Personal Statement
Hola, my name is Lillian Thundercloud. I am a Libero for the most part and also play outside and right side when needed. I am 5'6" and attend Greenfield High School, Wisconsin, where I played for the Varsity Team in 2019 and 2020. This year during the Volleyball season I accomplished 2nd Team All Conference and last year Honorable Mention. My current club this year is with Adversity in Germantown, Wisconsin. I am happy that we are playing Volleyball this year for club since last year it was interrupted by Coronavirus. I look forward to playing Volleyball in College. The next part is what it took to get me to where I am now and I couldn't be any happier!
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Standing along my team mates as everyone start to put their hands over their chest and we now sing the Star Spangled Banner. My heart is racing, my teammates glazing and the game is about to begin and when I look up at the net and see my family and friends in the stands, they are proud to be part of my dream. At this moment I know I have found the sport that I love that taught me important life skills and values along the way. Volleyball is my heart!
Growing up I was always a athletic kid. I enjoyed playing sports running in my sweat it never once bothered me. I have played, basketball, soccer and swim in a competitive levels and enjoyed playing all different sports through gym class at school. These sports helped keep me occupied and stay focused in school. My parents were always working hard in the hustle and bustle of San Diego California living. Since my parents were always working my mom made sure I was in some type of sport of after school program that she could afford. Living in California is nice who would not love the 70 Degree weather year round. My mother knew though High School was coming soon and she wanted to make sure we moved out of California so that I can have a better education and chance to succeed as a teenager in high school. So we packed up and moved to Milwaukee, WI. Your asking "why Wisconsin," Well easy its affordable. Moving to the Midwest cut my parents expenses by half. Even though I had to move school in the middle of 8th grade I was glad I did.
As the new kid a Greenfield Middle School my nerves were high and I could not wait for gym. Gym would be my stress reliever getting through this huge move to the Midwest. In every class I was always introduced as the new kid so I was waiting for the gym teacher to introduce me so that we can start class. I was excited to hear what lesson or sport the current class was playing and learning about. It was time the moment I was waiting for, please let it be soccer. The teacher announced we were starting a new unit, Volleyball. What is Volleyball? I never played Volleyball till I started this gym class. Immediately I knew I wanted to learn more about this Volleyball sport.
The summer after 8th grade I wanted to prepare my self to try out for the volleyball season at Greenfield High school. I begged my mother and grandparents that Volleyball is the sport I would want to play in High School and College. My mom looked at me in my eyes a said, "I have your back if this is the sport you want to commit to then lets get it!" she also went on to let me know that she would be there to push me to achieve my dreams and at any point if I wanted to stop she would back off. I have not wanted to stop. My first year of High school I made the Freshman team and was excited to play and learn. Once Freshman year was over I wanted to devote my summer to Volleyball and work hard to make Varsity as a sophomore. That summer I was learning and playing volleyball at the best summer camps in Wisconsin. I played with the Badgers and with the Girls Marquette Volleyball team. I was in sand Volleyball camps to strengthen my agility. Volleyball was with me everyday. There were times where I was tired and I just wanted to no do anything but my Mother pushed me to keep going she made me a true athlete. Try outs have arrived for sophomore year and my nerves set it, we had 3 days of tryouts, freshman teams were posted and so were JV and my name was not announced I felt crushed I felt my Volleyball time was over since there were great athletes on JV team that I felt were better then me. As they started announcing the roster for Varsity they started with all Seniors, Juniors and then said congrats to the 3 Sophomores that made the team. Once I heard my name the smile from cheek to cheek was so big I smiled for days and days I even think I am still smiling to this day.
I have only being playing Volleyball for a total of 3 years but I have learned so much more then hitting a ball over the net. I have learned how to be a better communicator with my coach and team mates, how to lead with sportsmanship and to be a coach-able player. I am a good candidate for a University Volleyball team because I am eager to learn from coaches who want to teach and to make incredible athlete of me. I am a athlete who can work well with a team towards the same goals. I am ready to DIG for your school!
Lillian Thundercloud
Libero/DS
