Ella Matheson '25 Recruiting Profile

I started competetive gymnastics when I was 5 years old. I practiced 20-30 hrs every week and went on to win many state and regional titles. I thought this was going to be my life and I would compete in college until I fractured my L4 my Freshman year of High School. After a year of rehab and working my way back to my current skill level I realized that this chapter of my life was over. At 5'11" I was already too tall for this sport and my body couldn't keep up with all the stress I was putting on it. So Sophomore year I had to give up everything I've worked my entire life for, and start over. Closing that chapter was the hardest thing I've ever done. I didn't know what to do with myself, but I knew it wasn't in me to do nothing. I wasn't made to just sit in the stands and watch other people play and not be out there too.  That's when I picked up a Volleyball for the first time. I instantly fell in love. Not only was I finally a part of a real team, but my height was actually an asset instead of a hinderance. I'm not as experienced as most players and I know I am raw, but I believe my grit, determination and drive have given me an edge. I am teachable and I take criticism well and work hard to apply corrections. I work hard because I love it and because I know I don't have the luxury to back off even a little. I refuse to quit and even if it looks like a loss is inevitable. I love being on a team and encouraging the other players and always try hard to keep the hype and morale up.  Because of my background I want to study Kinesiology and go into Sports Medicine. For me it's personal and it would mean a lot to me to be able to one day help athletes when they are facing similar situations.