- 2018 Highlights
Personal Statement
My name is Michaela Devlin. I am a 6’2” MB/OPP/OS graduating in 2019 from PIAA District 1 4A State Finalist Bishop Shanahan High School, in Downingtown, PA. My background makes me uniquely qualified to impact a competitive college program.
Over the past 6 years, I have been a part of four of the most competitive clubs in the area and was a significant contributor in getting my high school team to the finals of our State Championships after winning both our Ches-Mont league and PIAA District 1 AAAA championships for the third consecutive year. Despite being the youngest on every team I have played for, I have found a way to make my mark on all of them. As the only freshman on my high school varsity team, I had to quickly prove my worth to become a starter. Within the first couple weeks, I not only showed that I truly belonged on this team, but I also became a real contributor to the game. During both my club career and academic life, I have always "played up". As a kid, I was pushed ahead academically, so I am a full year younger than both my teammates and classmates. Although I am now a junior, I am only 16 which suggests that I should still be a sophomore. In fact, even as a junior I was still among the youngest varsity players on my high school team. No matter how much I may fit in physically on the teams I have played for, I will always remain the youngest, so I must work extra hard to prove my value and earn the trust of my teammates every time I step on the court or touch the ball. I am determined to continue to rise to the occasion to meet and exceed those expectations. As a junior, I was happy to assume more of a leadership role on my team, helping to energize and propel my team forward as we looked to make our mark on our 4A division.
I have learned the value of being coach-able so that I can be the best player possible. I try to be open to suggestions made by coaches and peers so that I may improve in every aspect of the game, whether it be physically or mentally. Being confident and collected on the court is just as important as being physically capable of playing the game. This is a skill I have had to learn when playing with older teams challenging me to demonstrate resiliency on the court while taking smart risks to prove my value which has paid off. Since then, I have learned to thrive and excel in those high-pressure situations, calling for the ball and delivering when the game is on the line.
I have learned the importance of being adaptable and flexible for the betterment of the team. One of my favorite club memories was having to play a full set with just 6 girls, each of us playing all the way around. Half our team was late to the court, so out of necessity we played with a renewed passion, wanting to prove to everyone we could do it. Not only were we successful, pulling out a 25-10 win, but I had the most fun all season expanding my skills and proving myself as an asset to the team no matter the position. As a true competitor, I thrive on the court and welcome every opportunity to play all the way around and be out there as much as possible. With each passing match I look forward to getting more opportunities to demonstrate that I am a versatile yet reliable player always striving to learn the strategic components of the game from all positions.
As a student athlete, I am on track to complete my Junior year honors/AP curriculum with honors and continue to take great pride in my academic achievements. My goal is to make an impact on a competitive college team whose school has strong academic showings, especially in criminal justice and psychology. I would like to pursue a career in criminology because I like answering the question “Why?” Why do people do what they do, especially when they choose to do the wrong thing? Knowing there are consequences for all our actions, good or bad, why would someone accept the possibility for severe consequences and elect the wrong path? What psychological or environmental conditions exist to drive such seemingly illogical behavior? I know I have much to learn and experience in these next couple years before college, and in that time I will make every effort to become as focused and dedicated as I can be both on and off the court.
