a college, however, she is free to enjoy the game.

"With high school, it's so much more fun," Nash said. "You have the support of all the fans. You have a team that you see throughout the day and parents that are really supportive. It's great."

The No. 2-ranked Braves feed off the confidence Nash brings, which should keep them competitive in a loaded Metro League. It is further proof that this season there is, in fact, Summer in the fall.

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or mkelley@seattletimes.com