Daryn REESE Watkins '25 Recruiting Profile

I am in my SENIOR (class of 2025) year at IMG Academy! It is my 2^nd year in the program, as I was part of the inaugural year of volleyball at IMG. As the world's leading sports education brand, I believe the developmental programming and support will equip me to take on the next chapter - college.

I am verbally committed to play D1 volleyball at Howard University in the fall of 2025. I am honored to have the opportunity to attend such a highly respected historically black university (HBCU) that carries a unique legacy in higher education. I am also super excited to immerse myself and learn and grow from the stellar coaches and team of this leading volleyball program in the MEAC. 

I am devoted to volleyball, and my goal is to work hard and keep leveling up to play at the highest level possible! I am always asked to play other sports and have in the past, but I AM a volleyball player. I train for volleyball and sports performance 5-6 days weekly and am equally focused on my total wellness and recovery. I am thoughtful about my nutrition and recovery by integrating yoga, PT, stretching, massages, mental training, and meditation. I prefer to spend my free time at private lessons, elite workouts, and open gym scrimmages. In addition, I travel around the country to get elite training and participate in collegiate-level camps and showcases. I am passionate about perfecting my level of play and enjoy learning from my coaches and teammates. Nothing gets me more pumped than a kill on an overpass, a perfect pass to the setter, a single block, serving an Ace, or showing that a tall girl can dig and pancake too!

I first touched a volleyball at the age of 9, and it has been my passion since. I know the challenges of balancing academics and sports. It's not easy with demands and other commitments, but I am learning valuable skills to continue my total growth as an athlete and a member of society

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you''ll look back and realize they were the big things.
— Kurt Vonnegut.