Personal Statement
A few words from my D1 Teammates
Gracie DiNardo, 2026 OH/OPP: Teammate Testimonials
“Gracie is a hard-working teammate who also knows how to have fun on the court. She’s the type of player that can get along with anyone older or younger. Her contagious, friendly personality will always get through to others. There was a two-year age gap between us, but yet she still became one of my best friends in High School and one of my favorite teammates. Not only is she a great athlete, but a great student as well. She has always balanced school, volleyball, and her personal life well. She also finds time to workout outside of volleyball at DiNardo Sports. She just loves to work hard on becoming the best athlete on and off the court, which is hard to find in many high school players. Also, her talent alone will speak for itself when she steps onto anyone’s court, and you will realize she is the player that every coach needs on their team.
Taylor Trammell, MB- Penn State ‘24
“Having Gracie as a teammate makes playing fun and competitive in the best way possible. She’s an amazing teammate who is always positive, but will push you to do your best, and encourage you during games. She works hard in practice and during games to be a great teammate and individual player.”
Ellery Gray, Setter- Villanova ‘25
“My high school season was the best season I’ve ever had and a big reason for this was having Gracie DiNardo as a teammate. As a senior it was easy to get burnt out on the constant practices and games, but Gracie always kept things upbeat and motivational. She was a huge motivating force for me and the rest of the team. She also stepped up during tournament time and was a big difference maker in our team clenching the district and region titles.”
Emma Shadwick, OH/OPP- Yale ‘25
“Gracie DiNardo craves a role that the team depends on. She is the hardest on herself and strives for the most perfection in her game as she can reach. Always focused and most of all passionate, Gracie gave me, and the rest of our team, a reason to show up because of how much she cares. I am always cheering for her and consider her an amazing friend as well as teammate.”
Abby Shadwick, OH- Colgate ‘25
“Gracie is a great teammate that is selfless and does whatever it takes to help any team she is on succeed. I have played on a team with her and trained in the same gym, and no matter what she is doing, she is always giving 100% and trying to be her best. She is encouraging and fun to play with. She is a teammate you can trust to have your back in practice, games and in life. She is a student of the game that analyzes her games so she can improve her play for the team.”
Caroline Cole, L- Kennesaw State ‘25
“Gracie is always willing to step up to bat when asked, especially when I was injured… (Referring to Lexington United 16 Club Season, when I was pulled up to play on the 17 1’s team for Paige, the middle blocker, when she broke her finger) …She had no problem coming in and taking care of business. Not only did I lean on her physically, but emotionally as well. Even though she was a year younger than me, we really bonded over the game. I knew when I was struggling, I could go to Gracie and vice versa.”
Paige Wagers, MB- Eastern Kentucky University ‘25
Ever since I started playing volleyball in sixth grade, my goal has always been to play at the highest level in college. I am seeking a college that has a strong academic curriculum and a top notch volleyball program. I am coachable. I have a good attitude and I am a good teammate and player for my coaches. I am highly competitive with a strong desire to win. I am a versatile player, having played every position in the front row between club and varsity high school.
My high school team finished 3rd in State this year and I was awarded a District MVP award. I played on a team as a starter with D1 commits from Penn State, Villanova, Yale, Colgate and Eastern Kentucky State University. Also, I received the 2020 JVA AthLeader Award for my achievements on the court off the court and within my community.
Thank you for considering me for your program. I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you about how I could contribute to you future team.
