Abigail Cunningham '21 Recruiting Profile

As long as I can remember I have strived to be the best at everything I do. In athletics it began with soccer when I was just 5 years old. My competitiveness eventually caught the attention of an Academy coach who asked me to come play for his team. As soon as I was old enough, I went out for and made one of the area's top competitive soccer teams. I originally decided to try volleyball as a 2nd sport because my school doesn't have a soccer team. I knew if I wanted to play a sport in High School that I was going to have to devote time to something else. It started with clinics and lessons, but I then tried out for the youngest club team as soon as I was old enough. I ended up making the top team and that is when I fell hard for the game. I continued to play both sports for a couple of years, but it became increasingly difficult to compete at a high level in both sports. My true passion was for volleyball, so I gave up soccer. I have played for the top team at Club ONE every season through 16's and now am on the top team at Ultimate Performance Volleyball Club. I have held the position of Libero starting with my 12’s year up through my current 17’s season. My teams have made it to Nationals for the past 4 years. As far as school ball, I made starting Varsity Libero my Freshman year. I helped lead my small 3A school team to a 5A Regional victory and the quarterfinals of 5A State. I continued that starting varsity Libero spot this past school season, where our team won 3A Regionals and took home the 3A State title as well. I broke the school record this past season in career digs as a Sophomore. I have discovered and developed many strengths through playing volleyball. Playing Libero on the top teams and playing Varsity as a Freshman has challenged me to grow as a leader and encourager on the court. I have also developed good time management skills. I take the most challenging classes my school offers and maintain good grades, all while playing school ball, traveling with my club team, and keeping up with family, friends, and my church community. I think what separates me from other recruits is my mental toughness and desire to be the hardest working player on the court. If I make an error, I can refocus on the task ahead and leave the mistake behind me. I have not only trained hard on my skill level, but on my mental preparedness. I read a book called Mind Gym and one statement I use to help me maintain focus is “don’t look where you don’t want to go”. I apply this to every area of my life. I absolutely love volleyball, being on the court, and working together with my teammates to reach a common goal. I look forward to continuing this journey in college.