Maclain Pfeiffer '17 Recruiting Profile

I’ve touched that net a thousand times. In volleyball, it’s supposed to bring good luck and while I’m not superstitious, I believe we can all use a little unexpected help.  Most young men enjoy basketball and football, but for me there’s nothing like volleyball. It’s the ultimate team sport and as Dwayne Wade says, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”  Winning teams are defined by statistics of the star players, and they’re usually praised as leaders. I believe that it is not the position, it is the personal character that determines a leader and the quest to bring your best every time you hit the court.  Although every player wants to be a star, I am here to sing the praises of the reserve player.

Playing with passion should never be about star status, the focus should be on athletic and personal growth. In my search to fulfill this passion, I became part of a magical team. I would not trade this experience for accolades, nor would I trade the irreplaceable friendships, the long hours of training, or moments of disappointment that have built my character. I have had the opportunity to play and train with some of the best athletes in the class of 2017, and they have fostered and fueled my progression. Though my time on the court is sometimes limited, I make the best of every moment.   

I started with this unknown club team when I was fourteen and now I’m eighteen. Over the years, we've advanced to the Open Division National Championship match twice at the USA Volleyball Junior Nationals and brought home a Gold and Silver medal, which is pretty remarkable. We have remained loyal and steadfast in our support to each other and the “win as one” attitude.  Along the way, I’ve matured and have become more confident. I now face obstacles and take risks because I have faith in myself. I’ve learned that my challenges are what make me unique. Our differences should never be viewed as something negative, in fact, they can often become our greatest assets.  

I have devoted many, many hours to both club and high school volleyball over the last 4 years because I have been blessed to have the opportunity to play for two highly competitive programs with great coaching, and life changing friendships in an environment that rewards perseverance and fosters a strong work ethic. I look forward to college and would like to continue to play volleyball, where I plan to build on my many lessons learned on and off the court. I will continue to embrace individual differences and my upcoming new adventures with confidence and zest. Most importantly, I will focus that extraordinary amount of time and energy into becoming a student you are proud of - someone equally tenacious and committed to community involvement, global citizenship and campus activities.

Maclain Pfeiffer

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