mahryahna callegari '19 Recruiting Profile

As a year long athlete I have learned the value of commitment and dedication. Being apart of many types of sports has improved me as a well-rounded player. This created many values and perspectives that I bring to teams. My roller derby team of 2017 went to World Cup Championships, this influenced me to experience the true heartfelt emotions of coming together as a team to push through some of the hardest moments in life.  This created a bond to never be lost and a moment always there to look back on. I come from a family of athletes that led me to where I am now. They are the ones who presented me to volleyball as young child. I could not be more thankful for the connection made between me and volleyball. Volleyball has taught me a variety of new things about myself. It’s taught me that heart and mind mean more that any height or size, that my voice can cause a team to rise, and that confidence is used in more ways then you know. Volleyball has inspired me and showed me new paths in life. I learned that no matter if you get a unfavorable coach or a ruggid team; you learn how to find your strengths, push through the tough spots and rise to greatness. In school I always strive in school to push myself to get the grade I want and do what it takes to get that extra percentage point to improve my grade. I take great pride in my academics and will continue to for the rest of my school career. The obstacles I have overcomed that have transformed me into the player I am, are people deciding who you are without knowing you and not making a school team 2 times then being called almost an hour later letting me know they want me on the team is difficult, but it’s the confidence and heart I have for the sport that got me through that. This obstacle was a part in creating the mental toughness I use on the court. I have unique characteristics because I’ve been apart of unique situations. For instance, I was the only girl on my 7th and 8th grade middle school football team. I was the starting outside tackle. I was able to use the difficulties from that to show other athletes the things you can do when you put your mind to something and have confidence. My experiences have shaped me into the rounded diverse athlete I am today.