Personal Statement
My name is Addie Paul and I am a 5'9.5” 135 lbs Outside/Middle. Last year as a sophomore I was a split time Middle on my Varsity Volleyball team at Dougherty Valley High School.
At the end of my Sophomore Varsity season I was very encouraged to receive the Most Improved Player Award. Then, building on that development, I was given the opportunity to play on a very competitive gold level team in the NorCal Power League with Pacific Rim Monsoon 16-1's. As a split time Middle and Opposite I was able to help my team win a national bid by finishing fourth in our NorCal Regional Championship Tournament.
During my current Junior year - I also played for my Varsity team as a starter at Outside (majority of season) & Middle (beginning of the season). Additionally I recently was recruited to play Outside for NorCal 17-1’s; who are the two time defending NorCal Power League Champions. We have just begun practices and I am very excited about the season ahead!
In terms of background, I come from a family that is passionate about sports and the importance of training, goals, sacrifice and grit. My parents have had a major influence in this regard. My mother is a Group Fitness Manager and Elite Trainer at Bay Club Pleasanton and has competed as a pro in Spartan Beast obstacle course races. In the past -this inspired me to race in a Junior Spartan Beast where I placed third in my first race. Similarly, I have benefited from group and private training as a supplement to aid my volleyball development.
In addition to my Mother, my Father also comes from an athletic background. He received a valedictorian scholarship for athletic and academic excellence which helps fuel my drive in school and sports. On a practical note, I am also excited that my Dad shares my passion for Volleyball. In high school he was offered an indoor scholarship opportunity for volleyball but focused on beach volleyball in his college and grad school years.
In academics and sports I have definitely needed to have grit and determination. Over the past years, I have embraced the truth -that in order for me to continue to develop my potential - I need to keep prioritizing volleyball and school as two of my three most important areas of passion and time investment. However, my third area of primary passion is people. I receive significant life and joy from my family and friends and extended community.
This emphasis of caring for others and being intentional about encouraging teammates and peers has been a source of energy and drive for me. My first year in Power League as a freshmen this passion was affirmed when I received the award for the player that was representative of athletic excellence; while portraying the values that represented the positive peer encouragement the volleyball club desired.
Lastly, I am shaped by my longterm goals of playing volleyball in college while also pursuing a degree in Industrial Psychology & Business. I desire to help people and organizations in pursuing excellence and overcoming relational obstacles. I am early in my journey but with a posture of grit, determination and a supportive network around me; I am very excited about the road ahead!
