At 6-foot-3, Mija Bendziute embodies a unique blend of talent, passion, and an athletic lineage that positions her as one of the most promising young volleyball players in the nation. As she approaches the end of her illustrious high school career at Boca Raton High, Bendziute is ready to trade her Bobcats’ navy blue and gold for the iconic sky blue and gold of UCLA. Her journey thus far is not just a tale of athletic achievement but a testament to hard work, dedication, and the love of the game.
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“I just love the game,” Mija shared recently while sporting a UCLA sweatshirt, her excitement palpable. “I’ve been playing since I was eight years old. It’s in my blood. My mom played it, and I love the competition and the relationships I’ve built through the sport. My passion drives me to improve every single day.”
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Athletic Heritage
Bendziute’s exceptional athletic talent is no mere coincidence; it stems from a rich family legacy. Her mother, Daiva, is a towering 6-foot-2 former professional volleyball player from Lithuania, while her father, Gintautas, at 6-foot-6, enjoyed a successful basketball career in Europe. Not to be outdone, her older brother, Aimantas, stands at 6-foot-9 and is currently making waves in professional basketball in Italy after playing in the Spanish league.
This impressive lineage contributes to Bendziute’s strong physical presence on the court, and she believes she may still grow another inch before heading to college, potentially reaching 6-foot-4. Her height complements her versatile skill set, making her a formidable opponent both at the net and in the back row.
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Bendziute has already set remarkable records at Boca High. She holds the school’s all-time best serve-receive statistic (876), which includes service returns and service aces, eclipsing the previous record set by Alyssa Piedra. Additionally, she broke the record for most aces in a season with 127, surpassing Ruth Harrington—all accomplished in just three seasons after moving to South Florida.
A Player Like No Other
“Mija is one of the most well-rounded volleyball players we’ve ever had at Boca,” Coach Sloan remarked, highlighting her remarkable adaptability on the court. “Her ability to play effectively on both the front and back rows is exceptional. Typically, players of her height shy away from the back row, but she embraces it.”
This versatility not only showcases her skill but also underscores her commitment to the sport. Bendziute’s journey has turned her into a local celebrity, boasting an Instagram following nearing 3,000, a number that is expected to soar once she steps onto UCLA’s campus. Her close friendship with fellow volleyball star Charlotte Glass, another social media darling, adds to her visibility, with the two frequently sharing their adventures and triumphs online.
“Coming into Boca, I didn’t expect to break any records,” Bendziute reflected. “To break two is incredible. I’m proud of myself and grateful to Coach Dre for believing in me and my teammates for pushing me.” Despite the highs, Bendziute and her top-seeded Bobcats faced an unexpected setback in the District 14 7A title game against Stoneman Douglas, yet they remain poised for the state regionals with a solid record of 12-6 and a ranking of 13th in the state.
Eyes on the Prize: The Olympics
With dreams that extend beyond collegiate volleyball, Bendziute is eyeing the possibility of representing the U.S. National Team in the Olympics. As a member of the U.S. Developmental team, she is actively pursuing her U.S. citizenship, a crucial step toward achieving her Olympic aspirations. “Once I get approved, I’d love to compete in the Olympics and play for the national team. It’s definitely on my bucket list,” she stated, her ambition shining through.
Sloan highlighted the strategic nature of her decision to attend UCLA. While it may not be the largest volleyball program, its competitive standing within the Big Ten conference and the coaching staff’s connections to the U.S. national team make it an excellent choice. “It was a calculated decision as much as it was an attractive one,” he noted.
Having visited the UCLA campus several times, Bendziute is eager to officially commit. “UCLA embodies everything I was looking for—its location, academics, volleyball program, and the camaraderie among the coaches and teammates,” she said, her excitement about the transition clear.
Flourishing in South Florida
Since relocating to South Florida three years ago, Bendziute has flourished both as a player and as an individual. “One of the reasons I moved to Boca was for volleyball, seeking better opportunities to play at a higher level,” she explained. “Since coming here, I’ve noticed tremendous progress in my game. Coach Dre has truly seen my potential.”
With ambitions that include playing professionally, Bendziute is already on the radar of volleyball scouts and enthusiasts. Sloan believes in her potential to leave a lasting legacy at Boca High. “She dreams big, and with her talent, she could make the U.S. National Team and go pro one day,” he said. “She’s among the top athletes who have graced Boca High, and her journey is just beginning.”
The Journey Ahead
As Mija Bendziute gears up for her next chapter, the volleyball world will be watching closely. With her incredible talent, passion for the game, and unwavering dedication, she is poised to leave an indelible mark at UCLA and beyond. Whether on the court competing at the highest levels or potentially representing her country on the Olympic stage, Bendziute’s journey is one that promises to inspire countless young athletes.
With her sights set high, Mija Bendziute is not just a player; she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of volleyball, and her future is undeniably bright. As she embarks on this exciting new chapter, one thing is certain: the best is yet to come for this rising star.
