Diego Diaz '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Diego Diaz. I have been playing volleyball for 8 years in a coed recreational volleyball league since third grade. In 2018, I decided to pursue playing at the club level. My first year in club was a learning experience. I did not have the experience of the other club players, and height was not on my side. Yet, I have never let my disadvantages get in the way of reaching my goals. I have learned that in order to get playing time and compete at the next level, I had to outwork the competition.  

Some have tended to overlook me because I’m on the shorter side, but that has not stopped me. I will put in more work and more time than the next person in order to reach my goals.  I strive to get better every chance I can by getting as many reps possible whether I’m playing indoor or beach. That is a value my parents have instilled in me. They have taught me that you are in control of your success and failure. I see failure as a road to learning, and the only way to improve is through analyzing your mistakes to get better. Likewise, they have taught me that family comes first, and you must be willing to sacrifice for your family. I come from a large Hispanic family on both sides which have given me an abundance of support and love to motivate me to strive for success always. Being an only child, I never had siblings to be with or talk to about personal things. Some mentors have thought this to be a factor which has caused me to mature beyond my years. My teammates are truly the brothers I never had, and I have benefitted from being able to open up to them and be understood. I see any team that I am part of as extended family. Lastly, faith has been a significant part of my life. My parents have been devout Catholics my whole life, and have kept me involved in my faith. Through the hard times I have faced, I have been able to turn to God to help me and give me fresh perspectives on life. My best life lessons, which I have applied to volleyball, have involved my ability to reflect and connect with my faith.