LeAnn Bird

lbird@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (217) 372-7382
LeAnn Bird is originally from Hot Springs, Virginia where she is a proud member of the Hall of Fame class of 1997. Bird is a 4-year letter winner in both basketball and softball. After high school, she attended Salem College on a 4-year basketball scholarship. While at Salem, Bird earned her B.S. degree in Biology and her M.A. in Education. Bird is the 3rd all-time leading scorer in the history of the school. In October of 2018, Bird and her teammates were inducted into the Salem University Hall of Fame. The 1987-88 team was the first team in the history of the college to win a conference championship and the first 20 win season. After graduating, Bird began her coaching career at her Alma Mater. In her first year, the team won the WVIAC Conference and competed in the National tournament. Bird continued her coaching career at West Virginia Institute of Technology. In 1998, LeAnn began her teaching and coaching career in high school. Bird embraced the opportunity to return to the university level by excepting a position as the Academic Learning Specialist/Counselor at Florida State University. From there, Bird moved into a Lead Football Learning Specialist at the University of Wisconsin. LeAnn continued to grow as a leader and took her skills to the University of Illinois-Champaign where she served as the Associate Director of Academics. LeAnn is bringing her experience as a coach, mentor and teacher to NSR. LeAnn has a heart for helping young athletes live out their dream of playing sports in college. 

Veronica Curry

vcurry@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (216) 369-5516
Hometown: Maple Heights, Ohio (Northeast Ohio – just outside of Cleveland)My volleyball journey is a testament to my determination, resilience, and passion. As a late starter in the sport, I quickly embraced the game and devoted myself fully to developing my skills. With the guidance and encouragement of my high school coach, I earned an athletic scholarship to compete at the junior college level—which was a pivotal step that shaped my future in the game.At Cuyahoga Community College, I sharpened my skills, elevated my game, and caught the attention of NCAA Division I recruiters. my hard work paid off when I was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Coppin State University (MEAC Conference), where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance. This experience gave me firsthand knowledge of the collegiate recruiting process, especially as a JUCO transfer athlete, and a deep understanding of the multiple pathways available to student-athletes who dream of playing at the next level.Following my playing career, I returned home to Northeast Ohio to launch my coaching career. I served as Assistant Coach at Cuyahoga Community College for two seasons, building a reputation for developing athletes on and off the court. I went on to coach the 15’s team at Portage County Volleyball Club, the 17’s team at Baltimore Starlings, and became the Head Varsity Volleyball Coach at Shaker Heights High School in 2009.I thrive on working with young athletes in one-on-one and small group settings—helping them build their technical skills, confidence, and mental toughness to compete at an elite level. Today, as a member of the National Scouting Report (NSR) team, I bring my extensive playing background, collegiate recruiting insight, and coaching experience together to guide aspiring athletes. My mission is to empower young men and women to navigate the recruiting process, unlock their potential, and achieve their dream of competing at the collegiate level.

Nia Grant

ngrant@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (201) 245-4902
Nia Grant (Penn State ’15) is a decorated middle blocker turned coach and educator. A two-time NCAA national champion with Penn State (2013, 2014), she was a standout in the Big Ten and NCAA—earning All‑America and All‑Big Ten honors as a senior and consistently ranking among her team’s top in hitting and blocking throughout her collegiate career.Grant took her game international, competing professionally in Thailand, France, Germany, Poland, Japan, and making her mark in Italy’s top leagues. Her impact abroad was recognized when she was named Best Blocker in Germany’s Bundesliga (2018–19), and she continued her elite play through Athletes Unlimited and as a charter signee of the Grand Rapids Rise in the new Pro Volleyball Federation in 2024. Now shaping the next generation, Grant leads the volleyball and education programming at the Nia Grant Volleyball Academy. She’s also a sought-after camp leader throughout the country and internationally, where she brings elite-level experience and inspiration to youth athletes. Her latest projects focus on taking kids on international tours to gain exposure and life changing experience through sport. Her goal is to see as many kids get to college as she can!---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Position: Middle Blocker / CoachHometown: Warren, OhioAlma Mater: Penn State University (Communications)🎓Collegiate Career (Penn State University, 2011–2015):* Helped lead Penn State to back-to-back NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships in 2013 and 2014 under coach Russ Rose.* As a senior in 2014: Recorded a.458 hitting percentage, ranking second nationally and in the Big Ten, and earned unanimous All‑Big Ten honors and AVCA First Team All - America honors.* As a junior in 2013: Named to the AVCA All‑Northeast Region team and earned AVCA All‑America honorable mention, finishing fifth on the team with 208 kills and second with 38 aces; posted a .350 hitting percentage (5th in the Big Ten). * As a sophomore in 2012: Started all 36 matches at middle hitter, led Penn State in blocks (120 total, 0.97 per set), and posted 205 kills (.376 hitting percentage). * As a freshman in 2011: Started 32 matches, ranked second on the team with 107 blocks (0.91 per set), and totaled 151 kills (.346 hitting percentage). ---🏐 Professional Playing Career (2015–Present)* Began professional career in Thailand with Ayutthaya A.T.C.C. (2014–15), followed by Nantes Volleyball Club in France. * Competed in Germany with several top Bundesliga teams, including Allianz MTV Stuttgart (winning the DVV‑Pokal) and SC Potsdam, where she was recognized as the Best Blocker in the Bundesliga (2018–19) season. * Also played in Poland (BKS Bielsko‑Biała) and participated in Italy’s professional league as part of her European club trajectory. * Joined Athletes Unlimited Volleyball in the U.S. during the 2020–21 season, maintaining a high level of play within this dynamic league structure. * In 2023, signed with the Grand Rapids Rise from the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), bringing over seven years of international professional experience and earning multiple club-level medals. ---🧑‍🏫 Coaching & Development Roles* Founder of the Nia Grant Volleyball Academy, offering elite-level instruction through camps and training programs. She has also partnered with organizations such as Granted Opportunities to coach aspiring youth athletes. Running camps across the country and internationally, she focuses on finding and developing talent to help athletes achieve their goals of playing at the next level.* Previous head coach and volleyball director at SPIRE Academy (OH) and Saint Benedicts Prep (NJ).* Previous assistant coach at Northeastern University in 2023.---

Luther Henderson

lhenderson@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (614) 753-9507
Office: (614) 753-9507
I’m Luther Henderson and I’m a company scout with NSR. My purpose is to help kids pursue their dreams through the avenue of sports. Playing collegiately positively changed the trajectory of my life and I know it can do the same for others. I come from a coaching background in which I had the opportunity to coach collegiately for about 10 years before I stepped away to coach at the youth level. My main purpose is to help open the doors of opportunity for these young athletes that need someone on their side believing in their dreams with as much vigor and passion as they do! Most of my free time is spent with my beautiful wife at a ball field or in a gym to watch our two sons compete in sports all year round. 

Mason Meyer

mmeyer@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (260) 901-0498
As an NSR Area Scout, I bring a deep passion for baseball and a strong background both on and off the field. I had the privilege of playing college baseball while earning my degree in Sport Management, later continuing my education by obtaining an MBA. My experience extends to coaching at the high school varsity level and serving as a head coach in the travel baseball circuit—giving me a well-rounded perspective on player development and the college recruiting process.Being part of NSR allows me to combine my lifelong love for the game with a genuine desire to help young athletes take the next step in their journey. I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the recruiting process can be for families, especially without trusted guidance. That’s why I’m committed to helping your son navigate this exciting time and find the right college fit—both athletically and academically.I look forward to working with you and your son to help him achieve his dream of playing college baseball and making this journey a positive and rewarding experience for your family.

Austin Schaffer

aschaffer@nsr-inc.com
Cell: (567) 224-2478
On the heels of a career in College Football that culminated in a College Football Playoff berth, Schaffer chose to leave the profession for family and other opportunities.Schaffer spent 10 total years in College Football. He assumed an array of positions over the course of his career, ultimately ending as the Director of Scouting at the University of Cincinnati. After starting his career at Cincinnati, Schaffer moved on to Purdue University, before ultimately returning to Cincinnati for the final leg. Over the course of his career, he experienced over 75 wins, four seasons with at least 10 wins, 2 undefeated regular seasons, 3 conference championships, 7 bowl appearances, and 1 College Football Playoff appearance.With a passion for the process of discovering, evaluating, and ultimately signing the game of football’s next wave, Schaffer has experienced success with players in the NFL Draft as well. At the time of his departure from Cincinnati, there were 16 players that Schaffer assisted in signing that had been selected in the NFL Draft, 2 of whom were selected in the 1st round. In signing classes he was a part of, Schaffer twice helped Cincinnati to the highest composite recruiting ranking in school history. Helping kids fulfill their dreams of reaching the next level while also helping enhance rosters to championship levels will go down as the proudest contribution to his career.Born and raised in Willard, OH, Schaffer attended Willard High School. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Sport Administration from the University of Cincinnati and his Master’s of Science Sport and Recreation Management from Purdue University. Austin and his wife, Michelle, have a son, Decker, and a Golden Retriever, Dwight.