Vanessa Blas '17 Recruiting Profile

Getting an injury as severe as an ACL and Meniscus tear at only fourteen years old was devastating. People told me it was going to make me physically stronger and mentally tougher, but I found that very hard to believe. Volleyball was the center of my universe and my soul source of happiness since I was a kid. So in order to get back to what I loved, I pushed, hard. I rehabbed twice a day through June, July, and August. With the help and support of my family and friends I was able to keep focus, and the faith in my body was restored. Each day was not good, but it was better than the last, and that is progress.

My passion for the game was evident at a very young age. I loved watching college volleyball with the tall, fast girls on TV. My dream since age 6 was to be one of them. I wanted to jump and hit as hard as they did. I wanted to give my all at practice and play my heart out in every game. Most of all, I wanted to give my parents something to be proud of.

I dedicated myself to the game. Although the injury has been a mental trial, it has only made me more confident in my abilities. I have learned how to be a better person, on and off the court. Through it all, my desire to play in college has only grown. I will give my team 100% no matter where I find myself- on the court, on the bench, or even the bleachers. My loyalty to my team and love for the sport makes me the ideal recruit for college ball.