Sophie Barrett '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing Volleyball for over 7 years. I started in the summer before 6th grade with our middle school programs for Walton High School. I used to be a level 7 gymnast, and made the travel team. They told me I would have to home school and practice over 40 hours a week.  At that age, I did not want to be in a sport that you competed with your own teammates. My sister played as OH, and I would always practice passing or setting the ball to her.  So I left gymnastics to play on a team sport that really was the meaning of team. The Walton High School program is unlike any other high school.  The training and conditioning starts when you are in 6th grade. And you compete around town with other teams. Then club season started, and I LOVED to play. I loved to learn. I wanted to know more. I wanted to play with the tall girls. I trained with some of the best athletes in the country, and my coach has been recognized as a top 100 Coach Nationally. When you get to practice with players that are 2 to 3 years older and 12 inches taller, you get very competitive. You want to show everyone that you can contribute positively to the team.  I am always learning.  I am coachable.  If I am not a team captain, I support the captain. I am fast, even though I have shorter legs than most of my teammates. I love this sport, and want my teammates to love it too.  I do believe a "true team" never loses; we win or we learn.  After each game it is important to recognize positive plays, positive attitudes and positive changes made.    We adapt, or we lose the game, but do not lose the lessons.   Look up the workout term "the Murph" names after a Navy Seal.  I have trained and completed the Murph for 4 years and it sets me apart from others.  No other team has ever "outlasted" us, because we are conditioned to play hard and long.  I may be tired, but I will go the distance.  I never want a ball to hit the ground.  And I have been trained to KNOW the game before you hit the court to play.  Learn the game, make the mistakes, make the adjustments, make the calls,  talk talk and talk, and leave it all on the court.