Calliandra Otjen '24 Recruiting Profile

Hello my name is Calliandra Otjen, but you can call me Calli. I will be attending Sunrise Mountain High School in Peoria, Arizona starting 2020-2021. I will be part of the 2024 graduating class. I have played competitive volleyball at the club level for the past several years.  I have played up due to my age and played all positions each season, but setter with Arizona Sky VBC located in Phoenix, Arizona. I have been directed by many extremely talented Arizona Sky coaches over the years. My height changes over the years have allowed me to start as a Libero, move to Defensive Specialist, then Outside Hitter, Middle Blocker, and NOW Right Side Hitter. Because I am extremely coach-able and versatile in my court positions, coaches have utilized me to cover other positions on the court.  During my 2018-19 season  I started playing Beach Volleyball and currently play for RPM Sand in Scottsdale, Arizona. I have been directed by many talented coaches in beach, but my recent growth in beach volleyball is due to the amazing coaching I receive weekly from RPM Sand coaches at practice. This club has excelled my love for the sport and the passion that drives me and the main reason I went full time sand during the 2020-2021 season.

Outside of volleyball I have gained confidence from dance and flexibility through gymnastics. The ability to speak or interview with people I gained through pageants. In pageants I also learned the importance of philanthropy and donated my time to better the lives of others. I have done many charities along the way to help those injured, sick, or in need. I have even collected toys or clothing for my birthdays to distribute to those less fortunate than I. My academics have included honor roll and currently the National Honor Society. I value leadership and learned this on and off the court utilizing all of these qualities throughout my life. My parents are very involved throughout the community, my life, and the lives of others which has influenced me to be part of it all and carry on this exceptional trait. People's characteristics and personalities impact their lives and whom they are as a player Acceptance to your college will complement my established record of leadership, philanthropy, and other traits.

My desire to play volleyball in college developed at an early age.  Starting volleyball young really impacted my game play for the positive and has driven my passion for this sport.  Playing up in higher age groups has impacted my drive and determination to excel in this sport with the older players, giving me a competitive edge that most players my age don't have or understand as it relates to volleyball.  My passion for volleyball influences me to challenge and drive myself and my game play every year. Beach volleyball has really made me stand out as a volleyball player, because it takes this sport to another level and mentally challenges you to execute your game play in different ways. One of those ways is being able to cover the entire court with one other player. Volleyball is a team sport, but the mental growth and awareness of going from six players to two players in a game launches your physical and mental strengths to another level. That mental challenge of learning, accepting, and trusting one other person can be utilized on and off the court.  I have grown as a person and a player, by enveloping my life with volleyball. Picking your partner in beach is like choosing the college you want to attend and I would be honored to represent your institution. Starting volleyball young was like writing a novel. Nothing is perfect the first time and many aspects of the novel are challenged, influenced, and changed until you publish the final piece. My volleyball story yearns to continue through your college, so I can add many chapters of life lessons that will impact my life for years to come.