Mijke van der Horst '26 Recruiting Profile

Growing up in Norway and Australia, I didn't have the opportunity to try volleyball until 7^th grade (after moving to Alaska). I have always played other sports growing up but I had no idea how exhilarating and satisfying volleyball would be. Now that I’ve started, I can’t imagine stopping, and would love the opportunity to play in college to continue my volleyball experience. 

I’ve always been naturally athletic. Sports and other things, like art, have always come very easy for me. However, being naturally good at most things I try, I’m not complacent. It's not in me to just coast on my natural ability. I need to develop my skills as I want to be the best at what I do. This desire is amplified when it comes to academics and volleyball. 

Although I play three sports, I’m pushing myself to work year-round on my two favorite, volleyball and basketball. I play High School and club volleyball and plan to travel this summer with Impact Volleyball Club out of Anchorage, Alaska. I run track during the spring as it’s great cross training and I enjoy it, especially hurdles.

I currently attend a private college prep school, Grace Christian School in Anchorage, Alaska, where I have a 4.0 GPA. I want to attend a college that will continue to challenge me academically. I hope to find a university where I can play volleyball at a competitive level while keeping me academically engaged.