Rachel Williams '23 Recruiting Profile

Moving from Baltimore, Maryland to West Lafayette, Indiana at the age of 7 was a little overwhelming.  I was leaving behind all of my family and friends because my father received a job offer from Purdue University.  My first couple of years in Indiana we would attend quite a few sporting events including volleyball.   It was during my second year living in Indiana that John Shondell,  Volleyball Associate Head Coach at Purdue University, asked my father if I could be a part of a new 10u volleyball team that he was forming named Boiler Juniors.   At first, I was nervous because I had never played competition volleyball before but the good thing was none of us had ever played.

 I’ve loved playing volleyball from the very beginning.  My family has been a huge support by traveling to tournaments and getting me to practice.  I’ve been a starter and six rotation player in both club and high school.  I’ve also been on varsity since my freshman year and earned the role as team captain this season.  Because I started playing at such a young age I have learned how to become a good student athlete by maintaining good grades, understanding the importance of teamwork, sacrifice and commitment.  I plan to major in business and I’m looking forward to an opportunity to continue my passion by playing volleyball at the collegiate level.