Caitlin Hampton '20 Recruiting Profile

     When I was younger I was very shy and reserved. I never stepped out of my comfort zone. It seemed that I was always the one girl standing in the corner watching the other kids make friends and play. My parents kept pushing me to get involved and make friends. Sign-ups for my middle school volleyball team were announced and I signed up. I had never seen volleyball played and had never been the most coordinated kid. My world and life changed on the first day of practice. I couldn't get enough of this game. My twelve-year-old self started to feel competitive and had a hunger to learn more. I loved being on my team and improving the little skill I had every week. The feeling of accomplishing something that I struggled with really helped me gain the confidence I have today. I've learned that through volleyball you can take something so hard and complicated and with enough practice, you can turn it into a driving force that becomes second nature.  One instance that really made me the player I am today was when I broke my ankle. It was a couple of weeks before the district tournament and just like any other day I took a swing. I landed horribly wrong on my ankle and broke my growth plate. I was determined not to leave my team short, that's when I decided to play as long as this foot would allow. With a broken ankle, I played two 5-set games (against better judgment) and helped my team into regionals. Those two games were all I could take before my ankle completely gave up.  This common volleyball injury really tested my skills as a teammate and a player. I am proud that I never gave up. 

     I've learned through this amazing sport that being a good teammate and having a work ethic can make or break you as a player. When making that connection with your team you leave no question that they can count on you on and off the court. I believe that a team who has a strong bond and works together can go farther than a highly skilled team that plays only for their individual selves. My work ethic for this sport has increased immensely throughout the years, I have found an urge to get better every time I hit the floor.  Each and every practice is valuable. I've also realized that working out and getting into the best shape I can be in will really increase my abilities on the court.  My mindset is to work hard, play hard, and finish strong. I live for the next time I get to hit the court.

     School has always been important to me. I was never pressured to get straight A's or have perfect grades, but my mindset has always been that I want them. I like to brag to my family and always bring up how I've never made a B in my life. I do know that the more education I pursue the more likely will get a B. But for now, I'm going strong.  I probably study more than the average person because I really want to guarantee my success in a class or on a test. I would include good grades and my work ethic in school as one of the unique characteristics I possess.  I believe that I not only can compete at a collegiate level but that I can be an asset to a team. I have a strong work ethic, leadership skills, and character that many colleges are looking for in a student-athlete. I know what it takes to be a leader on a team and I'm confident in myself that I have what you're looking for.