Ashley Rutherford '21 Recruiting Profile

I fell in love with volleyball after my first recreation team game before 7^th grade. I knew that I was made for the speed and mental challenge of the game.  Since then I have worked to be a setter and 6-rotation player for every team. As the setter, I am a vocal leader with a high volleyball IQ. I read defenses well and use my vision to make my offense successful. I want to continue to grow as a player in a competitive collegiate program.

I have learned a lot about myself in 2019.  At the beginning of the year my parents told me we were moving from Texas to Virginia. I would have to find a new club volleyball team, tryout for a new high school team, and meet new friends in a town I had only visited once as a junior in high school.  I realized that my attitude would be the driving force to create a positive situation -- this move would be my first step to my college transition.

I believe this move has made me a stronger candidate to play volleyball at a collegiate level. Trying out for a new team has taught me that I am competitive leader on and off the court. I can balance challenging coursework with the time commitments necessary to compete with a team that wants to be state champions. I am coachable and can adjust to a variety of coaching styles to meet the expectations of the team. This move has also helped me learn how to develop strong relationships with my teammates as the new member of the group by earning their trust and respect through my work ethic and actions. As a result, I am the starting setter on my Varsity team and had a very successful season with Next Revolution Volleyball 18s as co-captain.

I am also a dedicated student. I want to pursue a degree that will prepare me to work in an animal behavior field. My goal is to eventually work with penguins at a zoo or aquarium. I have completed advanced courses in English, Math, Science, and History, which has prepared me for the challenge of college-level coursework. I have been involved in my high school’s Fellowship for Christian Athletes and volunteered in the nursery at my church.

I am looking for a collegiate program that will provide me with a competitive athletic environment and a challenging academic setting. I believe my enthusiasm for the game, desire to compete, and my dedicated work ethic will make me a positive contributor to my team.