Kamelah Noel '16 Recruiting Profile

I was forced to learn how to fight early in life when I was diagnosed with Leukemia in the 4th grade and begun 2 1/2 years of chemotherapy. As a result, I became equipped with invaluable attributes and was shaped into who I am today. I experienced many tough side effects from the chemo, including three kidney stones, losing my hair, spinal headaches and an allergic reaction to one of the medications. The chemo caused a lot of lower extremity weakness which led me to stop playing basketball and doing ballet. Looking back, there are many blessings that came from my experience. I decided to try volleyball because I thought I could play within my limitations. In 6th grade I attended club try outs and was placed on the top 12U team. They didn't take me based on skill, but based on my enthusiasm, coach ability, and my desire to learn! Though that year was a huge struggle, I learned many things about myself as a teammate. I came back the next year ready to go with the same mindset and a new physical ability, being cancer free. I have fallen in love with volleyball, and in some way I have cancer to thank for introducing me to volleyball and teaching me how to be strong. My battle has also changed my character and mindset for everyday I am alive and healthy and able to live my life fully. I don't worry about the little things in life, knowing that there is much worse. I cheer on and encourage my teammates and friends because I know how much having people behind you helps. Most of all I have amazing determination to get better everyday and competitive drive to be the best I can be. I have beaten cancer, so any opponent I go up against is nothing in my mind and I want to help my team win. The determination I have comes from starting out way behind everyone. I had to work very hard and I still do EVERY TIME I step on the court. In school I have much of the same character. I am always determined to learn and do the best I can in every class. I want As, even when a B in an AP class is the same...I still want the A and I will study hard to get that grade. My collegiate goals are to be a contributor to a great team and community, as well as learn and graduate with a medical degree. I want to be in the medical field because I have gone through a very hard medical battle, and I would like to use my experience to help others! I know my experience has taught me something special and I want to use what I have learned in everything I do.