Sophia Ferdinand '21 Recruiting Profile

Growing up I read a lot, took dance and piano lessons but I did not play sports. I learned how to kick a soccer ball but did not join the soccer team. I tried tennis, a sport that I liked but my family moved to another town and it was no longer convenient for me to walk to a tennis court after school. My mother, who played club volleyball for many years, asked me to try it but it wasn’t until my dean who is the VB coach at the high school, invited me to learn to play with the high school team that I gave it some serious thought. My competitive nature took over; now volleyball is a great part of my daily life and I love it.

I love to compete and to win. I am gracious when I lose and use the occasion as a learning experience but I do not like to lose. One thing for sure, I always put in my best effort. In fifth grade I won my school district’s Spelling Bee competition because I was well prepared and I put in my best effort based on practice and repetitions. As the competition progressed I focused more intensely and used my deductive reasoning to spell words I have never heard of before. I believe that in volleyball, as in the Spelling Bee, the more I practice the more comfortable and calm under pressure I am when it comes time to perform. Instead of panicking I focus and elevate my game with a will to win. When I am not on the court I am the number one cheerleader for my volleyball team and I encourage my teammates to push harder and to compete as a team.

The transition from Middle School to High School was not as smooth as I would have liked but I sought help and guidance and got on track academically. I joined my high school’s freshman volleyball team and continued as a sophomore; I also  played club volleyball for Evolution (Power Level). As a Junior I made Varsity at school and made National at Evolution Volleyball. My goal is to graduate high school with a 3.5 or better GPA, which will give me a better chance at attending a four-year college to study business and at playing middle blocker or outside hitter. Volleyball is my aspiration; this will reflect in the way I play and in the way I support my team. My grades will not be affected by my sport because I have great expectations for myself and, as an athlete, I understand my academic obligations. I have the character, temperament, work ethics and leadership qualities necessary to contribute to any volleyball program. I am relentless and I don’t give up. I’ll play 'til I'm sore and cheer 'til I lose my voice. And you will hear my mother’s loud cheers and encouraging words for the whole team too! Playing college volleyball competitively is my dream, and I hope I will be able to live out that dream.