Personal Statement
Hello! My name is Rachel Cray and I am a junior at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I am currently a setter for my high school, but I have also played outside hitter, opposite hitter, and defensive specialist which makes me a very versatile player. I have played volleyball for 7 years and it has become a focus of my life. I fell in love with the sport in 5th grade when I decided to try it just for fun. I haven’t stopped playing since and my passion for the sport has only intensified in the years that followed. I played for Court Authority Volleyball Academy for 5 years and this past club season I played for Synergy Volleyball Club. I played up 3 out of my 6 years of club. I also participate in outdoor grass tournaments, play a winter league during my club season, and this past summer I participated in 4 adult leagues. I won many medals in each of these events while playing the sport I love with the people I love. Volleyball has taught me so much about life and myself. It has brought out the leader in me and also shown me what teamwork, determination, and heart can accomplish. Every year I have not played up, I was voted a captain by my teammates. I follow instruction well and will go to any lengths to improve my skills. I have trained with numerous personal trainers to help with my strength and agility. I am also an extremely helpful and empathetic team player. I will help my teammates with everything and anything they need, whether it be support and reassurance or help with a particular skill.
I have just completed my Junior year season of varsity high school volleyball and my team, Bethlehem Catholic High School, after winning its third straight District Title, went on to win the Pennsylvania Class AA State Championship. I have been named to the Pennsylvania All-State Team as a Setter. During the 2014-2015 club season, I will be playing for Anthracite Volleyball Academy (AVA) on the 17 National Rox Neon team.