Rachel Peterson '20 Recruiting Profile

As a child I grew up in a sports based family. My three siblings each participated in multiple sports from childhood all the way through high school. Being the youngest of the four, watching them play and excel in their sports only made me want to do the same. Up until high school, I had played softball, volleyball, experimented with track, and even played tackle football for three years in addition to club basketball. The year I started playing football was when I really noticed a change in myself. Being a girl playing a typical "boy's" sport was everything but easy. In order to be respected for my abilities, I had to work harder than everyone else. This self-drive and motivation helped me reach the starting quarterback position by the beginning of my second season. As a result of this experience I had to carry myself different. I became my own advocate and set the bar higher than ever expected. As a freshman, that bar was starting on varsity in both sports that I would play. 

Being a multi-sport athlete isn't for everyone. Going into high school I found myself in the gym shooting more than voluntarily going to the batting cages or working on my spiking approach. At that point in time it became obvious that my greatest passion was basketball. Not only were there internal interests contributing to my focus on basketball, but external as well. While still playing in the youth program I was able to witness our high school boy's program make it to state in a highly competitive conference. As if that weren't enough, they followed up by going the next three years. To be a part of a school who was able to take home the gold ball one of those four years was an unforgettable feeling. The boys became my role models and I knew that was what I wanted to experience before my basketball career was over. Being my senior year, this is the last chance I have to make that dream a reality and lead my team to be something great. 

Overall, I wish to find a program that will satisfy both my educational needs as well as athletic. To have the opportunity to play the sport I love while pursuing my dream job of a physical therapist is something I look forward to very much. Not only do I have the talent and passion for the sport at the collegiate level, but I believe I can create an environment that will push my teammates and coaches to become better and improve the program as a whole.