- 2017 Highlights
Personal Statement
I grew up in a Christian home and was lucky enough to have wonderful parents who have pushed me to be the best that I can, never give up, and do it all for His glory. My sister, whom has always been my role model, was an amazing athlete and valedictorian of her graduating class. Since I wanted to be just like her, I started trying out for different sports. I played soccer, basketball, and even danced for around four years. It wasn't until seventh grade that I touched a volleyball, and the rest is history. I fell in love with the game.
My first year of high school volleyball I started as an outside hitter. Our team took a hard loss in the WVCAT tournament, but it made us ten times the team that we were the year before. Losing isn't fun, but I learned you can improve greatly by learning from your mistakes and letting go of them. This past school season we won the championship and took home the banner. It was the most amazing season I've ever had!
I'm the kind of person who continually wants a new challenge. I've always taken every AP class offered at my school and maintained a high GPA. I wanted a new challenge and began playing travel volleyball as the captain of my team my freshman year. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of even more competitive volleyball. I have learned how important it is to be dedicated, and to never stop working hard. I've learned how trust and teamwork can make a world of difference in every game you will ever play. I've learned that no matter how long you've been playing and how experienced you are, there is always something that someone else can teach you. My goal for my volleyball career is that I would get to play competitive college ball on a team of passionate, hardworking ladies with a coach that will continue to push me athletically and personally.
Ever since the summer before my freshman year I have struggled with serious back pain that has sent me to the ER. It has been the hardest trial of my life. Auto-immune diseases run in my family, and that is primarily what my doctors have looked into. In the beginning it was very hard because it takes time to get appointments and make progress. Even though it was very painful afterwards, I would not stop playing volleyball. My parents could not convince me that it would alleviate my pain. Even after travel season was over I was miserable, which meant that something else was causing my pain. Now, I have made so much progress in controlling my pain and have learned so much patience. My doctors gave me the stamp of approval that it was good to continue playing, and Lord-willing, I will never stop.
