Isabella Hildebrand '23 Recruiting Profile

My name is Bella! I started playing volleyball when I was ten years old. Since I was ten years old, volleyball has given me a safe space. Whenever I am stressed about a test or my social life, I can always count on a good kill or a hug from one of my teammates to shake it off. Volleyball also has given me a community. In the past seven years of playing volleyball, I have met many beautiful coaches who help me with volleyball and social advice. I have met teammates who cheer me on when I get a kill or pick me off my feet when needed. I want to continue playing volleyball in college because I have not been able to find another activity that makes me feel the same way I do when my team wins a game.

I have played every position -- even middle. I played defense in my earlier years, middle for one year, setter for one year, and right side for my freshman high school season.  However, I have played outside for the past 3 years. The ability to know and play every position allows me to be a well-rounded player because I had to learn each position's specialties and rotations. Playing every position has allowed me to become a better outside and teammate because I can use my knowledge from each position. 

I was voted team captain my junior year on my high school team. So, you know you can always count on me to be vocal, loud, and supportive. I was also selected as the first team of bacbcl all-league.

My work ethic differentiates me from the other recruits. Because of my height, I have always had a disadvantage throughout club volleyball and high school volleyball. However, I overcame that disadvantage by working on my vertical and speeding up my arm swing. Other teams do not see me as the shortest offensive player anymore; they see me as the person on the team who has "hops."