- 2024 Spotlight #3
Personal Statement
Hi, I'm Kieran,
I currently live in Northampton England with my Mum, Dad, two older brothers and my two Labradors Buster and Roxy.
As well as my family and dogs , I love sports, all sports, but volleyball is where my true passion lies.
Why am I right for the USA and your team - this is my collegiate goal and has been since I started playing, my grit, determination and following my coaches guidance is what has got me to where I am now - that is what will also make me a great addition to your team - I want to play professionally that is my next goal after college - I believe my determination and drive to succeed will benefit your team and with your support give me the pathway to my next goal.
I have always enjoyed all sports and actually played football (soccer) to a reasonably high level until Volleyball took over and I felt that I couldn’t play two sports at the highest level possible. When I was younger I tried my hand at tennis, trampolining and parkour to name a few. At school I represented my school in all sports, Rugby, Football, Cricket and athletics (Long jump, high jump and triple jump). I also did Long Jump, High Jump and Triple jump at county level. I was captain of my school football team both in my year (Yr10 at the time) and for the year above (Year 11). For my school I received various awards - the Sports Half Colours, Sports Full Colours and the Gerraint Jones Cup, which was awarded for outstanding contribution to sport.
Volleyball started in lockdown, I had my first training session in September 2021 with an adults team at 14. I got to play in the ladies matches to start with (there were no juniors teams) I was then spotted by a junior coach and played in a junior ‘Grand Prix’, I was soon promoted to playing for the men's team. During the Grand Prix’s I was spotted by an England Coach. In April 2022 I trialled for England and was selected for the England Talent Pathway.
In the short time I have played Volleyball I am very proud of my achievements so far with my playing highlight being chosen as the starting opposite for England U17's at a CEV European competition in 2023. I have been selected to play in both European competitions that we have entered in my time with the squad. Domestically I have been selected as captain in a national event representing one of the 9 regions of the UK and I play for one of the top junior teams – where in 2023/2024 season we finished 2nd in the country which is a great accomplishment. I also play National League Men's Volleyball where we have this year been promoted to division 2. I would love to progress further and believe that the opportunity to do so is much greater in the USA with the coaching and level of the game that are available there.
I am very determined and have taken on board all the constructive coaching to become a better player. I have a good ability to communicate and have shown leadership skills which resulted in being selected as captain for the East Midlands Region at a national competition which is quite rare for an opposite.
My future goals are to play at the highest level I can achieve, ultimately my aim is to play professionally in either the USA or Europe where there are opportunities to do so. I would like my post playing career to also involve sport so I am tailoring my academic studies with this in mind and looking into sports management/psychology with the courses I am currently studying.
Academically I am currently studying Physical Education, Psychology and Criminology. I am also undertaking the DiSE - Diploma in Sporting Excellence which is a qualification offered in connection with Volleyball England. I am due to sit my A Level exams in Spring 2025 when I am hoping to gain good qualifications which I aim to take further in the USA to link in with my playing career. I currently balance my time around studying, training 3/4 times per week including strength and conditioning training, playing matches most weekends and spending time with my family and Friends. I also enjoy playing chess and have reached a reasonable level, I think this is due to my strategic thinking, which I also bring to the court.
I am committed to reaching my goal of playing in the USA and I have the support of my family who believe you should always strive for your dreams.
