EVERYBODY'S WATCHING NOW MERIWETHER RETURNS FROM INJURY STRONGER THAN EVER.

Byline: ERIK BOAL Special to the Daily News

Nana Meriwether sat on the steps outside UCLA's John Wooden Center, taking a break between morning practice and afternoon weight training, soaking up the sun and some well-deserved recognition from students, faculty and fellow athletes.

It was hard for Meriwether, a senior on the Bruins women's volleyball team, to believe that less than five months ago she was sitting on those same steps, following another intense rehabilitation session after offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum in her right shoulder.

Aside from her interaction with athletic trainers and physical therapists, Meriwether's road to recovery, by choice, was a relatively lonely one. The All-American middle blocker, a self-described ``underdog'' from Potomac, Md., limited her communication with teammates and coaches because she didn't want to interrupt spring practice.

``I went to rehab every day and I worked out (an additional two hours) on my own because I was pretty determined to come back,'' said the 21-year-old Meriwether, whose father, Delano, was the first African-American student to attend Duke University.

``There's a sign in (Yates Gym) that says: Champions are made when no one's watching. I used that as my motivation.''

Four months removed from not being able to lift her right arm past her neck, Meriwether's surgically repaired limb has become one of the main weapons in UCLA's quest for a seventh national title.

The Bruins (15-0), ranked third nationally, play host to defending national champion and No. 4 Washington (12-1) at 7 p.m. today at Pauley Pavilion.

``When she came back in the preseason, I was totally amazed how good her arm looked and how good her swing looked,'' UCLA coach Andy Banachowski said. ``It's obvious she was very religious about her rehab.''

The lengthy healing process prevented the 6-foot-1 Meriwether from competing with UCLA against teams from Italy and Slovenia during a 10-day trip to Europe in June.

Meriwether, who transferred from Duke after her freshman season, used the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge watching from the sidelines.

``In a way, it was kind of a blessing,'' said Meriwether, a two-time Pac-10 honoree. ``For me, it was an experience to coach and learn without being on the court.''

The lessons learned have translated into improved court vision and added shot variety, which has Meriwether on pace to challenge school, conference and national records for hitting efficiency in a season.

Despite being the focal point of opposing defenses, Meriwether still leads the nation with a .557 hitting percentage, recording 190 kills -- versus 20 errors -- in 305 attempts.

``I marvel at what she can do with teams loading up on her,'' Banachowski said. ``She's jumping so well that she's able to hit the ball quick and she's able to wait and hit the ball when she's coming down.''

In addition to Meriwether, Ali Daley (144 kills), Katie Carter (142), Kaitlin Sather (126) and Rachell Johnson (101) have also benefited from having sophomore Nellie Spicer -- who ranks second nationally in assists per game (13.89) -- running the offense.

``Nellie is the most athletic setter we've ever had,'' Banachowski said. ``She can deliver the ball to any position on the court from any position on the court.''

Meriwether, who set a UCLA record Sept. 2 by hitting .875 -- 22 kills and one error in 24 attempts -- in a victory over then-No. 5 Florida, praises Spicer at every opportunity.

``(Our relationship) has totally developed beyond my expectations,'' said Meriwether, who was selected Sept.5 as American Volleyball Coaches Association Division I National Player of the Week.

``She's a great setter and I wish I could've played with her for four years, but these two years have been amazing.''

Said Spicer: ``It's easy to get the ball to a girl who can jump 11 feet.''

Meriwether, a former standout high jumper and basketball player in high school, insists she only reaches 10-7 in matches. But it is her development as an all-around player -- including 1.64 blocks per game (12th nationally) -- that she considers her greatest accomplishment.

``Two years ago, Andy made us write down our goals and mine was to become less of an athlete and more of a volleyball player,'' Meriwether said. ``Thanks to my teammates and my coaches, I became more skillful and a lot smarter.''

A healthier, more confident Meriwether also developed into Spicer's go-to attacker.

``This year, it's important that I keep going to her as much as possible,'' Spicer said. ``As long as I know where she is on the court, if I just put the ball up there, she'll take care of the rest.''

With or without anybody watching.

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No. 3 UCLA vs. No. 4 WASHINGTON

Time: 7 p.m., Pauley Pavillion.

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(color) Recovered from a torn labrum in her right shoulder, UCLA's Nana Meriwether leads the nation in hitting percentage (.557).

Courtesy of UCLA