Ashlee Norman '21 Recruiting Profile

I'm inspired by the potential level of play I dream to achieve. My balance, in life, adds up to make me into a more well-rounded, sturdy human being. What distinguishes me, in character, would be my ability to clearly see what is best for myself and for teammates and to take the initiative to make it happen. At times, it is my responsibility to make sure that my team has the opportunity to spend time and connect off the court, as to make us more united and tight knit, once we step back out, onto the court. I want to apply lessons on the court to real life, off the court, I want to live like I play.

The scariest things for me are when I'm not in the zone, which means my performance level decreases, and I am wasting time. At this time, I am not only letting down my coaches but also failing my teammates. At this point, my presence on the court has equal effectiveness as when I had two ankle sprainsIn volleyball, I have to get through the tough times of complete struggle, in order to make it to the beautiful, glorious moments of success, of triumph, and of higher level play. It is ineffective, when there is no mental, moral, or physical progression.

I'm in my happy place when I'm on the court doing my job as a teammate, wanting to win, wanting to do great things for my team. Playing without that feeling is losing a chance. It's losing the chance to take the moment on the court. It's taking the moment I can use to have the best playing of my entire life and completely wasting it. Some players believe there is no way to possibly waste time when you are on the court, playing. As long as you are on the court, during a match, you are a useful asset to your team. Do you want to know what I think? I think that is not a true statement. Their statement could not be more wrong because it matters what you choose to do on the court and how you think. Some paradigms can be ineffective. You become an important asset to a team as soon as you focus on what you need to do, in order to keep the ball in play. I will always look for new ways and new possibilities to make the best play out of a ball, that is possible. Only then are you able to be a strong and effective player.

I tend to want to put my teammates first and play for them. I generally have a positive disposition and am pulling for my teammates to do well, whether they are at the moment, or are struggling. When my team loses a point, I see it as a chance to win back the next two. I pride myself in being able to do any task my coaches ask me to do, that they see will be beneficial. When a match is about to begin, I must be laser focused and prepped to bring my A game.