Personal Statement
My name is Emily Gouldrup and I am a starting Libero graduating in 2022, currently playing for Vision Volleyball Club on the 17-1’s team out of Los Gatos, CA. I attend Los Gatos High School and finished my 2nd semester of Junior year with a 4.5 GPA which includes a combination of Honors, and AP classes. My SAT score is 1490.
Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1L1fHIRjzbG6-l2PbjdzjA/featured
I became interested in volleyball at age 8. It was the 2012 Summer Olympics and I was watching women's beach volleyball. I loved how effortlessly the women seemed to move and communicate with their partners. That was the beginning of my volleyball passion. I have learned a lot about myself and the importance of commitment to your team as well as learning that the more work you put into it, the more you get out of it.
Five years later, I was playing in the NCVA Power League Regional Championships. In the semi-finals, I began to let the pressure of winning affect my game and I made many mistakes. I let myself and most importantly my team down. Ultimately, we won and moved onto the finals, but I needed to fix my mental game quickly. What eventually pushed me to move past my mistakes was the commitment to my team. We had fought so hard all season for this moment. I knew I had to focus on bringing my best self forward to help the team win. We won against an undefeated team and ended our league season as champions. That day helped me realize that it's not just about me wanting to win. I learned how to put my team before anything else and how to bring the passion I have for volleyball onto the court and share it with others who count on me. That game stays with me every time I am on the court to remind me of the value of commitment to my team and the importance of teamwork.
I’m looking for a college program that will challenge me both athletically and academically. I want to become part of a team that will motivate me to put them first and equally share the passion of the game on and off the court. I think I have the drive, skill, and coachability needed to bring these qualities to your program.
As the only Freshman/Sophomore starter on my high school Varsity team voted All-League Player, De Anza Division both years, and a starting Libero for the past 5 club seasons on a top-ranking Northern California team, I am confident I have what it takes to be a leader in your program!
