- 2013 Highlights
Personal Statement
My mom who is a former collegiate volleyball player introduced me to the sport when I was a toddler and since then playing volleyball has been a passion of mine. I guess you can say I was encouraged by my mom, but never forced which is why I enjoy playing volleyball so much. Through the years, I have played just about every position in volleyball. I started as a defensive specialist "libero" and eventually transitioned to setter and outside hitter. As a 5'7" freshman in high school, I specialized in outside hitting and was known for my jump serves. Thanks to my early exposure to volleyball and the numerous camps and clinics I participated in, I had the necessary skills and commitment to receive 1st Team All-Europe; 1st Team All-Region; Most Valuable Player; and All-Tournament awards during the 2010 European Volleyball Championships in Germany. As a sophomore in highschool, I once again specialized in outside hitting and dramatically improved my jump serves. During the 2011 European Volleyball Championships in Germany, I recieve the Stars and Stripes Athlete of the Year award. I also recieved 1st Team All-Europe; 1st Team All-Region; Most Valuable Player; and All-Tournament awards. In addition to recieving the previously mentioned awards, I had the honor of leading my team to victory as a team captain. I honestly believe the commitment I currently have for academics and sports, especially volleyball, will carry over to the next level. I plan to one day play volleyball for a highly regarded university known not only for sports, but for academics. I was always taught by my parents, friends, and teachers that an education or school always comes first. I am currently in my 7th year of club volleyball. Presently, I am playing for an international volleyball club in Spain. There are many challenges associated with Spanish club. I've learned to be a diverse and technical player which is many times put to the test during matches. Often, I'm expected to transition from outside hitter to opposite hitter to middle back. Not only do I play with the 13-15 team, I also play with the 16-18 team. Playing with the 16-18 team allows me to be a more effective player on the court. During my sophomore year, I was selected for the Provincial Spanish All-Star Team in southern Spain. I was then selected for the Regional Spanish all-star team to compete at the national level. We placed third in the the nation. With my own club team, we placed third in our region of Andalucia. It was the first year that my age group ranked top three so it was quite an accomplishment for all players and coaches. My latest accomplishments have been on the sand. At the provincial spanish sand tournament my team and I placed second. This qualified us for the regional sand championships where we also placed second. Placing second once again qualified us for the national championships which will be held in Asturias, Spain in mid July of 2012. In another tournament, the Sub-19, my partner and I placed second place as well. On top of these tournaments I had the honor of being selected as one of three to represent the region of Andalucia at the national sand volleyball championship. Our hard work during the days prior payed off. We placed third in the nation. I believe these transitions and challenges will make me a stronger and well rounded player.
