Cassidy Bloom '22 Recruiting Profile

I remember watching volleyball during the summer Olympics in 2012 when I was eight and telling my parents, "I think I want to try that." I started playing for an afterschool program, followed by a YMCA league, and finally a new competitive travel club team. Volleyball changed my life. I found that one thing that I love completely -- and I wanted to get better and better. I have always been competitive -- doing competitive cheerleading and basketball -- but volleyball was different. Playing volleyball brought out the leader in me. I'm the first one to celebrate a great play with my teammates, or cheer them on and pick them up after a tough loss. For me, volleyball is more than just playing a sport. Every time I step on the court, it's a chance to learn something new and better myself as an athlete and as a person. The game has taught me life lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today and the college student I am striving to be in just a few short years. I've learned that success is only possible through a lot of hard work, long hours, pushing myself when I'm tired, and not being afraid of making mistakes -- as long as I learn from them.

I attend a rigorous college preparatory school that is designed to best prepare me for college success. In fact, the Community School of Naples' SAT scores rank 3rd best among independent schools in the state of Florida. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive an education from some of the best teachers in the area. Keeping a good balance between my grades and volleyball is very important to me. I know I'm a student first, then an athlete. While being an athlete has taught me to be disciplined, determined, and to take responsibility for my own success, those same strengths carry over to my school work and are key to me being a good student. In college, I'd like to focus my studies on something in the medical field. I love to help people, that is just me! I know it may be challenging, but I am passionate about it. It just feels like the right choice!

No matter what college I attend, I will give 100% of myself to being the best student and best teammate possible. I look forward to sharing more about myself with you, and hopefully learning more about you and your volleyball program. Thank you!