Rachel Abramson '20 Recruiting Profile

Coaches,  

Here are a few things about myself beyond the statistics.

I play libero and am one of the team captains. I love the position of libero because I believe that it is the most physically and mentally challenging of all the positions on the court. I expect to be dripping in sweat, bruised on my knees, and my voice hoarse at the end of a match after every ounce of energy is given. I love the responsibility of the position of directing the defense and bringing the energy that enables my team to control the momentum of the match. There is no better feeling than digging up a tough ball right to target and seeing the setter and our hitters put the ball away. Most importantly, being a libero means accepting the responsibility of the leadership role that comes with the position.  It is my responsibility to pick up my teammates and keep them focused and in a positive mindset.  A libero must have a short memory, whether the last pass was great or terrible, the job is always to play the next point. I feel that libero is something you are, rather than a position that you play, which is why I love it so much.

I come to practice each day trying to be a little better than the day before. I enjoy practice almost as much as I enjoy the games.  I live in a small town, which does not have a competitive club team, so I  drive 3 hours a day to play club, and I never miss practice. I attended my club practices during the time I was unable to play with a sprained wrist. I stood near my coach so I could learn and absorb what I could until my wrist healed.  I have to thank my parents for doing the 3 hour drive just so I could be at practice to watch and learn.

I started playing when I was nine years old, and I was very fortunate to have great coaches that instilled my love of the game. I am forever grateful to both Sarah Ritchie and Stacy Witt for encouraging me to keep pushing myself to be the best that I can be.  I am very lucky to have the unwavering support of my parents who sacrifice in so many ways that allows me to play for a great club team. Northern Nevada Junior volleyball club has been a fantastic experience for me in every way.  When I started with the club, I was 15 years old, and was placed on the 17’s team as the starting libero.  I was new to the club and from a tiny town miles away that no one had heard of.  The other girls on the team all played with or against each other at the local Reno high schools and knew each other for years.  I was the youngest and the outsider and as libero was supposed to be vocal and give directions to my new teammates.  I had to learn how to be more vocal and in a positive way.  With the help of my coaches and team, I learned how to bring out my inner voice and become a libero.

Academically, I maintain a 4.0 GPA, and currently am taking 2 AP classes.  I have also been elected ASB Vice President, which is very unusual for a person in the junior class. Last season, I was voted All-Conference for my high school team, and my goal this season is to lead North State in digs and be among the leaders in serve receive on target percentage and to help lead my team to the North State Championships.

Thank you for taking the time reviewing my profile, I would love to answer any questions that you may have or just talk volleyball.  Please feel free to contact me.