Emily Gillen '18 Recruiting Profile

Challenged by one of my coaches at a young age to be a team leader helped define who I am today. Our team was made up of quiet 14 year old girls, and it was not in any one of us to be that vocal leader. I had always led by example with hard work-always pushing myself and striving to be the most fit athlete I could be. When coach asked me to fill that void and become that vocal leader both on and off the court for my team I accepted the challenge. I was worried because I liked my teammates and wanted to be sure that I understood how to lead without sounding “bossy”. My coach helped guide me with some good advice. That season I discovered a part of me that I did not know was there. I learned how to not only lead by example but to be that vocal team leader encouraging my teammates and offering help in a way that was well-received by them.

I have found since that season I have been able to continue to build these leadership skills and demonstrate them in all sports that I participate in. I have had teammates thank me for helping them along the way. The feeling of satisfaction from helping my teammates along with my love of athletics is what directed me to my choice of physical therapy for my field of study in college.

As I look for the right college for me I am focused on finding a good school where I can get my undergraduate degree in one of the health and life sciences, like biology or physiology, prior to going on to post-graduate studies in physical therapy. I am not focused on only Division I schools, instead I am very open to Division II and Division III schools.  I am looking for a school that offers me a solid undergraduate education in the field that interests me and an opportunity to play the game I love, volleyball.