Makayla Chambers '20 Recruiting Profile

    On my first day of high school, the volleyball coach was looking for anyone willing to play for the team. There weren't enough girls interested in volleyball and he was willing to teach anyone who wanted to learn. At first, I was reluctant, but he was persistent ( I'd like to think I’ve picked up that characteristic from him). I never played a sport competitively and wasn’t sure how I would adapt to volleyball. Giving volleyball a chance was the best decision I’ve ever made. At first, it was nothing more than a way to pass time. But since then, it's become so much more. If I never gave volleyball a chance, I never would have met some of my closest friends. I would have never experienced how fun exercising could be or seen myself improve as a person. Volleyball gave me a reason to eat healthier and exercise more. Practices taught me the importance of being punctual. Long games taught me to endure. The younger girls taught me to be a leader. My coach taught me that volleyball is more than a game. And when my school shut down and I was no longer a lady wolf, I learned to advocate for the things I love.

     Volleyball’s become an integral part of my life that I’m not ready to give up. When I listen to music, I’m asking myself “Would this song fit on the volleyball playlist?” In my free time, I’m watching college film, eager to improve my skills. In Spanish class, I try to pick up the language faster, so I can communicate with my Spanish speaking teammates better. I want to play volleyball in college because it means too much for me to stop playing after high school. I want to learn more about the game, play to the best of my ability, and connect with others who have the same passion for the sport as I do.

I’m a firm believer that if something is worth doing, it should be done right the first time. This directly translates to me doing everything 100% all the time. I love learning new things. Whether it be about how archaic languages modernized over the years or the proper technique to serve a volleyball, I’m willing to learn all I can. If someone can impart wisdom on me, I’m willing to listen if it helps me become a better or more knowledgable person. Considering my desire to learn, I believe this translates to me being a coachable person. I have very high standards for myself. Meaning, if something isn’t done to the quality I know I can do, I’ll do it over and over again until I’m satisfied. I’m also very competitive. Whether it be a game of Uno or a full-on volleyball game, I play to win.

    I’m looking for a program that is as competitive as I am, and always ready to improve. A program that will help me continue making strides towards being the best version of myself, and help me learn new aspects of the game. I would prefer to stay near Connecticut because family is important to me, but I am open to other schools. Scholarship opportunities would be welcome and I am open to playing in any division or at any school willing to let me continue playing the sport I love.