Carter O'Sullivan '23 Recruiting Profile

    I became interested in volleyball at age 8 hearing the girls in my class talk about their CYO volleyball season and by going to some of my babysitter’s games. That summer, I started attending volleyball camps and clinics which led to me trying out for a girls’ 12U club team as I live in Oregon and there wasn’t a boys’ club team. I had a successful tryout, and I was able to compete and my love for the game began. 

    The past five years haven’t been easy being one of the few boys playing volleyball in the CEVA Region. I had to fight over and over again to be able to gain the opportunity to play the sport I love. I rarely play with kids my age. During my 2016 season, I helped my team get to Girls’ Junior Nationals, yet I had to sit on the sidelines as I wasn’t allowed to compete. During my final season with my girls’ club, I faced formal complaints from fans who did not think it was fair that I was playing. Through all of this, I was fortunate enough to have a support system that walked through this process with me, so that I could play. Luckily a new boys’ club was formed a few years ago, and CEVA agreed that I could play for both teams until the boys’ club became more competitive. Having four practices and a tournament a week was a dream come true!

    Volleyball has gotten me to be where I am and who I am today. The obstacles I faced have not only made me a stronger volleyball player but a better person that now knows that I am able to conquer anything if I set my mind to it. Throughout playing volleyball I have learned what it feels like to truly care with your whole heart and soul about something. That is what volleyball feels like to me, I love the sport and my passion has helped me to grow into the player I am today. This year I was the 16U boys’ team captain.  With that opportunity, I have achieved a new skill set that allows me to lead and understand each of my teammates on and off the court. 

    I am excited about the prospect of playing volleyball in college and will spend the next four years working hard to make that happen both in the gym and in the classroom.