Shayla Pappert '23 Recruiting Profile

I have been playing tennis since my freshman year at River Valley. My first day I could barely hit the ball but I was determined to get better. I went home practicing hand-eye coordination drills and the next day I could hit the ball just as well as the two year players. Tennis is the first sport that I truly and deeply love and enjoy. I have grown with this sport, not just as a player but as a person. With this sport I became a leader. 2021-2022 season I was a MVP, a team captain, and a supporter. 2022-2023 I was a team captain again and I played 1st doubles, then 3rd singles, and finally 2nd singles. The person I became with this sport is the person that I hope to be forever. I am a good candidate for your team because not only am I willing to learn and I am teachable, but I will also support everyone on the team. My school chose me as a leader for a reason, but I don´t always need to lead, I can also follow.  I am different than others because I have taken college classes at Marion Technical College since my freshman year, and I know what it is like to struggle at something and work hard to earn it. I am determined, reliable, consistent, and my team is my family. I don´t only play tennis, I am one of the few female wrestlers at River Valley, and I also throw shot-put and discus. I am a trailblazer, I am a follower, and I am a leader.