Olivia VanLaanen '21 Recruiting Profile

Volleyball: a game changer for me, changing the me I was into the person I have become.  For the past six years of my life I have grown immensely as an athlete, a student and as a person on and off the court, thanks to the different volleyball teams I was fortunately asked to join. Playing volleyball has gifted me with the amazing opportunity to become an active leader using my voice and skill and to improve my personal strengths as an individual and a teammate. I enjoy every moment of playing while on the court, and also while cheering on my teammates from the sidelines. With each passing year,  academics have become more challenging and time consuming. Volleyball continually pushes me to achieve balance, which is one of my greatest strengths as an individual. Volleyball also allows my character to shine: no matter what the game situation is,  I keep moving and playing hard maintaining a positive, leading attitude. Being able to lead and communicate with others is are critical life skills and are the key to being successful on the court. Receiving the MVP award for my high school team was an amazing accomplishment and reinforced for me the value of hard work and leadership skills both on and off the court. Being a part of a college volleyball team will not only give me a chance to continue to play the sport I love so much, but also prepare me for life experiences after college that utilize my ability to be a leader and supportive teammate, communicate effectively with all types of people, strive for balance in life and continually work hard at all times,  becoming the best person I can possibly be.