Owen Bradley '17 Recruiting Profile

I will be graduating from high school in 2017.  I have already begun the process of thinking about my collegiate goals and aspirations.  My dream is to attend a college or university that has a volleyball team.  I have had a passion for the sport of volleyball since my first year of middle school.  Once I entered high school, my love for the game grew even more.  By the time I reach college, I have no doubt that my desire to play at that level will be even stronger, if that is possible.

I realize, however, that coaches hear that from all of their recruits.  What I believe separates me from many of the other high school students who want to play on a college volleyball team are my drive and commitment.  I often hear high school teammates complain about how often the team has to practice and how little free time they have because of the practices.  I absolutely love to practice.  If it was up to me, I’d practice with the team seven days a week (including holidays).  My goal is to get better as a volleyball player.  I know the only way to get better is by practicing.  This is true for every sport.  My karate school has a sign hanging on the wall for everyone to see.  The sign states “When you’re totally satisfied with yourself, your forward momentum is about to stop.”  I firmly believe that no matter how great an athlete may be, there is always room for improvement.  I am committed to getting better each and every day.

Another quality that I believe may separate me from so many others is my emotional maturity.  I often tell my teammates that they have to be in control of their emotions.  It does not help the team when a player gets too nervous, too angry or too upset.  That kind of emotion will generally have a negative impact on how he plays.  I am a big believer in athletes playing with incredible energy, spirit and a huge desire to win.  As a starter on my volleyball team, I believe it is my job to convey this to the other players on the team.

While much of my time is spent on the volleyball court, I also take part in other activities that will undoubtedly help to prepare me for college.  I’ve been studying Kenpo Karate since I was 5 years old.  I currently hold a rank of brown belt.  This is considered an advanced level and affords me the opportunity to help teach other students in the karate school.  

I have been a member of the BBYO for the past three years.  Last year, I was elected Vice President of my local Merrick chapter.  I have learned a lot about leadership over the last few years as a member of the BBYO.

After I graduate from college, my goal is to get a Master’s degree in Education.  I would love to teach at a high school and coach the volleyball team.  I have so much respect for my high school volleyball coach and would love to follow in his footsteps.  While it would be great to coach a team that has had the same kind of success that my high school volleyball team has had over the years, my main objective would be to instill the love of volleyball in the players that I coach.