Aleena Peterson '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Aleena Peterson and my passions are sports and helping others.  I am involved in both my church and school communities and I jump at the chance to help coach at volleyball camps. Volleyball may be my passion in life, but I love all athletics, including track and field, swimming and basketball.  I give 100% plus in everything I do and have a very strong work ethic and am often tougher on myself than my coaches or peers.  My future plans include going to a great academic university, playing competitive college volleyball – my goal is to earn a starting position - while earning my degree.  I'm interested in Physical Therapy and Exercise Science and know that I would also love the opportunity to coach competitive volleyball at the club or collegiate level.  I enjoy being a leader on the court, encouraging and supporting my teammates.  My strengths include strong court acuity and volleyball intellect.  I perform very well under pressure, am mentally tough and often serve my team out from behind for the win.  My philosophy and approach in playing volleyball is like a strategic game of chess.  I find the other team’s weakness, attack it, counterattack, defend and battle for the win.  The more competitive the better – I love the challenge!

I have played volleyball for 10  years, including seven years of club experience and four years of high school as a Varsity starter.  Club experience: my first four years playing club I was an outside hitter and played all six rotations.  My fifth year, I was a defensive specialist and the backup setter. Since my sixth season, I've  held the position of Libero.  I have worked very hard mastering the skills of all positions as I am willing to do anything and everything to help my team be successful and win.  

As a 4 year Varsity starter, I have played outside of my primary position of Libero as an OH or setter,  playing all rotations.  I have been honored several times as the Player of the Match and in my freshman year I was named Varsity Team MVP and was the only non-senior in our district named to the All District Team.   As a sophomore, I named to First Team All District and was one of only four sophomores named to the Missouri All State Team.  My junior year, I was recognized  as First Team All District,  Varsity Team MVP and for a second year, named to  the Missouri All State Team.  Senior recognition to date includes being named for a 4th year to First Team All District.  My press highlights include:

· Sophomore Year – 2018/19 PrepVolleyball – named to Defensive Specialist 2021 National Watchlist

· Sophomore Year – 2018/19 PrepVolleyball – named to Sophomore 79, a list of 580 sophomores of distinction across the nation.

· In 2019, I was featured in the PrepDig.com feature story Missouri High School Juniors You May Not Know – But Should.  Comments include “To say Peterson is versatile would be an understatement.  Peterson leads Lutheran statistically in most categories.”

· In 2020,  I was highlighted by PrepDig.com, as a Top 8 KC Metro Uncommitted 2021 Defender.  “Peterson is another player forced to play outside her typical position during the high school season.  On the club circuit, she has shown how valuable she can be as a defender.  She is a gritty back-row player and not afraid to stand in front of a heavy ball.  Her passing is pinpoint.  An area we were very impressed with was her ability to cover her hitters.”   In addition, I was also named to the AVCA Under Armour All-America Volleyball watchlist.

While I’ve benefited from some great press, I would love an opportunity to share my skills and passion for volleyball with you on a call or in person.

I look forward to speaking with you,

Aleena