Crystyna Yates '23 Recruiting Profile

After watching my oldest brother play volleyball during his senior year in high school, I would get excited when the games were over so I could go and play with the ball with my brother.  Shortly after that, that was the start of my love of volleyball.  I started playing volleyball at Mason Clark Middle School. I stumbled around during practice just to learn the coordination needed to keep the ball in the air.  As time went on, I begin to want to be a better hitter, a more balanced passer, and an even faster server.  The more I played and was exposed to different teams, the more I wanted to be the best that I could be.  During the summer of my first year of high school, I was then determined to study this beautiful sport of volleyball and become an all-around player.

In 2018, I was able to join my first AAU team, H2 STL St. Clair, led by Robert Dahm.  My immediate coach, Kristen King, was an inspiration for me that heightened my hunger for this sport.  She took time with me to teach me the proper foundation for the floor.  With her help, and the help of my high school coach, Melanie Davis, I have become a well-rounded player who still welcomes improvement and steady growth.  Since joining AAU, and still playing high school level as well, I have been able to maintain being in the top 10 for my class.  This has taught me a lot about prioritizing school, sports, and life.  

Always being a player who brings my excitement to the floor, I have always been known for bringing energy, smiles, and in-play encouragement. When there is a mistake that I made on the floor, I do not sit in that moment, I capture it, and prepare for the next play.  

I know that I would make a great addition to any collegiate volleyball team that is founded on strength, dignity, teamwork, and a fighting spirit.  With this being my senior year, I have been training for this moment.  The moment that I will be seen for my team spirit and all-around court experience.