John Deavers '26 Recruiting Profile

“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities,” (John Obi-Wan Gandalf). This quote, often attributed to the UCLA men's basketball coach, resonates deeply with me. Every day, I strive to live by this philosophy, both in sports and in life. Another quote that guides me is, “You’ve got to win in your mind before you win in your life.” These words are significant to me because mentality has been a challenge I’ve faced for a long time, one that only improved when I found the right coach and teammates.

Retraining my mind to develop a strong, positive mentality was one of the hardest struggles I’ve ever had. That all changed when I met an amazing team and coach. My coach, Nick Ramos—or simply "Ramos," as I call him—was my first club coach. When I started playing, I was scared and nervous, feeling like mental barriers were holding me back. But Ramos believed in me and never gave up on me. He profoundly impacted my outlook on life, teaching me valuable lessons that shaped me into a better person. Ramos was down-to-earth, approachable, and truly one-of-a-kind. I’m incredibly grateful to have had him as a mentor.

Equally amazing was the team I was part of, 16 Skronkstrong. We had tremendous potential and constantly pushed each other to improve. There was never a moment when I wanted to quit; my teammates were the best I could have asked for. Unlike some coaches who don’t believe in all their players, Ramos was different—he always supported me and the rest of the team, never giving up on any of us.

My name is John Deavers, and I am a libero. I aspire to be more than just a player on a collegiate volleyball team. I want to inspire both my teammates and my coaches, striving to be recognized as someone who embodies perseverance, positivity, leadership, intelligence, and integrity. While others may share similar values, I am dedicated to making a lasting impact through my unique qualities and approach.

Looking ahead, my aspirations extend beyond the volleyball court. I aim to become an orthopedic surgeon, majoring in biology, anatomy, and medicine. This dream was sparked when my father underwent a major neck surgery, an anterior cervical discectomy procedure. Witnessing that experience was both terrifying and fascinating, and it solidified my desire to pursue orthopedic surgery as a career.

Ever since eighth grade, I’ve been passionate about volleyball. Before that, I competed in track for three years, which was enjoyable, but I felt unfulfilled. I wanted more than just running; I wanted to challenge myself in new ways. In 2021, I tried out for a volleyball team at a facility called "Uno," but I didn’t make it. At the time, I had little experience, so I wasn’t too surprised, but the disappointment was hard to swallow. It felt like my world was crashing down. However, I didn’t let that setback define me. In 2023, I tried out again, this time for the freshman team, and I made it. That success led me to join Club 1 Volleyball, where I’ve continued to grow as a player.

Now, as a junior in high school, I feel ready to change my path and pursue my dual dreams of becoming a collegiate athlete and an orthopedic surgeon. Both goals will require dedication, hard work, and resilience, but I am determined to achieve them.