Liv Petersen '19 Recruiting Profile

 From the time I was in 3rd grade I have wanted to play college volleyball. I have been blessed with a supportive family who have driven me, two, sometimes three times a week to Omaha, Neb. to play club, take lessons, and attend many hitting, blocking, defensive some setting camps as well. 

I was taught early on, from great coaches, who instilled in me the importance of a good work ethic, being a team player, and always striving to get to a higher level. I've learned there are no excuses, you learn from your mistakes, you learn from your  losses, and you keep moving forward for the win. I feel a successful team is a team who respects every ones strengths and weaknesses. I was so lucky to have my high school volleyball coach not only work on volleyball skills, but she also took time to work on people building skills and team building skills, I really believe  bringing a team together on all levels will always bring great success.  What I have been taught and what I believe is a volleyball player needs to learn all positions on the court. That is why I try to go to as many camps as I can, learning all the positions. It gives me a good perspective and respect for my team mates and their positions.  I couldn't imagine  a day without playing, learning, teaching, or working out for volleyball. 

I have been preparing for tryouts for  my 7th year playing club volleyball.  I also play high school volleyball, where as a freshman, I started for every JV game. My sophomore year I started in every varsity game, playing some right side,  but mainly middle.  I played what was best for my team. 

 For basketball, my freshman yr.  I played freshman and Jv. splitting time.  I currently  am playing basketball  splitting time  JV and V as a sophomore and as a junior .  My freshman year, I participated in marching band and concert band  playing the French horn and melIaphone.  

Student Council secretary has taught me so much as well and I enjoy helping out in the community as well as helping be a voice for students who have concerns and aren't able to be on council.  I am a part of the best buddies where an advisor pairs a high school student with a student who needs a buddy. Having lunch once a month, exchanging emails, being there to support in good times and tough times. It's very rewarding to know I can make a difference.

I also have begun a career in coaching at The Volleyball academy under the direction of Deb Grafentin, the owner and director of TVA in Omaha and River City Jrs. where I play club volleyball. This fall I start my 5th season coaching young kids learn proper technique as they begin their career in volleyball. It is such a rewarding job and experience. It also gives me a whole new perspective when I am playing.

My weighted GPA is 3.8 and my GPA is 3.8.  My academics are very important to me.  I have learned  you do what you have to do with academics even when you are traveling for practices and tournaments .  Studying  while on the road is a part of the whole club experience. It is all about being able to balance academics with sports. It can be done.   

I own my own jewelry business established in 2012, called "Jewelry By Olivia"  which I have donated over 4000.00 in 
awareness jewelry to various cancer fundraisers for people from our community who have and are battling cancer. I feel so blessed and humbled being able to help in some way to show support for cancer warriors.   For the past five years, I have also used my profits from my jewelry business  to pay for all my club volleyball fees. My parents taught me early on nothing comes free in this world and you have to work for what you want.

  My brother was born  with a rare disease called polysplenia Heterotaxy. He has beat all the statistics, and is now 16. He has taught me, never give up, stay humble to life. I think his battles have given me an advantage on learning about life and to realize never take anything in life for granted.

In the summer of 2015 I decided to submit my story to the AAU. I wanted to inspire young kids not to give up on their passions and dreams.  To never give up.  Although many have gone through bullying, I wanted my story to inspire young kids who might have been made to feel they can't, but with hard work, and not letting anyone one own you, anything is possible.  Here is the link:   https://shar.es/1Cz8IU or if you google Liv Petersen AAU it will take you to my story.

I also posted a 17 minute video on ytube, here is the link: https://youtu.be/gnZdXuJP59o  along with  my new 6 minute 2017 recruiting video. It is an unedited video but it has a little more playing time on each clip. I am #10 and it has more clips of my hitting, blocking, serve receive, defense and serving skills. Which I feel can sometimes help better see my playing skills.  

I will continue to  work hard,  so that I will be ready to play at the college level when I graduate high school while working towards my degree.

I would be happy to answer any questions .

Sincerely,

Liv Petersen

Class of 2019