Personal Statement
I started playing volleyball in the 8th grade, and ever since I first stepped into the court I became addicted to the game. Although my volleyball career started off rocky, and I could have very easily given up, I did not. My first match was disastrous, and that made me want to strive to improve and prevent a loss so horrific from ever happening again. I had only been training volleyball for a few days at school (less than a week) before the team had a tournament match. Unfortunately for me, all the varsity team could not make it to the game, so our coach was forced to play with the junior varsity team, and me as a starter. That day we received the biggest beating of our lives, courtesy of the reigning champions of the tournament.
Although I could have simply, given up and stay in what was then my primary sport: track and field. I decided to persist, work hard, become a leader for the team, and return to play the same tournament again next year. Although it didn't end up being as Hollywood-esc as I thought it would. After losing several times the tournament, some by a few points and some by large defeats; we were eventually able to crown ourselves champions three times in a row. With this experience I learned that consistent hard work is the key to success, and with it any level of competing is within reach. I am sure that the experiences learned in high school have prepared me well, and that I have what it takes to create a positive impact on any team at the collegiate level.