Rylie Samford '24 Recruiting Profile

I feel the most popular question that I am asked as an athlete is; why do you play volleyball? Well, the answer is complicated but I have simplified it as much as I can.

I play volleyball because the passion and heart of a team that preforms well together is the birthplace of all love for the sport.

I have competed in many different sports at various levels and in all my experience, there is no team sport like volleyball. There is no room for selfishness on a well-oiled team, when one individual isn't executing their part, everyone suffers. I feel great relief knowing I will always have back-up, and great responsibility knowing my duty is not to myself, but my teammates.

This mindset is what I strive to practice in all areas of my life, which is why I would love to be part of your family of players.

I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout all of my academic careers, but more importantly, I have maintained healthy relationships with my family that has strengthened me mentally as well as academically.

My favorite quote is from USC libero Victoria Garrick; "the best players aren't perfect, they're consistent."

While I always strive for perfection, focusing on consistency makes my performance 5x better, while making me a more open-minded teammate.

The mental aspect of the game is 70%, and a great deal of my mental toughness comes from my season playing baseball. Baseball, being such a technical sport, can be a very broad platform for mental performance, without mental resilience, breaking down on easy routine plays can become a game by game habit.

So then my attitude towards mistakes has grown into; asses and move on. Figure out why I made the mistake, focus on the next play. This characteristic has also strengthened my teammates and strengthened me as a person.

I would love to talk with you further, have a blessed day!