A month ago, Nora Hayd was a typical 20-year-old Boise State student-athlete, immersed in her visual arts studies and preparing for her beach volleyball season. However, her life dramatically shifted after she went viral on social media in October, emerging as the ‘Boise State goth beach volleyball player.’ Since then, she has become an internet celebrity, gathering nearly 9,000 Instagram followers and even teaching the band Simple Plan how to play volleyball during a Las Vegas music festival.
Hayd’s unique look, featuring white makeup and dyed hair, caught the attention of fans when a college sports account shared her photo. Following this surge in popularity, she launched her own merchandise, quickly reaching No. 7 on the bestselling list at The NIL Store. Recently, she has formed partnerships with brands like Hot Topic and has been proactive in involving her teammates in promotional opportunities, emphasizing the importance of support in beach volleyball.
Despite her newfound fame, Hayd prefers to focus on the positives, such as inspiring others in alternative sports. This increased attention has also favored her team, with social media posts about their matches garnering millions of views. Hayd, an offensive powerhouse on the court, remains excited for future growth as Boise State prepares to join the Pac-12 Conference in 2026, where exposure and recognition for their beach volleyball program are expected to increase significantly.
