Ryan Coenen '15 Recruiting Profile

Four years ago, I decided to try out for our school's volleyball team thinking it would help me improve my vertical in basketball.  Little did I know I would fall in love with the game and see it as the right place to focus my athletic abilities.  I had never been so excited to spend time practicing, playing, working out, and pushing myself until I picked up a volleyball.  Not only am I ready to improve on a daily basis, but I am ready to help make others better, and I am ready to learn from whoever has advice to offer.  I feel that it is still early in my volleyball career, and there is always room for improvement.  Playing at the collegiate level would only push myself to be a better volleyball player, teammate, and person.

I realize that we are called student-athletes for a reason, and that reason is because education always comes first.  I am not only ready to push myself on the volleyball court, but in the classroom as well.  I've developed the right work ethic through out high school, that when entering college I will make sure to carry it over.  When going more in depth about my education, I come from a family of business and feel that I want to pursue that as my major.  I have prided myself on my leadership qualities and people skills my entire life and feel that these skills would help me immensely in my future occupation.  What makes me different from others, academically, is that I always try to over achieve, and I know that everything that is done in high school (for the most part) is done for a reason, and I have an appreciation for my education.

Recently, in a tournament, my high school team played a school whose volleyball team was a first-year program.  It was a much better match than my team expected, including myself.  After the match I said good luck to the guys and slapped their hands, and said they played really well and things were looking up for them in the future.  That same night, the coach from that high school emailed my parents and told them that he, as well as his players, were really impressed with what I had said and that they really appreciated it.  This is an example of my demeanor on a match to match basis.  I want to win more than anyone on the court, but when it comes to sportsmanship and attitude, that is crucial to me.  At times, how you carry yourself can affect how you play, and when you carry yourself in a positive manor, your play will be affected positively.

In terms of location of colleges, I am open to any options throughout the country that I feel I could benefit the team and school.

I am an athletic volleyball player that started as an outside, transitioned to right side, and then played middle this last club season.  I offer a big block and big swing, and bring energy to the court that is not found in anyone.  I have the volleyball IQ coaches are looking for and know where to be on the court for different situations.

Thank you, I greatly appreciate the consideration.