Elise Gillen '22 Recruiting Profile

My goal is to play competitive college volleyball while earning my college degree.  Currently, I am undecided on a field of study, but I know education is key to my future success.  I realize that playing volleyball in college is a once in a lifetime opportunity that, along with a great education, will help prepare me for a successful future in whatever I decide is the right career for me.    

As a volleyball player, I have become very versatile.  For my club teams, I have always been a setter since I was 9 years old playing up on a U11 club team.  I have always been ranked as one of the top setters in the State at my age level during club season.  However, for my varsity high school team I was a starting six-rotation outside hitter in both my freshman and sophomore years (2018 and 2019).  When I entered high school in the Fall of 2018 our varsity team had a junior Division I setter but was lacking in hitters, so I became an outside hitter for the team.  After the first few matches that season, I became a six-rotation player because of my serve receive (average serve receive rating of 2.75 both years), my defense, and my hitting out of the back row.  For the 2019 high school season, I achieved first team all-conference honors and honorable mention for the all-state team. 

As a setter on my club teams, I am in a leadership role when I step on the court.  My hard-work, confidence and composure is truly what makes me a leader on my volleyball teams - both club and high school.  I am a calming force when the team is experiencing adversity during a match.  My teammates look to me because I am confident not only in myself but also in all my teammates, and things do not rattle me.  I am a team leader that believes in leading by example during match play as well as in practice.  I work hard in practice and dedicate time outside of practice to further develop my skills as a setter and all-around player to become better at the sport I truly love.

I have played sports (volleyball, soccer, basketball, and softball) ever since I can remember.  I have played at a high level in all four of these sports and have played all four at the same time for years prior to high school.  When I realized it was time to focus on just one or two sports, I knew immediately my first choice was volleyball.  I have also continued to play soccer.  I enjoy soccer, and I know the training helps me on the volleyball court with my quickness and endurance. 

My love for the sport of volleyball is undeniable. I look forward to continuing to play the sport I love at a school with outstanding academics as well as a volleyball program that fosters success both on and off the court.