Ashley deMarrais '19 Recruiting Profile

Unlike the majority of girls that I play with on both my high school and club teams, I wasn't really introduced to volleyball until 7th grade.  By that time, most of my volleyball playing peers had been playing on club teams for 2 years and were already stellar players.   I had been playing soccer for about 5 years prior to then but once I started playing volleyball, I was hooked and dropped soccer for this new-found passion.

Since then, I've had to work hard in order to to catch up to those who were the super stars in middle school.  After a fantastic showing with my club team at Junior Nationals last summer (finishing 13th in the National division out of 48 teams), I became the starting right-side hitter on our high school varsity team.

This kind of determination and dedication are just a few things that make me a good candidate for your team.  My parents always tell me, "Earn your spot."  I do everything I can to learn something new, and to strengthen my skills and understanding of the game every time I step on the court.

This year I received the "Heart of a Mustang Award" for my varsity team.  The award certificate reads; "For your service to others and your relentless commitment to putting our team first.  For always doing what is right, what is best, and what is good.  For embodying the qualities, spirit and heart of a MUSTANG.  ' The best way to find yourself if to lose yourself in the service of others.' - Mahatma Ghandi".  I was surprised and incredibly honored by this. 

I feel it's important to be a good team player, to lift my team mates up and celebrate the successes of everyone on the team (as well as those on JV and Freshman teams).  I don't get angry or have an attitude if someone starts over me because that only creates drama which can rattle even the best of teams.  I know I can have off days and off games.  It's those days that only make me want it more and push me to work harder.

My approach to my academics is basically the same as athletics.  I'm not the best player on the court and I'm no genius in the classroom.  I work hard with what I have and earn plenty of moments where I truly shine.   

I hope to become a collegiate athlete and to create bonds with coaches and teammates that will last a lifetime.  I would love to find the perfect fit for me somewhere in the medical field.  I plan to focus on my sport and grades simultaneously in order to reach my goal.  That goal is to become a strong, helpful, and productive member of society.