Ella Barnett '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Ella and I am a Libero/DS.  I am a two-sport athlete, having played softball since I was 7 years old.  It took several more years before I had the opportunity to play volleyball but I quickly came to understand that softball would be #2.  I played that first school season and never wanted it to end.  I could not get enough volleyball so I sought out club volleyball in my area.  My first year of school volleyball was my first year of club volleyball and every volleyball camp I could squeeze in over the summer.  I don’t see my life without volleyball, ever, so that was also the year I set a goal to play in college.  I have played for three clubs in the years since, moving to more competitive organizations as my skills and abilities progressed.  I have also moved from the role of Setter to Libero/Defensive Specialist as I have gained understanding of who I am as a player.  I have gained a good deal of understanding about myself as a person as well.  Academics and athletics are my priorities.  I have remained focused on my goals throughout high school to make my goals a reality.  I maintain a high GPA while continuing to play increasingly competitive club volleyball and both my sports during regular school seasons.  I spend my limited free time with my very supportive family, friends, or church community.  

I look forward to my college years as a time of personal, professional, and athletic growth.  As you may have gathered, I have always been hard-working and fiercely dedicated to my passions.  I plan to bring that same level of energy and tenacity to my Pre-Med studies AND my team.  I will work every day to get the most out of my college experience and give the most to it, in the classroom and on the court.  I am, and will continue to be, a positive team player who encourages others and leads by example.  I will strive to be an asset to my team and my defensive counterparts using my physicality, court acuity, and diligent play.  I will support my team both in word and deed.  I will strive to be an asset to my school by applying the same level of dedication, scholarship, and energy that have earned this opportunity to seek a future in medicine.  I look forward to the possibilities and challenges that only a rigorous academic and athletic program can provide, knowing that growth is the reward.  I will continue to hold myself to the highest standards, on and off the court, and conduct myself in a manner to honor the hard work invested by my family and myself to get me to this achievement.  In the same way, I will be a student and athlete proud of her school and of whom her school can be proud.  I gladly use my life in service to others and as a reflection of my faith.