I am thrilled to introduce myself to you! My name is Rian Schlief, I am class of 2026 at Southeast Valley High School in Iowa. I play for Roots Volleyball Club based out of Urbandale Iowa. I have been a volleyball and softball starter/ letter winner for my high-school every year I have played (softball 3, volleyball 3). I received second team all conference for softball my freshman year and honorable mention my sophomore year, but my true love is volleyball.
I was practically raised on a volleyball court. My brother played ever since he was young which made me want to play as well. Although I was introduced to the sport through someone else, I have really found my love for it myself.
I absolutely love kids. During my sophmore year, I was involved in a program where I shadowed the elementary school teachers. I found love in teaching the kids the fundamentals. After I graduate, I would love to go to a university or college with an outstanding teaching program where I can get my early childhood degree.
While on the court I am a leader. I always find myself helping my teammates keep a positive mindset. There are many things I can offer to the team, for example my grit. I never fail to be super early to practice and often find myself as the last one to leave. When coaches ask if anyone wants more reps I am the first to volunteer. I enjoy being on the court and leading drills as well as learning new things. I apply corrections right away and value every correction I obtain and find it hard to forget the little things.
While in the classroom I welcome any adversity. I constantly enroll in classes that prove my resilience. I thrive in the harder projects such as the long essays or a mountain of math homework. I have been on honor roll every trimester since middle school as well as earning academic letters.
I would love to go to a university that will challenge me academically and on the court. I want to find a coach who I can talk to about everything. I want to find a coach who will help strengthen my attributes mentally and physically. I am open to a college that is Division I, II, or III.
I do volunteer work consistently. I help at Upper Des Moines Opportunity drive through food pantries once every month. Doing this work helped me become an improved individual. I also have helped coach the little league softball team in my area in the past. Being a coach helped me develop leadership techniques that have helped me with my own teammates in school volleyball as well as club.
My experiences as an athlete and an individual have shaped me to be the person I am today. I am excited to possibly be an attribute to your team as well as the ability to grow alongside your program. Best regards, Rian Schlief