I was exposed to volleyball in 5th grade, and quickly realized that this was a passion of mine that has only continued to deepen throughout the years. Throughout middle school, I learned how much I value a competitive environment because not only does it give me immense joy in an intense rally, but it also allows me to grow my game to its full potential and as fast as possible. Since I began playing, I have always been the most competitive on the court and hated to see someone else outperform me. When I realized this, I knew I wanted to give my all to this sport because this is what genuinely gave me the most joy. Since then, I’ve given my all to one of the few things I love, and found joy in every single part of it, especially the intense and tiring parts because I know that I am developing.

My biggest challenge in my volleyball career is also what motivates me most to be great. I come from a low-middle income family that supports 5 children, resulting in a severe limitation of volleyball opportunities for me. I have only played for a club team once in 7th grade for a regional team because it was the lowest price. However, I face this challenge directly and do not let it stop me from progressing. I rely on school season for proper coaching and team experience. I take every open gym opportunity at school and my high-level local club I can, and maximize my time there to simply get better and stronger. From home, I often focus on the mental and IQ portion of the game, watching film and closely studying the game. I prioritize my strength and fundamentals in order to keep up and surpass my competitors and continue to be a top athlete on the court.

My work ethic has a direct result as to how I play and lead my team. Coaches have expressed favor of my advanced and stable fundamentals that allow me to be a top performer. I also naturally take on the role of a leader on the court no matter who I am around, as I feel confident in this sport and my abilities due to the amount of time I pour into it. My work ethic expands to outside of the court as well into academics where I am the top of my class and partake in the most rigorous courses that my school offers.

I have huge dreams and high standards for myself that I have proven to reach already. For example, I was determined to make my schools varsity team my freshman year, and while people around me doubted and told me how hard it was, I only worked harder and ended up meeting my goal. I became the only freshman on the varsity roster, and by the end of the season, I had worked my way up to a starting outside position. I am also undersized for an outside hitter which also causes me to become overlooked. However, it ultimatley gives me more confidence in my game because I work harder and results always eventually show.

I’ve always dreamed of taking this sport to a high level in order to compete at a competitive level that suits me and my playing style. I also prioritize my academics and am working to go to a prestigious school although I am still figuring out what career path I want to take. Without club volleyball, I am working my hardest to still put myself out there anyway and to fight against all the odds stacked up against me. I plan to save up money and work towards paying for club my 17s and 18s year at a high level to extend my chances of getting recruited. My love for this sport allows me to do all I can to reach my goals and I am a determined athlete willing to do what it takes to get there.