Sometimes, things just seem to fall into place.
 
That's what happened for George Mason women's volleyball freshman Nia Thompson.
 
Despite having a mom who played both volleyball and basketball at George Mason, the connection between the two parties wasn't made right away.
 
Nia was recruited based on her own merit and abilities. And when she learned about the school's interest in her, she felt a strong connection to the program and its people.
 
Nia knew it was the right place for her.
 
"It all worked out," she said. "I felt really supported by the coaches and players here. They really wanted me, and it felt nice."
 
Growing up, Nia played many different sports, with tennis being her main focus. However, when her family moved from Colorado to California when she was 13, she discovered a new passion.
 
In California, volleyball was all the rage, and Nia decided to give it a shot.
 
At first, she joined a lower-level team but quickly fell in love with the sport.
 
"I didn't have time to sign up for tennis again, so I just stuck with volleyball," Nia said. "And I loved it."
 
While Nia's journey to George Mason was based on her own merits, her mom, Amy, has a unique connection to the school as well.
 
Amy was a dual-sport athlete at George Mason in the 1990s, playing both volleyball and basketball. She was a member of the 1994 CAA Championship women's volleyball team.
 
She was initially hesitant to bring up her own experiences at the university when Nia was going through the recruiting process, wanting her daughter to make her own decisions and create her own story.
 
"She really wants to make her own story, and I'm being respectful of that," Amy said. "I want it to be her experience and let it unfold for her."
 
Once Nia joined the team, Amy's perspective shifted. She became more involved in her daughter's journey and was thrilled to see her excel on the court.
 
"I think now that she's there, she probably appreciates it a little differently," Amy said. "But at the time, she was probably more opposed to George Mason because it was my story."
 
Now, as Nia dons the same colors her mom once did, Amy couldn't be prouder.
 
Nia's freshman season has been nothing short of remarkable.
 
She played a pivotal role in helping the team secure a spot in the A-10 Championship Tournament for the first time since 2018 and was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team.
 
"It's been really cool just hearing from the older girls because a lot of our team hasn't had the chance to go to the tournament," Nia said. "It's a cool feeling, especially because it's a really good group of girls. It just all came together."
 
For Amy, watching her daughter's success has been a source of immense pride and joy. She believes that Nia and her teammates have a bright future ahead of them.
 
"With the freshman team we have this year, I think all of us are just so optimistic," Amy said. "If they can stick together and keep building on what they have, we're going to keep getting better and better."
 
As Nia continues her volleyball journey at George Mason, she carries on a family legacy that spans generations.
 
Her mom's experiences and achievements at the university serve as a source of inspiration and motivation.
 
But Nia is determined to make her own mark and create her own story.
 
"I'm just really happy that Nia got this on her own merit," Amy said. "She's a heck of a player."
 
With her talent, dedication, and the support of her family, Nia is poised to leave her mark on the volleyball court and continue the family tradition of excellence at George Mason.