Victoria "Tori" Watts '20 Recruiting Profile

My life in a video: 

https://youtu.be/4UutkR90ALw

Prelude

My name is Victoria "Tori" Watts, born September 12, 2001. My mother 17, just graduated with her GED, enrolled in college and started working full time. Mom would later graduate with a degree in early childhood education. She met the man I would become to call my dad when I was just 12 months old. At that time he was still at the University of South Florida and would later obtain his Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership.  They were very young parents, but never let their age or lack of money interfere in raising me to be the best person that I could be. I’m so thankful to have learned, from an early age, morals, work ethic, kindness matters and be humble. Thanks mom and dad! 

Last year, I met my first/only boyfriend, D’Ante (baseball recruit). In the third month of our relationship he was diagnosed with testicular cancer and had to go through surgery and chemotherapy. A few months after the chemo was finished his cancer returned and he needed another surgery. That was such a hard time for both of us, instead of attending football games or dances, we hung out in hospital rooms, played games and ate hospital food. Through this experience I learned so much about myself; I am truly strong! We only have one life to live, so live it to it’s full potential, and live without regrets! 

We are still together and happy to say he’s cancer free!

Personal Statement

My name is Victoria Lynn Watts, but I am best known as "Tori" on the court. I am a 5-1 setter and the class of 2020.  I have been playing volleyball year round for the past eight years.  I'm extremely determined, compassionate, self-driven, dependable, and extremely competitive. I'm constantly striving to better myself, on and off the court: by volunteering, studying, workouts, and spending time with my little sister and brother. I love playing at the highest level, in extremely stressful games with high intensity!

I currently play club volleyball for Ocala Power United 17's Rox (open) team. I've always been the starting setter for all club teams and have always competed in the open division for AAU and USAV tournaments. My club teams have won 3 consecutive USAV National Bids, our best finishes were 5th and 19th, in the nation.

I have also had great success on my high school teams, being the starting setter for three years, now.  My freshman year (Vanguard High School) I helped our team take a 2nd place finish at the FHSAA 7A State Championship, running a 5-1 offense. During that year, I was named 2nd Team All-Around Setter by the 2016 Ocala Star Banner.  My sophomore year I transferred to Forest High School (former coach took a college coaching position).  With this team we ran a 6-2 offense and I hit right side. In July of 2017, I was named University of Tampa's "All Star" Player of the Camp. I was also named 2nd Team All Around Setter by the Ocala Star Banner and was MCAIA 2017 All Conference Setter! In 2018, I lead the county with the most assists and was named in the 1st All-Area team.   

Academically, I am a honors student and take AP classes. This summer and next year I will be dual enrolling at Central Florida. I currently have a weighted GPA of 4.1. I’ve got an SAT score of 1150 and am still striving to increase it. My education is very important to me and I would like to go to a college with an excellent program and high academic standards. I plan on obtaining by B.S. in Psychology/Forensic Psychology.