Annika Sowers '24 Recruiting Profile

My name is Annika Sowers and I am 17 years old.  I attend school at Carlsbad High School in New Mexico. I have an older sister and we have been very involved in athletics all our lives. With a mom who played college softball and a sister that played track at the college level, I guess you could say we love an active lifestyle.  That’s why I love what I do. 

My academic goals for high school is to graduate in the top 10 %.   Along with these academic goals, I would like to make it to state for both volleyball and track in my events for my sophomore, junior and senior years.  I did accomplish this in track.  I’m interested in going to college to study business and play volleyball or run track. I currently play varsity for both sports.  Along with my high school activities, I play with my club volleyball team "Blackout 181". I have played volleyball since I was in 4th grade and have had some amazing coaches and opportunities.  I have played on teams that experienced success and others that struggled. I have had opportunities to play with girls my own age and been on teams where girls were four years older.  I have usually been that kid playing up on older teams.  I feel my experience is very vast. My high school experience has been extensive also.  During my Jr. High track seasons, my 4x4 and 4x2 relay team won first place and we went on to win the Border Conference Championship.  I know what it takes to succeed. As a freshman,  I was the starting libero for my varsity high school volleyball team.  This year, I am a junior and have had to move into an outside hitter position for my varsity team to generate offense.  Although my favorite position is libero, I stepped up to challenge to help my team. This transition has not only increased my overall skill but helped me to be more appreciative of my teammates and become a team leader. I’ve learned I can do whatever I set my mind to and that there is nothing I cannot accomplish with hard work.  

I have been blessed. I truly have not had to endure any unforeseen obstacles in my 15 years except for injury. I have learned through my sports experience that I can accomplish anything with hard work. I especially learned this as I was hurt with an ankle injury during one of our season games; It about killed me to stay out.  I have such a strong drive to succeed and love for the game that I came back even stronger and more driven.   I aspire to work hard towards finding a college that not only gives me the chance to succeed in academics, but also with the sports I love. I believe I am a hard working student athlete with a good work ethic in the classroom and on the court. I’m very unique because I’m a motivator. I’m always making my team smile, laugh and stay positive. I love to cheer them on no matter what. 

My recent accomplishments consist of maintaining  a high GPA during the pandemic; my club volleyball team winning many gold bracket DIV2 and Div I tournaments, and qualifying for state in track.  I identify myself as a hard working young lady who has a great work ethic and the ability to be a leader no matter what position I find myself in.  I will strive to find a college that will recognize my abilities in the classroom, my leadership abilities amongst my peers, and the desire to make the world a better place for all of society. I am so excited and honored to take part in this journey to grow and become a scholar and athlete in college.