Samantha Hockers '26 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing volleyball since I was nine years old. I've loved this sport from the moment I started. Playing volleyball has created so much joy in my life from hanging out with my teammates to learning new skills to competing against some of the best teams in the country. Not only am I grateful for the fun I've had from playing this sport, but I am also so grateful for the many lessons I have learned through it.

Volleyball has given me the opportunity to learn what it takes to be a leader, something I was not very accustomed to before. I know now how to be there for others and lift them up, how to help them be their best even when they are struggling. I also strive to lead by example, pushing myself to improve my skills in whatever ways I can. 

At the beginning of my 13U club season, I was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic illness. This affected me in more ways than I could have imagined at the time. While some may see the challenges I faced as a weakness, I see them as a strength. When I am sick it is easy to use Crohn's as an excuse and give up, but I've pushed through it. I did everything I could to get onto the court and keep playing, and the hard work paid off. Many of the lessons and skills I learn about the mental aspects of this game come during these challenging times.

I want to play collegiate volleyball to have more opportunities to grow as a person, a volleyball player, and a teammate.