Parker Featherstone '26 Recruiting Profile

I am Parker Featherstone, a rising Junior at Round Rock High School, just north of Austin, Texas.  Round Rock High School is a school rich in it's volleyball tradition.  My freshman year, I made the JV team and played all around as an outside hitter and was selected to be co-captain with one of the Juniors on the team.  So last year, as a sophomore when I tried out for the team and was placed on the JV team again, I was devastated.  I spent nearly three days crying over it and then something woke up inside me and said, "You are going work hard and play your best volleyball right where you are."  

For our season opener, we played Lake Travis High School in Austin--the JV team won and the varsity team lost.  I played so well during that game it seemed that I had my own fan club.  I felt great about it because I did what I told myself I would do.  Rather than wallow in pity for not having made the varsity team, I gave it my all right where I was.  The varsity coach was also pleased with my play and gave me an opportunity . She told me that next on the varsity schedule would be a weekend tournament. She gave me an opportunity to play with the varsity team during that tournament and told me that if I performed well, she would considered bringing me up to the varsity team.  I rose to the occasion.  I played so well, that not only did I make the varsity team, but my team won that tournament and I quickly became the only sophomore in the starting rotation of a really good team.

I share this story because I believe it not only speaks to my skillset, but it also tells you a lot about my character.  I am a natural leader with a lot of tenacity and courage.  In the face of adversity, I am able to hunker down and focus on what really matters.  I am able to assess my prioritwhies and do what's necessary to put my team first even if it means putting my pride aside.  I believe it also shows my mental toughness, which I know is an asset for any player looking to play a collegiate sport.  

In addition to playing volleyball, I understand the importance of great work ethic in the classroom.  Am I perfect?  No.  But every day that I am at school, I am giving it my all to learn all that I can and doing my best to apply that knowledge in the real world.  I am not afraid of challenging myself which is why I took an AP class my freshman year, passed the AP test and now already have some college credit.

Now when it comes to my collegiate goals and aspirations, I am certain that I want to play volleyball beyond high school, possibly become a professional player.  But I understand that while it is a aspiration, sometimes athletes can be overcome by physical limitations whether it be injury or other health issues that show up out of nowhere.  With this as a backdrop, my plan is to still work hard in the interim and become the best me I can be.  My parents are always telling that college is a place for exploration and maturity--where I will have many opportunities to learn more about this world and to show the world who I am. While I have an initial interest in Sports Management, i understand that desire can morph over time. So, I am looking for a school that will allow me to have well-rounded experiences that I can apply for the rest of my life.