Matthew Churchill '17 Recruiting Profile

    I have 2 passions at this point in my life, volleyball and marine science! I'm from several generations of family who have a fond love for marine environments. I have been boating since birth and have experienced many aquatic environments, including the Intercostal Waterway, Mosquito Lagoon and my favorite, the Florida Keys. I will be attending SEA-CAMP in Big Pine Key, FL again this summer, where I earned my Open Water Scuba Certification. I have always been very athletic, playing most every sport offered to young kids.

    My first exposure to volleyball was in the 6th grade on a family vacation. Our hotel had a sand court and I began playing volleyball with some other kids. Soon after, I tried out for my school volleyball team and the rest is history, I have played every school and club season since.

    My middle school coach instilled in me a passion for the game of volleyball. In seventh and eighth grades, our team dominated all the other CMAC league teams in the Central Florida area. In middle school I played several different positions, but once I played the Libero position, I was hooked. I love the challenge of receiving that initial serve from the opponent and making a great pass to the setter. I thrive on the intense pressure I feel as a Libero and am not afraid to hit the floor to save a ball. Our club team “Played Up” 2 seasons which really was a confidence booster knowing that I could handle the serves from the older and stronger opponents. Another huge motivator for me is playing for Bishop Moore Catholic High School. BMCHS has played in the state championship game the last 4 out of 6 seasons and have won the State Championship 3 times. I have had the opportunity to play for some fantastic coaches in Central Florida and feel that they have all contributed to making me the player that I am today.

    I am looking forward to working very hard this year, both in the class-room and on the court. With hard-work and dedication, I feel that I will open many doors to achieve my goals to play college volleyball and to study the Marine Sciences.