Kurt McConnell '15 Recruiting Profile

My name is Kurt McConnell. I am a 6’5”, 190 lbs. Middle Hitter from Hinsdale, Illinois. I play for 3rd Coast Elite-1st Alliance Volleyball Club team and previously played for Chicago Volleyball Club where we were close to a bid. I have played volleyball since I was a freshman and have enjoyed the game, it has become my life in a good way. I have an approach jump of 10’7” and a block jump of 10’3”. I continuously workout and bench 200 lbs. I feel my strengths, according to coach’s comments and my own observations, are hitting and blocking. I am always motivated to move and really hustle when I am playing. My Coach, Mike Konrad; 18s Club Team in the summer who is also my high school coach, describes me as having a strong work ethic, determination, aggressiveness and a strong desire to improve at all times. I strive to be the best and work hard to get there. Beginning with my sophomore year, I was a starter for our Varsity Team in high school and played Varsity junior year as well. I have always played up because of my age, height and strength. I desire some financial support in playing Volleyball, but really just love the game and want to continue throughout my college career. 

I have always been a team player and my teachers describe me as “polite and respectful with a lot of character.” I understand my issues with distractions in the classroom and my teachers have always gone out of their way to help me before or after school to come up with strategies and give me support if needed. I work hard both on and off the court. I strongly feel that volleyball helps me with certain strategies to focus in the classroom and the volleyball court gives me a certain type of freedom. I scored a 24 on my ACT with only completing half of the test questions in each section, and wish I was granted more time because I am confident I would have scored close to a 30 if not over 30 had I had that extended time.  

I love the game, it is a part of me, and I enjoy working with a team. I have always done and will continue to do, whatever I can to be a part of a team that strives for excellence…even if that means extra time practicing or extra time in the gym. At this time, I am undecided in what I would like to do academically, but I feel I have a high interest in psychology. I want to belong to a school with a lot of school and team spirit and look forward to my college years!