Abby Vacek '22 Recruiting Profile

I have been blessed to excel in both school and sports my entire life, and that is one thing that has always separated me from other players. But I cannot take sole responsibility for my successes, because I would not have the will or ability to succeed that I do now had I grown up differently. As the second of seven kids, I have learned countless valuable lessons, three of which have been integral to my development as both a player and a student.  

Firstly, I have learned responsibility.  With attentions divided in my house, I soon learned that there will not always be someone there to hold me accountable, which forced me to be that person for myself. This idea of self-accountability has played a huge role in my successes and accomplishments, and is what has pushed me to keep a near perfect academic record my entire life. 

Secondly, I have grown to love competition. The constant desire to not be outdone or surpassed by my siblings has fed my will to compete, and I refuse to give up without giving my all. This plays into my life most prominently in soccer. I play not only for love of the game but with tenacity and a determination to win as well. I can confidently say I would not be half the athlete I am today if it were not for my competitive spirit.   

Finally, I have learned persistence. Not everything in life is instantly achievable, but over the years I have learned that time, patience, and hard work are often the keys to success.