Personal Statement
Aloha!
My name is Anela Apo and I am a 5'11 senior, a varsity volleyball player from Kailua, Hawaii attending Punahou School in Honolulu. My teachers would describe me as a hard-worker who is soft-spoken yet thoughtful, friendly and compassionate. My coaches would describe me as a leader who is focused, composed, consistent, versatile and motivated to win. I enjoy my other extra-curricular activities - hula, student council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and beach volleyball.
An undefeated senior season and Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) Championship was a highlight this year. It was also an honor to make the varsity team as a freshman, setting and hitting in both the OH and OPP positions. The starting setter position in both seventh and eighth grade at the intermediate level and the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) Intermediate Championship in 2011 was another highlight. I started playing volleyball ball at six and competitive club volleyball at eight. I have been the team captain for my club I MUA ATHLETICS, four years in a row. Club highlights include the Pacific Northwest Qualifier gold medal (12 Club), a National silver medal (12U) at the USAV Junior National Championships and three consecutive Aloha Region bids to Junior Nationals.
I took a break for the 2015 season to focus on the transition to my new school. I trained this summer at both Marv Dunphy's Volleyball Camp at Pepperdine and at the University of Washington Volleyball Camp in Seattle to prep for my senior year. In 2014 I was the setter/hitter for Maunalani Volleyball Club's 18 Open team with my dad, Corey Apo, as head coach. Our 2013 club team trained hard and had an awesome season in the 17s/18s division. Although over half of our team was 14 or 15, we enjoyed competing at a higher level in 17s and 18s tournaments. Playing competitively and winning at a state and national level is always our goal and I have been fortunate to see great teams play at both the collegiate and Olympic level. I attended the NCAA Championships in Seattle and also attended the 2012 Olympics in London to support the USA women. I can appreciate the hard work and sacrifice it takes to be part of something great. I always set small goals for myself, meet them and set new goals and strive to meet those.
I have the same desire to do well in school. I love learning because I have diverse interests and enjoy going to classes in an encouraging, open-minded environment. I am currently a senior at Punahou School. I transferred from another academically challenging school, `Iolani. I'm grateful for the opportunity to attend both Punahou and `Iolani with its combination of high academic standards and excellent athletics. Academics are very important to me but I also want to compete in volleyball at the highest level I can. I am open to school location and enjoy both the west and east coasts. I'm looking for a place where I will love my school, volleyball and the entire college experience. I look forward to finding the school, team and city that is right for me.