Jayden McGruder '18 Recruiting Profile

Being a student-athlete has influenced the person that I am today. Being an athlete doesn’t mean just working hard on the court, but also in the classroom. I have a younger brother and cousins who look up to me so I strive to be the best I can be. Before I started playing sports I joined the Girl Scouts of America. Girl Scouts have been a part of my life since I was five years old and has given me leadership skills and the ability to work with others.

My first love was soccer. I have made many good friends and learned a lot from playing sports. In the fifth grade is when I told my parents I wanted to try volleyball. I love when you get a kill and you feel the energy from your team and the crowd. Middle School is when I realized I am very passionate about this sport. Given that I have played two other sports, Volleyball is the one sport I feel I can play for myself, and also my teammates at the same time.

For the past two seasons of my 10^th and 11^th grade years of high school, we only won 2 games. By winning 2 games in over 2 years, I learned that by staying on a losing squad I am committed to volleyball. I have learned ow to lead through example by practicing hard and playing to the end no matter the score. My first year playing Travel club and AAU seasons provided me with a wider range of experiences than I have witnessed before. Good and bad plays and games have given me a more focus on my technique and knowledge of the game. The old me would may have found another interest.  I have learned to work harder and strive to be the best no matter the situation. I changed clubs from my travel team to AAU and met new girls and coaches. The experiences at both clubs have been great. I have moved to a high school for my senior year.

My senior year is starting off in a new direction. My past school (Kestrel Heights High School) has been closed. I will be attending Hillside New Tech and playing for Hillside High School. I am really excited about this new season and adventures.