Kaitlyn Otto '23 Recruiting Profile

Playing sports has always been an outlet for me.  It's something that I enjoy the most in life, so being a three-sport athlete, I am grateful that I have the opportunities to play.  When I was younger, about middle school age, I always thought being a good athlete just meant you have enough talent to be on the team.  But now as I'm a rising senior in high school and have had a lot of experience playing sports, especially basketball, I've realized that the mental side of the game is so important, if not more important, than just raw talent. I've been so blessed to have the opportunity to be captain of my volleyball, basketball, and soccer team since ninth grade and I've realized that being a leader is mentally hard. When things go wrong during your game, being a leader means you pick everyone up no matter the circumstances. It was hard for me to do that because I'm so competitive and wanted to win so bad, but now I understand the importance of the mental game and, as captain, how crucial it is to be a good example for the younger players who look up to me. So, as my athletic career continues throughout high school, I aspire to be the best leader and student-athlete I can be, setting a good example for my fellow classmates and teammates. 

Academically, I set high standards for myself. I set goals and stay organized through each week to stay on top of my work when sports and school get busy. At this time, I don't know what I want to major in, but as I continue to learn more about myself, I believe I'll see what I truly want to work towards and work towards that well to achieve the goals I will set. Overall, I am so thankful for every opportunity that is set before me and throughout my high school years and into college, I aspire to continue to be the best I can be through all fields of my life.