Arika Sides '22 Recruiting Profile

My name is Arika R. Sides. I am 14 years old, and currently in 9^th Grade at Centennial High School in Champaign, Illinois. I love volleyball and wanted to be a professional volleyball player since the 2nd grade. I excel in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 / 4.0 GPA, and plan to continue to do so throughout high school and college. 

I am currently playing on both the Freshman team as a starting setter and on the JV team as a defensive specialist, at Centennial High School.   Prior to this season, I also participated in pre-conference tournaments with my high school team over the summer. 

This past Spring, I played on a Club team at Prime Time Volleyball Club, where I was on 14 Blue (the highest travel team for at age bracket).  This was my first year traveling to AAU National in Orlando, Florida, and I gained a lot from the experience of playing against some of the most competitive teams from across the country.   I previously played for Prime Time and was on the most competitive team in their 12U Spring Club program as well.   During 13U, I changed clubs, and played Spring club volleyball with Illini Elite Volleyball Club, as I had been selected for, and participated in, their Fall Elite Team Training Program the previous 2 years.   

I also played on a school team at Edison Middle School that made 4^th Place in State, Division 4A, during both my 6^th and 7^th grade years.  I was a Libero as a 6^th grader on the 7^th Grade team, and was the starting Setter on both the 7^th and 8^th grade teams.   

Further, each year I have attended the summer University of Illinois Volleyball Camp since I was 8 years old, each year improving in my skills and ranking.  Last year when I attended, I received 1-on-1 instruction in setting from Jordyn Poulter, who is considered the best setter in the nation for her grade and was recently given the honor as being named All American. I have known and grown fond of several of the current and previous players on the U of I team, and they all know me.  I have been Honorary Coach, Kid Coach, and a Ball Kid for the team over several years.   Lex Viliunas even mentioned me by name, thanking me in her Senior farewell speech for coming to the games and being one of her main supporters!  

I have also attended many other volleyball skills camps at St. Thomas More, Parkland College, Centennial High School, Bradley University, Standard High, and thru the Champaign Park District.  I even attended a skills camp in Columbus, OH right before the 2017 NCAA Championship game.  At that camp, I was honored to meet Kerri Walsh Jennings in person, where she gave a motivational speech to all the participants, which inspired me to continue to set the highest standards for myself.

I simply love the sport and the camaraderie I have enjoyed with my many teammates and coaches.  I meet people from all over and have friends throughout the U.S. because of volleyball.  I have done everything I can to learn new skills and strategies and improve myself in the playing of the game.  I am developing my skills to become an all-around player.   Even my current coach, who emphasizes my specialty as a setter, also sees my potential in other positions.  

My goal is to compete in high school and have successful seasons there prior to attending college.  I have an interest in pursuing pharmacology, but would love to play volleyball at the college level while receiving my education. I strive to be a role model and lift my teammates up on the court, so that we can all succeed.  I am also a role model off the court as well, however, as I also have been involved in cross-country, track, cheer, concert band, Jazz band, and am involved with my church.  I believe being well-rounded is important and helps me keep things in perspective. 

Therefore, please consider me as a potential recruit for your program.  I'm pleased to visit at your convenience to explore any potential opportunity to join your dynamic program.