Personal Statement
An injury actually helped me realize what my goals were. I tore a meniscus during my junior year in high school and continued to play through the issue but never really grew as an athlete. The injury had given me a reason to do "just enough". I was still a team captain and was involved with leading the team but I had not committed to my sport nor my classwork. This problem laid the ground work for me to become an All conference Setter in the California Community College Athletic Association.
After the surgery to repair my meniscus, (which was successful) i felt completely rejuvenated in athletics and things really came into focus. I was grateful for the opportunity to continue growing as an athlete and a student at College of the Redwoods Junior College where I became an immediate captain. I was also the only one on the team that played EVERY point of every match during the season. This experience caused me to really focus on the details of the setter position as well as the need to lead by example and words. I absolutely feel that my volleyball game has improved significantly and i am getting close to reaching my potential. I am a 5'8" left handed setter and have been a leader/captain on every team of which I have been involved. I absolutely feel the experience and coaching I have received from Coach Lorenzi here at Redwoods has helped me grow as an individual and athlete.
The growth has also occurred in the classroom. Although I scored a 24 on the A.C.T. test during my senior year in high school, I was very immature and my GPA suffered significantly. I have found the focus and proved to myself and others that I am an excellent student as well as a determined and strong athlete. Currently, to support my statement, I am going to finish my first collegiate semester with a 3.4 and will continue this success during the spring of 2019 and beyond.
I have not reached my potential as a student or athlete but I feel I have grown enough to recognize what the ceiling may be. I truly am looking for a 4 year school that I can help as an athlete and that I can benefit from as a student. I believe I not only have the talent to compete for a 4 year college team, but the character, work-ethic, and leadership skills to make an immediate impact on your program. As an JUCo All Conference setter, team captain of Juco, Club and high school teams, I know that I have what it takes to be a valuable asset to your team.
Thank you,
Ariana Gallegos
