Avery Van Sickle '20 Recruiting Profile

I started playing volleyball in the 4^th grade and fell in love with the sport from the first time I stepped onto the court. What I like most about the sport is when I see how my improvements as an individual help contribute to the overall success of my teammates and ultimately my team.

My experiences and growth as a player on both my club and high school teams will make me a valuable asset and contributor to any collegiate team. You will not see my name dominate the stat sheet but that’s because I play all over the court. I have been a setter for the majority of my playing career but did spend time for both my school and club teams as a libero. For the past two years I transitioned to the front row hitting left side and I even played middle for two tournaments in my latest club season due to injuries of my teammates. Not knowing where I will be in the line-up from game to game has been a challenge but one I have embraced. I like playing multiple positions because it gives me greater understanding of the game and how I can best support my teammates from different areas on the court. So far this season I have been playing middle back and left side hitter. I love getting the opportunity to play both front and back row because I get the chance to help my team no matter where I am on the court.

Although volleyball is a big part of my life I do find the time to enjoy other things. Taking the time to hang out with my friends at the beach or going to a movie is something we try to do as much as our schedules allow. Being with my family, especially at family gatherings that involve my cousins, is something I also look forward to doing. My education is something else very important to me and something that will be with me long after my playing career is over and will guide my selection for where I attend college. As committed as I am to playing volleyball at the next level I am even more committed to getting my college degree and preparing myself for life after volleyball.

In college, because of my height, I know I will find myself most likely playing libero/ds and with the experiences and training I have thus far in my career I am ready. If your team needs a well rounded player who knows the game and understands how the play of each position contributes to the overall success of your program I can be that missing link you need to take your team to the next level.