In 6th grade I watched my first high school volleyball game, and I was hooked. I enrolled in a park district league to learn the sport and have loved it ever since. I have been on the school team (middle school and high school) since 7th grade and have played every year for Club Fusion (Batavia, IL) starting at age 12. I have been a setter from the beginning, and I am passionate about the role.
One of my strongest characteristics as a setter is responding to coaching and team feedback. At first, when my teammates or coach would make a critical comment about a set, I would get discouraged. Soon I grew to understand they were not knocking me down as a player, they were working with me to make our team stronger. They were asking for adjustments to my set, so they could hit the best ball. I have learned to adapt to the style of each hitter and work hard to get the ball where they need it, when they need it. I practice hard when I am with the team and when I am in setter only practice. I also take many private lessons to continually improve my play.
I have been team captain on seven of my teams. I take that responsibility very seriously knowing a good captain can make or break a team. I motivate through words and actions. I strive to be the hardest worker on the court every match, diving for shanked passes to keep the balls in play, delivering consistent sets, and pumping up everyone when our energy gets low. I host and coordinate team dinners and bring snacks and activities to long tournaments. I’m willing to do whatever my team needs in order to succeed. My dream is to continue playing volleyball in college. The athletic challenge of the sport and the camaraderie of a team have been such a big part of my life, I want that to continue. Helping to lead a team, lift them when they need a boast, going for the hard sets and winning together means the world to me. I love volleyball and I don’t want to give it up!