Sophie Stewart '21 Recruiting Profile

I started playing volleyball in sixth grade, at that point I was playing to mess around and have fun with my friends. However, now five years later I find that volleyball has become a crucial part of my life. I play it because I love the skill required to play and the competition of the game.  In addition, I truly enjoy the physicality and pace of the game, training sessions, and overall workout involved. Playing the sport of volleyball has made me learn much about myself and has challenged me mentally, physically, and emotionally. I realize that I can constantly improve on my skills, fitness, and mental strength. I have learned that improvement in each of these categories is gained through constant time and effort in the gym, learning from coaches and self-perception. Volleyball is a team sport, supporting my teammates and being a positive influence is critical to my own and my team’s success. From my perspective, success on the court comes from physical strength (working hard and being fit), mental strength (accepting and building upon down moments), nutrition (keeping a healthy body), and attitude (remaining positive and bringing teammates up); as well as rest and relaxation during down times. I am fortunate to have found a life-long sport that I love and appreciate so much.

High school volleyball has been a struggle at times. Playing libero in highschool volleyball was a new experience for me. I struggled with having confidence in myself on the court, my high school coaches didn't know enough about the position to help me, so I had to figure it out myself.  In addition, I saw that my younger teammates were not being taught the skills they needed so I stepped up and helped them learn some basics. During my Junior high school season, my team won zero games in a sixteen game season. I was defeated, but took it upon myself to improve my game for club season with extra time in the gym, guidance from club coaches, and introspection. This paid off; at club tryouts I made the Club V 17 Black team, which was one of the top teams at my club. I proved to myself the value of being at the bottom and having to work my way to the top. I learned that believing in myself takes work and that perseverance builds confidence. Playing for my highschool and club volleyball teams I realized that no win is guaranteed and that teamwork is essential. I am looking for a program that will continue to push me both as a student (I will be graduating with a degree in the International Baccalaureate program and currently carry a 3.96 cumulative grade point average) and as an athlete. I believe my athletic talent, work-ethic, optimism, and caring leadership will be impactful assets to your volleyball program.