Lauryn Sims '21 Recruiting Profile

I’m Lauryn Sims (age 17) and I’ve been playing volleyball for six years. Prior to volleyball, I participated in years of dance and cheer – and, I played soccer. From the beginner’s league, I fell in love with the game of volleyball because of its fast pace and teamwork – everyone is involved in play. In 6^th grade, I played for a city league (middle blocker) and in 7^th grade, I played for a middle school league (setter) and participated on a 13’s metro travel team (outside hitter) – all at Richmond Volleyball Club. In the fall of 2016 as an 8th grader, I was a starter on the James River High School junior varsity team playing all six rotations as an outside hitter.  Since the 2017 high school season in my freshman season, I have been a varsity player as defensive specialist and an outside hitter.  

For three club seasons, I played up on the U-Turn Sports Academy Volleyball (USPAV) 15’s - 17s teams as a defensive specialist and outside hitter. In the DS position, I love playing right back because I get to support my team with serving and serve receive. I consider myself a leader by using strong communication and responding quickly to keep the ball in play.  Since spring 2020, I have played for Old Dominion Volleyball Academy (ODVA) as an outside hitter and defensive specialist. 

In addition to my club experiences, I have been fortunate to attend several local and college-level summer volleyball camps since 2015. These camps have given me an opportunity to interact with college players, learn new techniques from college coaches and understand what it is like to be in a college environment. 

I am an honors student at James River High School pursuing an Advanced Studies diploma. I have an interest in studying exercise science in college and begin a career of supporting athletes in the areas of physical therapy and sports medicine. In addition to academics and volleyball, I enjoy community service in the Richmond area like TeenImpact camp learning about urban farming, volunteering for the Richmond Marathon, with the local chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.  and other organizations. I am also a junior volunteer at a local sports medicine clinic. At school, I serve as a junior representative for the Student Council Association and as a SURF (freshman) mentor. I am also a member of the Latin and Minority Achievement clubs.  In my senior year, I have chartered a HOSA - Future Health Professionals chapter.

I look forward to my college career, studying to prepare for a medical career, playing volleyball and continuing to contribute in the community.