Ani Villarrubia '21 Recruiting Profile

When I first started playing basketball, I was a 5 foot 9 inch 6th grader with absolutely no coordination or basketball skills. I had just recently quit playing the violin after 7 years and was looking for something new that I could enjoy. I quickly fell in love with the game and began to dedicate myself to getting better. The violin had really taught me the discipline it takes to succeed at something, so I used my prior knowledge to get better at basketball by going to the gym everyday after school and practicing at home. As I got better and better, my love for basketball grew and so did my hopes. From that young age, my goal had developed to playing college basketball and that continues to be my goal today. Basketball has always been an anchor for me and it has always been what I’ve turned to. I can’t imagine life without it and it would mean everything to me to continue playing it in college. Playing at the next level has always been a dream for me and I am beyond dedicated about turning that into a reality.

What sets me apart from other athletes is my versatility as well as my work ethic on and off the court. I am a shooting guard/small forward with size at 5’11” and I can defend guards and or posts. As a sophomore, I am a 2 year varsity starter, a 2x member of the All District First Team, and the 2018 Newcomer of the Year of my district. Shooting is one of, if not my strongest ability, but my offense is not limited to just that. I can finish at the rim and create for my teammates. As a player, I’m willing to play whatever role my coach wants me to play, weather that is taking the ball down the floor, staying at the wing, or playing in the high post. I love being challenged to play different defensive roles and to guard multiple positions. I enjoy rebounding and once again, am willing do play whatever role is asked of me. As for off the court, I take my academics extremely seriously. I’m top 5% of my class and won the highest GPA award in my high schools girls basketball program. Academics have always meant a lot to me and any success that I’ve had in basketball has been accompanied by my academic success. While hard work is essential on the court, I believe that it is equally important off the court in the classroom. Athletic success means very little without academic success, and I bring hard work in both of those areas to the table.

As for what I am looking for in a coaching staff and a team, I am not overly specific. For my development as a player, I am looking for a coach/coaching staff that will push me to get better and that also values my academic work ethic. As for a team, I am looking to be a part of a close knit team where I am supported yet challenged in the areas where I need improvement. I am looking to come in and make make an impact in whatever area is needed of me. I am beyond excited to continue exploring my collegiate options and to find the right program for me.