Danila Karpenko '21 Recruiting Profile

I'm Danila Karpenko, a senior volleyball player and cross country runner at State College Area High School, in Centre County, Pennsylvania. I've been playing volleyball for the majority of my life, starting at the early age of 8 years old, and discovered my love for the sport when I started playing with both of my parents at my local YMCA. Over the span of this time, from past to present, I've found that I've become an adaptable and well-rounded player throughout the timeline of my volleyball career. My capabilities and skillsets have grown and continue to do so as I progress forward in what I hope to continue for years to come.

I should start by saying that I'm a key player on any team whether it's high-school volleyball, parks and rec volleyball tournament, or casual games at the YMCA. I have the ability to play all positions when necessary which makes me one of the strongest and most adaptable players on the team, further displaying my adaptability and my place as a valuable asset to the entire team. Previously, I had been playing majorly in a competitive setting, but due to the cancelation of the volleyball season at the high school, I've found other ways to develop as a volleyball player before being able to participate once more by keeping in shape and practicing with a team outside of school. Even so, the team gives me chances to compete in other tournaments. A prime example being the sand volleyball tournament that we had won first place in this past October. I have developed my own regimen outside of school volleyball that got me time to play and hone my skills almost every week, I've been able to play my favorite sport during these challenging times.

I have devoted a decent chunk of my life to the sport and I'm lucky to have so many people in my life that have supported this passion and have driven me to be as ambitious as I am today. Possessing the high-quality foundation in my abilities that I do, it helps to add that I have good ball control with directional contact only to be aided by my wide range that is just short of fantastic. Volleyball has even helped me in countless ways of the court, particularly in strengthening my communication with others, especially in potentially stressful situations as well as heightening my strong leadership skills while remaining a part of the whole group to work well with others. Playing has encouraged me to keep my physical health intact, it has promoted my endurance, and I've met new people that continue to remain in my life outside of the sport. More so than those previously stated skills and qualities, volleyball has instilled confidence in myself and the knowledge that I have what it takes to succeed in both the game as well as in my life.