Natalie Wehner '16 Recruiting Profile

From the moment I started to play volleyball, I realized my passion and love for the sport.  Volleyball is one of my most important aspects of life next to my family and my schoolwork.  Just before seventh grade started, my sister introduced me to the sport I would be playing for a very long time.  The beginning of my career in volleyball started with my involvement in recreational volleyball.  From there, I was recommended to play on a club team.  This recommendation created a true interest, attraction, and commitment to volleyball in me.   I decided I would like to improve my volleyball skills and play more often against higher level competition, so I tried out at Oakland Elite Volleyball Club my seventh grade year.  After making a team at Oakland Elite, I dedicated myself to the sport that I have come to love and do not know what I would have done without it.  Volleyball is always on my mind.

Ever since I started receiving grades in school, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA and strive to push myself in every way.  Taking Honors classes--and AP classes next year--pushes me to become a better student.  I am determined to continue to get A's on tests and projects by accumulating knowledge and expanding it.  I maintain good grades and try to learn as much as I can every school day so I can possess as many opportunities as possible in the future.  Therefore, the world will get someone who will be important to society and who will make a difference.

Presently, I am playing on the first national-level team for the 16's age group at Oakland Elite Volleyball Club.  Being on this team includes engaging in conditioning, skills training, and team practices multiple times per week.  Power league, national, and state tournaments comprise my weekends during the club season.  I also complete additional training, conditioning, and camps during the club season and over the summer.  Over the high school season, my training includes conditioning and practicing with the team.  As a sophomore, I was selected to play on the High School Varsity team, and I am striving to be nominated to the All-State Volleyball team during my high school career.

For half of my volleyball career, I have played outside hitter and all the way around.  My first year of volleyball, I played a middle hitter, then moved to right side the next year, and finally to outside hitter.  I have also played a defensive specialist occasionally to become a well-rounded player.  I desire to play at a Division I collegiate level school as I continue with my education.

Volleyball has helped me to learn many lessons that will help me not only in my future jobs, but in life.  One lesson I have learned through volleyball is hard work and dedication.  For every point, every play, and every game, I have learned to work the absolute hardest I can.  I am determined to put forth my best effort and to dedicate my time to become a more successful volleyball player.  My determination and hard work can propel me past hardships in my life.  This skill helps me in school so I will produce my best work, and it will aid me in the future so I will have the best opportunities in life through my hard work, dedication, and determination to be the greatest person I can be.  Another lesson I have learned through volleyball is to work with others as a team.  Volleyball is a sport where you can't succeed with just one person; you have to work together to achieve the point or to win the game.  Lastly, volleyball has helped me to become a leader.  On the court, I lead my team in becoming the loudest girl out there and keeping the spirits of my team high, even if we lost a point.  I believe I have become the glue of my team, which helps us to win more games, and achieve greatness.  Off the court, I become a leader through getting involved in the community and helping and setting examples for others.

Attending and graduating college and fulfilling my academic needs is one of my most important goals, and I am determined to play volleyball throughout my college experience.  I embrace any opportunities I am given to accomplish this goal, and I strive to be the best volleyball player and person I can be through my many skills I have learned throughout my volleyball career.  I will work myself as hard as possible and dedicate every moment I have to be able to play at the collegiate level.