Gabriella Hernandez '20 Recruiting Profile

I found my love for volleyball when I was just 5 years old, just from bumping a volleyball in the yard with my dad.  In 4th grade, I had a great teacher who thought I would like to play, I haven't stopped since. I started on the JV team at my catholic school and by the time I reached 6th grade I was the only student from my grade who made the varsity team and I was a starter. I was the team MVP that year as well, not because of my skills, but because of my dedication and my willingness to give 110% of myself at practice and on the court. I started playing club volleyball for CJ Heat during 6th grade, I was a starter on the 12's team. The following year, in 7th grade, I tried out for Impact Volleyball club and was the youngest member of their 15's team (I was 12 years old). I began learning to play the 5th position and middle blocker. I soon became a starter on the team because of my consistent serves and my ability to block. I played all around when needed. This past year, 8th grade, I again played for Impact Volleyball club on their 15's team, and again I was the youngest member (13 years old). I was a starter playing middle blocker. I soon moved to opposite as a starter and occasionally played outside hitter. I was able to switch positions as needed to help make my team strong during competitions and helped lead them to a 2nd place victory during the GEVA Regionals.  For the summer, I have been playing in a freshman/ JV summer league, through Crush Volleyball Club, I am the starting middle blocker for the Kenilworth team.

I attended a different school for 7th & 8th grade and immediately became an asset to the Varsity team. My experience in club made me stand out and I was often asked to help assist the coaches when they were explaining rotations, serve/receive, blocking, and serving techniques.  I'm a coachable player, always listening and taking in what the coaches say, whether it is good or bad. I'm a hard worker, I make it my business to be at every practice and every game/ tournament- usually the first player there. Dedication is key and I take volleyball very seriously. I try not to fool around too much as I like to make sure I am paying attention to what is going on around me, even if it is just practice. I play hard and like to push my teammates to do the same. I am encouraging to them by being a sideline "cheerleader". I can be loud and aggressive on the court to help push my teammates to keep going.

I currently attend Union Catholic High School and I am now in my sophomore year. Freshman year, I was a starter in the Freshman team, and worked my way to the JV team before the end of the 2016 season. I had the honor of attending County Championships and being part of the 1st place, undefeated JV team. This year, I am on the JV team, as a starter. I am also the team captain.  I began the season as a new outside hitter, plating all around.  I have recently moved to Middle Blocker because of the need for a strong middle for the team. I would love to play professionally, or have the ability to run my own club. I also have interests in Neurology because I am fascinated by the human brain and nervous system. I look forward to my future as a volleyball player and all that it has and will teach me, not only on the court, but in life as well; Discipline, respect, patience, teamwork, hard work, responsibility, accountability, and determination.