Mikayla Tansil '21 Recruiting Profile

I can reflect on a game around the time I’d first started playing volleyball. It was the 7^th grade and my first year playing on an actual team. Blood rushed through every vein in my body at a rapid speed, as our opponent racked up points. It’s the third set, the score’s 15 to 14 and we’re down. Due to nerve racking, and fast paced seconds of the game, I developed a true love and aspiration for volleyball. From that point on, my passion and dedication to the game catapulted throughout the years. Not only have these crucial moments required severe faith and patience in the process, but they’ve allowed me to become a better leader and teammate. Being on the shorter side, I have learned that I can conquer any obstacle standing in my way. My structure does not limit my power and capability but pushes me to work harder. I know that I have the work ethic and strong mentality to compete at the college level.

My sophomore year has been the most challenging one to date. I nearly made the varsity team at my school but was placed on JV for more playing time. Rather than looking at this as a setback, I saw it as an opportunity to show that I can get back up when knocked down. While juggling three honors courses, marching band, and attending both varsity and JV practices, I embraced the opportunity without complaint. Although I did not play for varsity until getting pulled up at the end of the season, I was at every game, practice, and tournament to learn from the upperclassmen. If that meant staying after school to practice from 2-6pm and pulling an all-nighter to complete my homework, then that’s what I had to do. I gained the skill of time management, by arranging enough time for anything I took part in, even if it meant sacrificing a huge part of my social life.  By the end of the season, I was named MVP and played a major part in leading my team to the number one spot in our league. My experiences have humbled and shaped me to become a better player. I am confident that I will be a valuable contribution to any team. I believe I will strive not only athletically, but academically as well at any college that I am fortunate enough to play for.