Yvonne Sosnicki '24 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Yvonne Sosnicki. Growing up as a kid, my early childhood was very difficult. At the age of five I was placed in foster care and moved around from home to home. I was finally placed in a home with great parents who I now call my Mom and Dad. In 2011, I was adopted by them and am truly grateful for them. This has influenced the way I think, and the way I feel about myself. Not only has all of this situation influenced my life, but my adopted parents have played a huge role in all of this as well with their help and support in everything I do.

In 2017 I was introduced to summer volleyball at a youth fitness facility. This is when I found my passion for the sport. I loved the sport so much that in 2018 when attending 7th grade, I wanted to try out for my school's volleyball team. Although I was the shortest one on the team, I still gave it my all and performed well when I played. During the following summer my parents allowed me to continue playing summer volleyball at a youth fitness facility. I really enjoyed it and excelled so much that the staff talked to us about club volleyball. With my parents' support, they let me join and at first I did not make one of the teams due to my height. I felt it was unfair to be judged that way, but my Dad pointed out an Olympic player Debbie Green Varges who led the US team to a Silver medal. This really motivated me to fight harder, and I tried out for another club and made it, everything has been accelerating since.

Now as a freshman in high school, I made the freshman volleyball team, I was told they had considered me for Varsity, but they needed me for the freshmen squad and I was a freshman. I was a little disappointed, but that did not stop me from doing what I love. Being on the freshman volleyball team, I learned a lot of new skills which include communication, social skills, teamwork and working as a team. The last thing I learned was who I am as an Individual, what kind of volleyball player I am, and what gifts I give to other people. 

My love and drive for volleyball came to me later than one might expect. As I pointed out, I started playing recreational volleyball before my 7th grade school year. I would play three times a week.  In the fall of my 8th grade year, I joined Ignite Volleyball Club. This gave me the opportunity to seriously play competitively as well as molded me into a much more competitive volleyball player. Then this year I played school volleyball and will be back into club volleyball after the new year.

Moving through the years, I had to overcome many obstacles.  One obstacle I mainly had to overcome is my height. I am shorter than most people at 4’10” which is even shorter than Debbie Green was, but I have not let this become a hindrance in my path. It is very easy to get overlooked due to this little issue. But I am here to tell you that I am a hard worker, and I do not give up no matter what. I will not let my height or weight get in the way or get the best of me. It does not stop me from doing what I am most passionate about and that is Volleyball! 

As to my characteristics. I would describe myself as funny, fun to be around, a listener, a leader, and a team player. Being the oldest girl in my family, I help mold my three other sisters and influence them with making the right and best choices. On the court, I show non-stop competitive team work ethic. I support all my teammates and cheer them on no matter what. Helping them to get past their downfalls and to move on to the task at hand. I laugh at my mistakes and learn from them as well.  In school, I am listening to my educators and I do not succumb to peer pressure or let obstacles get in the way. I think for myself. 

Lastly, I see myself at a great school getting good grades. I want to do great and to be the best I can possibly be. My main education goal is to become a doctor. I know this will require a lot of hard work, dedication, focus as well as the right mindset. I am up to the challenge of doing both school and Volleyball as well as getting good grades too. I am even up to the challenge and if the Olympics is in my unforeseen future, I am definitely up for that as well.

I am looking forward to growing more in my love for volleyball and learning capability. With your help, I feel like I can achieve that.