Personal Statement
Hi! My name is Sam Nguyen, currently a sophomore attending a Scripps Ranch High School. Just like any other high school student athlete, I'm just steadily working my way through the minefield called "life". Volleyball has been my source of joy and I feel proud to say that it has become my greatest passion. For me, volleyball is an art, in which one's physical attributes can only be matched or surpassed by the knowledge of the game. First and foremost, I am a student of the game, and I can not stress the importance of preparation and dedication to the game of volleyball. I may have not been blessed with the greatest physical attributes, but I make up for lack of physical talents with my knowledge and instincts of the game. Those that are currently or were formerly my teammates, have very readily agreed that I am one of the best teammates they have ever had. I was humbled by such a high compliment, and it all comes down to my passion for volleyball. I work just as hard on the field as I do off the field. During the week, I watch film, game tape, skills video, anything that will help me improve in what I do. However, the trait that can never be pushed aside is leadership. No matter where or when, I am there to push and lead my teammates by example. Although I may be a libero, being a student of the game has helped me learned the skills and techniques of playing in other positions, in order for me to help and guide my teammates, regardless of position. On the court, my agility and speed is unmatched. I am there for every shanked and tipped ball. I play with finesse, but am willing to be scrappy as long as no balls hit the ground without my body going with it.
In 2017, I began my volleyball career with the freshman team, as the starting libero. Our team as a whole placed 2nd in the Gold Division of the Annual La Jolla Tournament, and also bringing home 1st in the Western League. I won Best Defensive Player that year, with countless digs and highlights to go along with it. I am currently playing with the JV Team, also as the starting libero, and it is the best JV team that has hit Scripps Ranch High School in a very long time. We have extremely high hopes for this team, and hope to build upon our successes from the prior year.
2018 JV Team Game Tape: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1K9CzcJiRh54CWpnxg8alLxTIJbdLShAJ
At the club level, in the spring of 2017, I played on the Coast Volleyball Club 15-1's team, with Coach Zach Penolio. As the starter, I quickly learned the speed and work rate of high level club volleyball and am returning for the spring season to work on my craft and win more games with my team.
The mental side of the game of volleyball is so underrated, but for me, that is a strength that I feel I am unmatched in. Positioning and ball control have always been my strong suit, and I continue to work on my skills every single day, whether on or off the field. Coupled with my current(ly rising) GPA of 4.33, and my plans to take 5 AP Classes and 1 Honors class my junior year, my goal to play high level volleyball at the college level continues to be a high aspiration of mine, and hope to be able to be part of a volleyball family that will support me for the rest of my high school and college career, as well as the rest of my life. Thank you for your time!