Toni Berns '21 Recruiting Profile

From starting at seven years old with the knee pads that cover my whole leg to now in my ninth year playing volleyball has shown me that I have the passion, dedication, and drive it takes to be successful both on and off the court. In my collegiate search, I am seeking to attend a school that provides me the opportunity to pursue my athletic, academic, and personal goals. I am a natural leader, with a heart to motivate and inspire others. I have been told by past coaches and instructors that my positive influence and intense energy enables me to lift up my team and those around me. In all aspects of life, I pride myself in taking every opportunity to try new things, challenge myself, and refuse to accept imperfection. I believe dedicating myself to a sport I love and the challenges it brings, as well as a high academic scholar has not proven to be easy.  The rewards I have experienced have had a profound impact on my life, my view of the world around me, and the person I continue to become.

My teammates would describe me as bold but also humble, courageous yet compassionate, respectful, and serious yet also silly. The drive, the competitiveness, and each relationship I have made, either with a coach or a teammate, has shown me why I play this sport. In addition to being passionate about volleyball, I have a sincere passion about animals, and the joy they bring to people. I started with just two dogs, and now have three cats, two dogs, two lizards, and a tortoise, which has shown me why I am so passionate about animals and why I would love to further my academics about them and eventually become my career. My desire is to major in the animal science field providing me the ability to become a veterinarian. I would also love to minor in Mathematics or Spanish. Mathematics has allowed me to look at problems in different ways and Spanish has allowed me to learn a new language, and different views about their culture. I believe that I possess what is needed to be a college athlete while pursuing my education.