NCSA caught up with rising volleyball star Hayley Weidenbenner about her high school career and the opportunity to compete at the next level.
NCSA: How do you show a college coach that you are really interested in their program?
Weidenbenner: I try to show interest in a college by responding to all questionnaires in a timely manner and asking questions about their volleyball program and school.
NCSA: What are you doing to be proactive in the recruiting process?
Weidenbenner: I am proactive in the recruiting process by teaming up with recognized organizations like NCSA, working with my coaches to help communicate to colleges my strengths, and following up on all opportunities.
NCSA: Have you had coaches evaluate you in person yet? Tell us about how that feels.
Weidenbenner: Yes, I have had coaches evaluate me in person. When I see that these coaches have taken their time to assess me as a potential recruit for their volleyball team, I feel very privileged and overjoyed that I am being noticed. Their presence drives me even harder to be successful and help my team to play their overall best.
NCSA: How do you handle nerves when communicating with college coaches?
Weidenbenner: I have had limited communication with college coaches because I am still a freshman. However, I feel being a little nervous is a good thing because it helps motivate me to make a good impression with the recruiting coach.
NCSA: How do you deal with disappointment in the recruiting process? Can you give an example?
Weidenbenner: Again, being relatively new in the recruiting process I have not had any real disappointments, but if I were ever faced with any, I would definitely not dwell on it and would move on to focusing on the positive opportunities I have already received. I would not let one dissatisfaction bring me down from everything I had already achieved.
NCSA: What makes you a unique athlete that stands out from a crowd?
Weidenbenner: I am unique in that I am driven to be successful and always push myself to the next level of play. My motivation comes from within. I continuously work hard in school to obtain the best grades and be in the top 10% of my class. I feel I am a highly coachable and positive person. In addition, I am constantly a team player on and off the court.
NCSA: What are your goals for this club/high school season? How is the season going?
Weidenbenner: My goal for our team is to finish in the top 5 at the Junior Olympic Volleyball Championships, and my personal goal is to improve statistically and help my team win.
NCSA: What camps do you plan to attend over the summer?
Weidenbenner: I plan on attending the camps that I feel provide me with the best opportunity to improve my game and help my team.
NCSA: Who is your biggest motivator?
Weidenbenner: My biggest motivator is definitely my dad! He is always there for me when I need him and works hard in everything he does. My dad always wants what is best for me and I can constantly count on him to feed me advice and inspiration before every game! Every day, I can rely on him asking, “So what are your goals for today?”. If there is one outgoing and diligent person I would want to be, it would be my dad.
NCSA: Overall, how has the recruiting process been for you so far? Has NCSA made a big impact for you?
Weidenbenner: So far, my recruiting process has been fantastic! NCSA has provided a unique insight and opportunity that may not have occurred without their help. I have learned so much about the recruiting process with this organization, and feel that it will help everyone achieve their goal in becoming a college student-athlete.
