Cara Mclaughlin '19 Recruiting Profile

I consider myself a student first and then an athlete. I want to play volleyball in college because it's fun and challenges me mentally and physically. Playing on a volleyball team has taught me to be flexible and has improved my confidence and leadership skills. I consider myself a "team player" while I continually work to improve myself. I celebrate my teammates' successes as much as I celebrate my own. When I set up a kill, assist on a block or dig a hard hit, it's as exciting as when I get an ace or a kill myself.

Each team I have played on, and each coach I have played for, has presented me with new challenges as I have been requested to play in different positions depending on the team's needs. For example, I started as OPP/DS freshman year but was asked to become starting setter for my high school and club teams sophomore year. Since then, I have mainly started as setter/OPP, but in some sets I have been switched to a DS for my serving and passing/digging abilities.  I have been asked to teach or demonstrate volleyball skills to high school and club teammates and younger players at clinics, and I really enjoyed helping out.

I have learned how to manage my time well by maintaining high grades, doing volunteer work and pursuing other interests like art and music while playing competitively. I have learned the benefits of extra workouts and skill sessions, healthy eating and sleeping, group study sessions, and communicating well in order to become a well rounded volleyball player, student and person.  

I am looking forward to many things in college. By playing volleyball in college, I hope to continue to challenge myself athletically, not just academically, to continue to reach new goals and make life long friendships along the way.