Tatiana Hamilton '20 Recruiting Profile

At this time, I am committed to play volleyball at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD!

I began my volleyball journey in fourth grade and the sport immediately became a huge part of my life. In 2013, my family moved overseas to Germany for three years. There, my love for the game truly began to take root. I played for a German travel team, on my American Middle School's club team, and participated in the A.C.E. volleyball camp in Vilseck, Germany. I also won first place in a doubles-style grass tournament in 2016. Playing in this unique environment increased my love for the game and pushed me to grow both in skill and as a person.

When I moved back to the States, during my freshman year I started on my junior varsity team and was later pulled up to varsity. During my sophomore and junior years I was the starting setter for my varsity team. I led my team in assists and service aces both years, and this year I had the fourth most service aces in Howard County. At the end of both seasons, I was recognized with the Reservoir High School Gator Award, because of my leadership and my team-first attitude. During my freshman and sophomore years I also played high school basketball, but this year I decided not to play so that I could focus on elevating my volleyball skills to the next level and devote more time to my AP & honors classes.

For the past two years I have played club volleyball for Strive Volleyball Club. During my freshman year, I played for Maryland Juniors Volleyball Club. I'm quick on the court and have a strong jump serve. I'm also working on jump sets. I've been selected as team captain for both my high school and club teams, and I try to lead by example while also encouraging my teammates. I am very coachable and strive to be the hardest working player on the court.

Life lessons of teamwork, commitment, and leadership have allowed me to evolve into a more driven and confident person. As a setter, I am aware of what it takes to be a leader and pride myself on my mental toughness, allowing me to make quick decisions and push my teammates to be their best. I am always willing to do whatever is needed to help my team and I work hard both on and off the court.

In the classroom, I am competitive and maintain a 4.32 weighted GPA, while taking multiple AP and Honors classes. I've made the Honor Roll every quarter since grade school. While in Germany I was inducted into the National Junior Honor Society and also participated in Girl Scouts. This year I was inducted into the National Honor Society and Math Honor Society. I volunteer after school and tutor mathematics.

Both school and sports have shaped me into who I am and I’m looking for a college that will push me both athletically and academically. My ultimate goal is to continue my volleyball career at the college level, while also receiving a quality education. I love to compete and would like to be academically challenged. I hope to become a great role model for my peers and make my parents proud.