Gretchen Walsh '21 Recruiting Profile

Personal Statement:

My name is Gretchen Walsh and my goal is to be THE PLAYER every coach is looking for to raise their team to the next level. How does this happen? By helping get the most out of each of my teammates and by using my abilities to complement their game so that they play at the highest level possible. This centers on communication; letting my teammates know what I need from them and asking them what they need from me to be at their best. I focus on being a leader on and off the court. Leading by example; working harder than anyone else, first in and last out of the gym, by being prepared to play my best – eating right and taking care of my body, studying hard and taking care of business in the classroom, preparing mentally by studying film and opponents. I have always been a leader on every team I am part of, running the offense, helping teammates understand their positions and roles on the court and keeping my teammates focused on the game. My coaches consistently comment on my maturity, the responsibility I shoulder regarding the team, and my ability to get along with teammates and help bond the team into a cohesive unit. I am known as a smart player who understands the game and has a good eye for the other side of the court.

I started playing volleyball at a very young age and fell in love with the game. I am currently in my seventh year of playing club volleyball. When I first started playing volleyball I hit outside and right side. My freshman year in high school my varsity coach changed me to a setter. That year I started on JV and ran a 5/1. My sophomore year in high school I started on Varsity and was named Offensive Player of the Year, All-District Newcomer of the Year and was named to the First Team All-District. I am currently in my junior year in high school, third year setting, I am playing all the way around, hitting right side in the front row. I have the most assists, highest hitting percentage and most aces for my team. Last month VYPE Magazine named me one of the top 100 Queens of the Court. In the off season I play beach volleyball to help my overall game. In 2011 I qualified for USAV Beach Nationals in Chicago and took 7th place. I qualified again this summer and placed in the top 20 at the USAV Beach Nationals in Milwaukee. In the off season I also do strength and conditioning and weight lifting with Break Through Performance four times a week. I am one of the rare athletes who truly enjoys a hard workout and giving everything I have until I drop. When others are tired and want to rest I am ready for more and want to keep working. I try to maintain a healthy life style to help me stay in shape and focused through the season. I eat healthy, get plenty of sleep, and stay hydrated to help keep me on top of my game. When I’m not playing volleyball I am very involved in school activities. I am a part of many different clubs, FCA, Key Club, German Club, Business Professionals of America, and National Honors Society. I also do a lot of volunteer work in my community. For the past two years I have volunteered to coach the YMCA volleyball team. I also volunteer to ref volleyball games at my school. I also enjoy being a “buddy” for children with disabilities in the North Arlington Miracle League.

I am a strong student and place a high priority on maintaining good grades. I never want grades or school work to be a distraction on the court. I want to study business in college and use my sports background to work in a related field of business and marketing.