Olivia Wells '21 Recruiting Profile

    Volleyball has become more than just a sport to me. Through years of training, practicing, and playing, I have developed a strong work ethic which has also allowed me to become a strong student. From the game I have learned so much about cooperation and communication, and how important these things are in order to be successful as a group. I have discovered that win or lose, the challenge of competition brings out the best in me. It is important to me that I find a college home where I can continue to grow.

   A coach of mine once told me that when a game was on the line, she trusted me to finish, to close. I took it as a compliment, of course. It is true that I play aggressively and I don't back down from big moments. However, if you were to ask my teammates, they would more likely refer to me as some type of glue, and call me a leader. This is how I see myself, and this is even more important to me than being seen as a talented, go-to player. I lead on the court. I lead by how hard I play. I lead by the way that I say things and how I use my body language to show encouragement and support. I believe that I truly understand what my teammates need in different situations and how they prefer to communicate. Off the court and in the time between the whistles, I have a way of keeping my teammates loose. I have learned that trust and closeness of the team are what allows for success when things get tough.

    I would love the opportunity to attend a university and play volleyball where academics are emphasized and where the program has a strong team culture. In the meantime, I will learn from the journey itself, exploring colleges and meeting coaches to find the right fit. Ultimately, as I prepare to continue my academic career, I most look forward to becoming a valued member of a college team where I will continue to learn in the classroom and on the court.