Ariana Vazquez '25 Recruiting Profile

Becoming a collegiate athlete has been an aspiration of mine for as long as I can remember. As a high school athlete, I understand that work ethic is something that is crucial when transitioning into college. I pride myself on being the first and last person in the gym, coming in during the holidays, and finding ways to stay active and improve on skills during quarantine. During quarantine, I was not able to be a part of a school team or club team, but I was offered lessons by a family friend who happened to be a volleyball coach. After being a man short for his team, my coach asked me to play with him on his adult team. Playing in this adult weekend league not only improved my skills but also enhanced my IQ in the game of volleyball. I was able to not only be playing with other coaches from my area but also be coached by them. Being exposed to this level of play has broadened my understanding of the game and also molded me into the player I am now. The hard work put into sports is also translated into my academics. Except for two years, I have been an A-Honor Roll student since first grade; and I am part of the National Honors Society. Being the best student I can be is just as important to me as being the best player I can be. Playing college volleyball and being successful in it would mean that all my hard work has paid off. My father passed away when I was 8, so he never got to see me play competitively. He was a basketball star, so to be successful in my dream like he was in his, would mean so much to me.