Masha Solaja '20 Recruiting Profile

Whether in the classroom or on the court, I find the main motivation that drives me is to improve each and every day. Learning a new concept as a math student, perfecting a new hitting technique as a player and understanding my values and beliefs as a member of society gives me a sense or worth that is tough to describe. This passion has driven me from a young age and is the reason for much of my success today. Starting off as a soccer and track athlete, I found the thrill of competition; thus, when I was introduced to volleyball I knew I would want to be competing at the highest level. As a freshman in high school I made my varsity team, and placed first at the Canadian Nationals Championships that club season. Today as a six-rotation outside hitter known for my high vertical and variety of attacks, I continue to play on my varsity school team which qualified for OFSAA as well as being a part of team Ontario for both indoor and beach. Beyond my attacking capabilities I started off as a talented defensive player, playing in the highest premier division for teams that were at times even 4 years older than myself. These challenging competitions, from the Canada Cup (where we came fourth in 18u division one) to provincials (where I came second the past two years), have taught me the discipline high intensity volleyball requires. 

Throughout this athletic journey, being a AP high school student and being a student of language (becoming fluent in French and Serbian), I have learned to manage my time very well. The incredible coaches I have had these past few years taught me the importance of knowing my priorities and my limits while still enjoying the many experiences a teenager has. I hope to continue this journey of discovery and to build strong relationships with new teammates in my post secondary education.