Abigail Fernihough '21 Recruiting Profile

   My name is Abby Fernihough and I am a 6ft middle hitter/blocker. My passions for volleyball, my team, and for success drive my desire to play at a high level of competition. I see myself playing volleyball at a DIII or NAIA college.

    On January 6, 2012, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.  I was not sure if volleyball could be a part of my future. The beginning of my volleyball career was a struggle due to the physical, physiological, and emotional limitations T1D caused. But as I have grown, I have learned to see Type 1 as an opportunity, not a limitation. I would not be who I am today without it. It has challenged me and rewarded me in so many ways. I have learned to conquer Type 1 Diabetes on the court, as well as use it to drive my performance and mental toughness. Through having this disease, I have also learned of my hatred for "good." Why be a "good" volleyball player, student, or person, when I can be a great one?  Every second of every day, I am not just working to achieve greatness, but to inspire my peers to do the same. One of the characteristics that makes me a great volleyball player is leadership, as recognized by my peers and school faculty such as Karen Meister (a guidance counselor and assistant volleyball coach), Kim Bassett (guidance counselor), and Diane Elchinger (teacher).

    I plan to major in Psychology or Social Work and minor in Art. Watching people succeed and overcome is one of my greatest joys. On the other hand, I take my grades very seriously, for I have made it my goal to graduate high school with a 4.0 GPA each semester. I study daily and work on assignments to perfection. I have earned many academic awards including but not limited to an Excellence or Achievement Award in all of my 2018-2019 classes and the Academic All-Star Award. I fully understand that the road to success is not easy, which is what makes accomplishing that goal all the while.