NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Amber Cerrillos to talk about her high school and club seasons and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: How did your high school team do this year?
Cerrillos: My High School team did great this year, we were 36-4. My team had set a goal to win the Michigan City Invite and the Class 1A Showdown and we had accomplished this goal plus defeating all the 1A schools we had played. My team won Sectionals, Regional, and State without dropping one game.
NCSA: Were you recognized by your team or anyone else for your performance this year?
Cerrillos: This year I was chosen for the First Team All State for Class 1A. For the Class 1A Showdown and the Marquette Invite, I was chosen for the All-Tournament team.
NCSA: How do you handle club tryouts? Are you nervous? If so, how do you get over your nerves?
Cerrillos: For me club tryouts are not nerve-wracking because I have been playing for my club since I was in third grade. When I go to tryouts I give it my best effort to try and show coaches that I deserve to be on their team.
NCSA: What are you looking forward to most during this club season?
Cerrillos: During this club season I am looking forward to making the number one team for 17s and playing with a new group of girls. I am ready to compete at a higher level of volleyball and play against athletes from around the country. I am also excited about getting a new coach this year and traveling to new places.
NCSA: What type of recruiting contacts do you have so far?
Cerrillos: So far I have received a few e-mails and letters from college coaches. I have been e-mailing colleges that I have interest in and I am waiting for their responses.
NCSA: What are your recruiting plans over the next 6 months?
Cerrillos: In the next 6 months I plan on contacting as many colleges as possible and trying to get my name out there. While I am playing club I am going to send colleges my schedule and hopefully they can come and see me play. I am also going to tape my club games and send tape to coaches who are interested in my film.
NCSA: What is best advice you have heard about recruiting so far?
Cerrillos: The best advice I have received about recruiting is to not turn a team down even if you are not initially interested, because you may change your mind at any given moment. Do not give up on contacting a team if they seem like they do not want you at first, because they might see you play and they might change their decision on recruiting you.
