Gracen Samples '15 Recruiting Profile

Hello, my name is Gracen Samples, I am an outside hitter/ D.S from Clay, WV. I am currently in my Senior season (graduating class 2015)  at Clay County High School in Clay, WV.

I began playing volleyball my 7th grade year and fell in love with the sport. I had also played basketball and softball up until this year. After my sophomore year as a starter for my varsity volleyball team I decided to give up basketball and softball to focus on volleyball, to improve my all around game with the hope of playing volleyball at the next level. I have been a two year starter for my varsity volleyball team. I play all the way around and enjoy playing defense as much as offense. I served as team captain for my high school team last season and helped my team win sectionals, place 2nd in regionals and advance to the state tournament where we lost in the 1st round to the eventual state champions. I have played club ball for the last three years for Kanawha Valley Volleyball club, a member of the OVR. I also play for an AAU team based out of Charleston, WV. I have led my high school team in kills and service aces for the past two years. My sophomore year I was 2nd team all conference and honorable mention all state, along with the all tournament team for the Nicholas County tournament. My junior year I was 1st team all conference, and 2nd team all state. I was also all tournament in the Buffalo High School tournament and Point Pleasant Tournament. As far as my Senior season, i have made it to my 1000th kill, and have won the Charleston Catholic tournament, all tournament award, also made 1st team all conference, and 1st team all state. My ultimate goal is to continue my volleyball career at the college level and receive a quality education. I plan on dedicating myself to volleyball and academics at a small to mid-level university.