Zoe Tucker '24 Recruiting Profile

Volleyball has become like a second skin since I started playing years ago. Without it, I don't know where I'd be or who I'd be today. That's why I have made playing volleyball in college one of my top aspirations. Along with playing volleyball in college, I aspire to study biology to become an environmental scientist in the future. As a student enrolled in one of the largest and most rigorous STEM programs in my county, I know that without good academics, playing volleyball isn't possible. So, I put in the work to achieve Principal's Honors every semester and will continue to do so. 

When I made my high school's varsity team the summer of my sophomore year, there were only 2 other girls in my grade, everyone else was seniors and juniors who had all played together before. That season, I understood how important active listening is in order to become a part of a machine that has already been built, making me very coachable. I've even been called a "dry sponge" by my club coach, ready to absorb and hold on to the advice. Supporting my teammates as a captain on-and-off the court is one of my best attributes, besides athleticism. I believe that in order to move as a cohesive unit, relationships are necessary with teammates, as well as coaches and team staff.

The dedication, discipline, and mental growth I gained from playing have shown me such a brighter version of myself. Focusing on the positive and moving on, while still learning from bad plays is how I've grown into a more focused athlete. I know that it will take grit and zeal, between summer conditioning, practices at dawn, and traveling for games, but there's nothing more that I look forward to than playing volleyball at the collegiate level.