Abigail Young '21 Recruiting Profile

I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta Canada my family consists of my Mom Leanne, Dad Steven and younger sister Taylor.  We have two German Shorthaired pointers named Cooper & Kylie. My full name is Abigail Flynn Young, but most people call me Abbey. 

Depuis la maternelle, je suis inscrit à un programme scolaire Catholique en immersion française où je suis parvenu à maîtriser parfaitement le français.        ( since kindergarten, I’ve been enrolled in French immersion)

Through this association with French I compete in the Alberta Francophone games in volleyball and serve as the teamcaptain with the national Francophone games scheduled this summer.

Since before I can remember I have participated in wide variety of sports and activities, from ballet to soccer, badminton to hockey and gymnastics to basketball and it was not uncommon that I would be changing into my soccer gear after leaving a hockey game with basketball later that evening.

However, as I grew older and the demands of each sport increased at 15, I stopped playing club hockey, soccer, basketball and began to focus on my favorite sport - volleyball. 

Having had the opportunity to participate in so many thingsfrom such a young age has benefited me greatly in my understanding of commitment, what makes a successful team and how we all can play a leadership role in different ways.

I pride myself as a ‘go-getter’ people person, team player and someone who leads by example whether on or off the court.

This past year I have become a certified volleyball refereewhich has taught me to be confident in my decisions, how to handle contentious situations and how to converse andauthentically interact with a variety of people in intense situations. 

In terms of public service, I serve as a student council representative at my High School, assistant coach at my sister’s school at the junior volleyball team, volunteer as an administrative assistant at the University of Alberta Indigenous and Global Health research group and actively fundraise for the Edmonton Human Society.

This upcoming summer I will be working at an all-girls Frenchsummer camp in the Laurentien mountains of Quebec. After having attended the camp for several years and earning my Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross lifeguard certifications, Class B & wilderness first-aid certifications I will be moving into a leadership role as a camp councillor for 5 weeks. 

On my artistic side I play the violin (RCM grade 5) and viola(RCM grade 4) and have participated in the Kiwanis music festival appearing on live television although I can often be found at home playing a Taylor Swift song on my ukulele.

Whether it is a premiere provincial championship sporting event, a pop quiz in biology, a solo performance at a music festival or the French public speaking of the Gala d’art oratoire, through competition I have learned the importance of hard-work, how to remain poised, adapt to unplanned situations and excel.

Thank you for reviewing my personal statement.

-Abbey Young