From Fort Valley to the Court: Nausia Woolfolk’s Journey from FSU Star to Professional Athlete

Nausia “Naj” Woolfolk’s basketball journey began in Fort Valley, Georgia, where she honed her skills at Peach County High School. Averaging an impressive 23.9 points per game over her high school career, she earned accolades such as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution 3A Player of the Year and was a three-time Georgia 3A First Team All-State performer from 2014 to 2016.

In 2016, Woolfolk took her talents to Florida State University (FSU), where she became a standout guard for the Seminoles. Over her four-year collegiate career, she amassed over 1,000 points, 150 steals, and 100 made three-pointers, joining an elite group of only three Lady Noles to achieve this milestone. Her senior season was particularly noteworthy; she led the team with an average of 16.9 points per game against Top 50 RPI teams and was named to the 2020 ACC All-Tournament First Team.

Off the court, Woolfolk pursued a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, balancing her academic responsibilities with the demands of being a student-athlete. Her dedication to both academics and athletics exemplifies the discipline and time management skills that are crucial for success in collegiate sports.

After graduating, Woolfolk embarked on a professional basketball career. In July 2020, she signed with Sportiva Ponta Delgada in the Portugal Women’s League, marking the beginning of her journey in international basketball. Her professional career has seen her play in various countries, including Finland, where she continued to showcase her skills on the court.

Woolfolk’s journey from a high school standout in Georgia to a professional athlete overseas highlights the opportunities that collegiate athletics can provide. Her story serves as an inspiration to student-athletes, demonstrating that with dedication, resilience, and a commitment to excellence, it’s possible to transition from collegiate sports to a professional career.

For current student-athletes preparing for the workforce, Woolfolk’s path underscores the importance of leveraging the skills developed through sports—such as teamwork, leadership, and time management—in their future careers. Whether pursuing a professional athletic career or transitioning into another field, the experiences gained as a student-athlete can provide a strong foundation for success.

As Woolfolk continues her professional journey, she remains a proud alumna of Florida State University, embodying the spirit and determination that define the Seminole community. Her achievements on and off the court are a testament to the impact that collegiate athletics can have on personal and professional development.