Ana Thacker '18 Recruiting Profile

My aunt introduced me to volleyball when I was in 6th grade.  From a young age I played soccer and competed with club swimming, but it didn't take long for me to fall in love with volleyball or for me to dream about playing in college.  My goal is to play volleyball in college while getting my degree in education or perhaps something in the medical field with the hopes of ultimately coaching at the high school level.  I have had the opportunity to help coach at my club since I was 13 year old and love working with those young athletes.

Winning the AAU National Tournament in the Premier division last club season, 2016, in Orlando was one of the most amazing experiences of my volleyball career. I had a team of incredible athletes who all doubled as my best friends.  I learned that mental toughness is as important as physical toughness.  I learned to move on from bad plays and how to control my side of the court.  

My high school volleyball experience has also had a big impact on me.  I have discovered that you can be a leader no matter your age or your title and that some impactful lessons are learned through disappointments and failure.  Thankfully, I have had wonderful coaches who have been with me through the good and the ugly and who I look up to.  I hope to make the same positive impact on others: on my team now, in college, and in my career.