Vanessa Grunwald '20 Recruiting Profile

I’ve never been comfortable talking about my academic or athletic accomplishments. Perhaps this is because I was told it is not polite to boast and people don’t like others who brag. I have been raised to be modest; therefore, the recruitment process is challenging for me.

My parents were athletes themselves growing up, and passed along their passion of playing and watching sports. At the age of 4, I started playing soccer. There always seemed to be a shortage of coaches, so for many years my dad sponsored my team and volunteered as a coach. He thought I was quite talented and that I stood out as being one of the stronger players on my team, but what parent doesn’t see their child as the ‘star?’ I was also involved in gymnastics for several years. As a competitive gymnast, I spent 12-15 hours weekly in the gym, which often conflicted with soccer. Eventually, I had to make a difficult choice between two sports I really enjoyed. I appreciated the cardio and strength training that I received as a gymnast, but I chose soccer because I liked the speed and physical contact of the sport, which I didn’t have in gymnastics.

As I got older, I remember my parents sharing with me the compliments I got from other parents and coaches but I didn’t see my talent. However, I did realize that effort equates to result and you’ll keep achieving if you put forth effort. Finally, after playing several years of recreational soccer, I was convinced by another coach to try out for a select soccer club, the United Hurricanes.

I went from knowing and going to school with everyone on my team to not knowing any of my teammates. Recreational soccer practice was a couple hours a week and the coaches would love to see you, to several hours a week and you better be there, or you aren’t going to play. The transition from rec soccer to club soccer was daunting, but I wouldn’t be the player I am, if I hadn’t made the change. I learned several things about myself my first few years. One thing was not to be intimidated by other players who were one step ahead of me. Also, passionate coaches want you to learn from your mistakes and are going to challenge you on and off the field. Finally, a strong work ethic will result in a well developed player.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year in high school after playing at a college showcase tournament that I believed in myself that I can play at the collegiate level. I finally know the answer to an important question I have always asked myself, “Am I good enough?” Yes, I believe I am. Now, I am confident in my abilities and I am not as hesitant to talk about and share my strengths.

In addition to being a great athlete, I am also proud of my academic achievements. Throughout my middle school years and freshman year in high school, academics came easy to me. I earned straight A’s without having to study much. However, it wasn’t until the spring semester of my freshman year that I realized I wasn’t seizing the opportunities that were offered at my high school. I remember sitting at parent teacher conferences in spring 2017 where my teacher shared with my parents that I was a role model student. She stated that I was respectful, had a strong work ethic, worked well with the other students, and had above a 100% in the class. My parents were pleased to hear this; however, being an educator herself, my mom asked a few questions. Without conferring a lot with me, it was decided that I should move into advanced language arts for my sophomore year and take a more rigorous math class. Although it was difficult, I acknowledged I wasn’t challenging myself enough with the classes I was enrolled in. These higher level classes were more demanding, so I definitely had to change my study habits to do well and keep up my GPA. Although, I am still unsure of what field of study I want to pursue after high school, I am taking some challenging core and exploratory classes my junior and senior year that may help me decide what I want to specialize in after high school. Over the next several years, I am committed to continuing to excel academically, as well as, pursuing my desire of playing soccer in college.