Personal Statement
As a young elementary student, I always looked up to the older volleyball players at my school. I enjoyed watching the games and began to countdown to when it would be my turn to try out. That day came in 5th grade and I soon found out I was not as powerful and graceful as the girls I had watched for years. I wondered if I had selected the right sport and then I had a moment. During one of our away games, I distinctly remember being in the front row and a ball was coming my way. I remember finally making a good pass and in that moment I knew I could do it. Since that moment, I have never looked back and have always worked to be the best player and teammate I could be.
I am the oldest daughter of two public servants. Service is in the DNA of the Hess family. If I am not at school or the volleyball courts, you can find us at local events or building houses in Mexico with 1Mission. In addition to volleyball, I swim during the summer season and have placed three of my four seasons. I love the conditioning that swimming provides for volleyball.
I have a dream to play volleyball in college and beyond. I understand that dreams accompany hard work. I have dedicated myself to a healthy diet, exercise program, lessons, and practice. I am willing to do whatever it takes to play beyond high school. When I set my mind to something, I follow through. I have continued to keep a high GPA with honor classes while playing high school and club volleyball. I understand that academics must be a priority this time in my life.
Last season my high school made it to the State playoffs for the first time in school history. I was so excited to get a chance to play at this level, especially as a freshman. Just days before the big game, one of my biggest nightmares occurred. I twisted my ankle, which resulted in a sprain. I was benched and it hurt in every way possible. It was in that time that I found a silver lining. While I sat in the physical therapist office for hours stretching and rehabbing, I discovered a new passion. From that time on, I decided that would be the area I would like to study in college. I would like to help other athletes get back on the court and doing the thing they love.