Natalie Jernigan '27 Recruiting Profile

I am very determined to play womens volleyball in college. After 7 years of doing equestrian horseback riding, I figured a change in sports would get me more active and ready for college. I chose volleyball over all sports because I believed that if I could work hard enough and train, I too could play at the levels of those with years of experience. After only 3-4 months of playing volleyball, I wanted to try out for the middle school team. I was very disappointed that I was told I hadn’t made the team. Although, I had also tried out for a club team. I made the team. Club ball taught me so many more things about myself, like how I love working with a team. I had always played an independent sport, but i’ve learned to love the community more than anything. I began playing middle attacker and I found my love for hitting. I eventually began playing outside as well. Once club ball was over, I began working harder and harder each day to try to make it to the high school team. When i tried out in May, i found out that i made it. Over the summer, i achieved more than i ever imagined i could. I got so much better at hitting, and i even started playing all around. I made so many more friends and my love grew even larger for volleyball. I went from being benched for most games, to playing a spot i didn’t even want to play. But, once the coaches saw how determined i was to get the spot i so very wanted, they put me as a starter on outside and even let me play back row. Since school season is now over, i strive even more to become a better player, athete, and sportsman.