Peyton Kelley '18 Recruiting Profile

As a fall of 2016 junior with a 5.04 GPA, my goal is to find a school where I can get a quality education while having the opportunity to continue to play volleyball at a high level.  I am a high energy individual, and I am very competitive on the court, as well as in the classroom.

As the starting Setter on the 2014 Normal Community High School Junior Varsity, our team finished the season with a 24-4 record.  In addition, our team completed the season by winning the post season Big 12 conference tournament championship title.  In doing so, we avenged our only in conference regular season loss.

As the starting Defensive Specialist on the 2015 Normal Community High School Varsity squad, our team finished the season with a 30-11 record.  In addition, our team completed the season as an Illinois High School Association Class 4A State finalist, taking 4th place.  In reaching the Final 4, NCHS defeated four teams in succession with higher tournament seeds and state rankings.  NCHS finished the season ranked in the top 20 in the MaxPreps 4A rankings for Illinois.  Our tournament run was ignited by using a new offense in our last 12 games that allowed me to set when our team was in serve/receive, and resulted in earlier termination

As the starting Libero on the 2016 Normal Community High School Varsity squad, our team finished the season with a 32-7 record.  In addition, our team completed the season by finishing in the final 8 of the Illinois High School Association Class 4A State tournament.  In reaching the Final 8, NCHS defeated two teams in Sectional play with higher state rankings.  NCHS finished the season ranked in the top 10 in the MaxPreps 4A rankings for Illinois. 

I am entering my 6th year of competition at the Illini Elite Volleyball Club program. I have played on Elite travel teams each of those seasons, and have had the opportunity to play a variety of positions, including libero, setter, defensive specialist. and outside hitter.  This versatility has allowed me to develop multiple skills, and become a student of the game, with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities associated with each position on the floor.  My coaches have leveraged my athleticism to utilize me in a variety of positions. My skills at multiple positions have helped my development as a player, and provided the versatility to help my teams maximize their potential.

My experience through club and school volleyball has provided me with the background to become a leader on court.  Coaches have recognized leadership abilities as well as my high volleyball IQ, and have often named me captain.  My goal is to set a standard for being the hardest working player on the court, and being a role model for teammates to follow.

Currently, I am preparing for my club season by practicing 10-12 hours per week and participating in strength and conditioning training at Warbird Academy.   I will be competing in 14 club tournaments in the 2016 club season, including several Great Lakes Power League events, as well as national tournaments in Kansas City and Orlando.

My strengths as a setter and libero are my quickness, agility, leadership, court awareness, and high volleyball IQ.  I look forward to the opportunity to realize my dream to play college volleyball while I pursue my education as a student athlete.