Isabelle Kuykendall '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Isabelle Kuykendall and I am a senior at North Point High School  in Wentzville, MO. Volleyball has been a huge part of my life since the third grade. I started out playing in the recreational CYC league for my school and immediately fell in love with the game. In sixth grade, I chose to try out for a club team because I wanted to learn more and improve my skills.  Since then I have been driven to constantly improve and hone my skills in order to achieve my dream to play for a Division I or Division II school as well as pursue higher levels after college. Throughout my volleyball career, my coaches have always viewed me as a versatile player. In my younger years I played all positions and began to train as a setter. As I transitioned into my middle school and high school years, my coaches have viewed me as a libero, defensive specialist, and setter. This past fall, I played my third high school season as a varsity volleyball player at North Point High School and earned the honor of being voted as captain of the varsity team. I believe I am a good fit as a libero and defensive specialist because I possess the mental ability to read the court as well as the physical endurance and quick thinking needed to execute on court decisions. I also believe these abilities make me a strong setter. As a setter I read the game in order to determine where I need to move and what moves I need to make in order to achieve the next point. These abilities also translate to my jobs as a referee for volleyball and soccer during the fall, winter, and spring, and as a lifeguard during the summer. In these positions I show leadership, read situations, make quick decisions, and use communication to explain or defend my choices.   

In addition to my on court experience, I am no stranger to hard work and determination off the court.  I am an excellent multi-tasker and organizer which is imperative to manage my high school soccer and volleyball seasons, soccer and volleyball club seasons, maintaining my grades in school, working, and coaching youth. I used my freshmen year to acclimate to high school but added in AP classes for both my sophomore and junior years. My teachers often commend me for showing hard work and dedication in their classes which they say sets an example for other students. I strive to give 100% to both my academics and training. I am generally the first to practice and the last to leave, always asking for feedback on how I can improve or what I need to work on. When I don’t have formal training, I am training at home through running, weights, individual drills, plyometrics or using the agility ladder.   I do the same in my classes, I arrive early to the classroom and ask for additional help when I am struggling whether that is coming in before school or staying after

Lastly, I have learned throughout the years that it is not just playing the game that I love but teaching it as well. With my volleyball club, Panathinaikos, I have helped out as a junior trainer with the Panathas program for the past three years and transitioned to the official title of assistant coach for a U15 team this year. I also coach soccer at a local recreational center for ages three to 14. Coaching combines my passions of physical fitness and working with youth. It is these reasons that draw me to a career in health, physical fitness, or sports management.