Damali Mills '15 Recruiting Profile

My academic goal is to double major in biology and architecture.  I am fascinated by the complexity and simplicity of biological functions and how they work together.  Likewise, I am in awe of how simple materials can form structures of support and art simultaneously.

My athletic goal is to be recruited by and play division I volleyball.  The first person to encourage me to play volleyball was an Olympic Volley Ball Athlete by the name of Keba Phipps.  Her incredible spirit and love of the game transformed me into a volleyball athlete and true fan of the sport.  I want to play with the best players to play the game I love.

So much of what we do in our daily life is global in our reach through the internet.  My goal is to see and experience the world from another perspective through a study abroad program, knowing it will enhance the way I look at my life, my education and my future.

I learned to appreciate the wisdom of following directions from my uncle who is a marine.  It has driven me to believe in the possibility of winning until the final point has been made.  I never give up on the ball.

In my passion to play, after recovering from surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL, I re-injured my knee.  I have since had a second surgery and have spent the last ten months rebuilding strength in my knee.  I am extremely excited for the upcoming club volleyball season.

I absolutely love the great feeling of accomplishment after a lengthy, intense and rigorous work out.  The only way to get to that point is with truly hard work.

My very best experiences in volleyball have always been based on the mutual respect, support and camaraderie with my team mates.  The natural consequences were victorious outcomes for our games as we witnessed the incredible things we can accomplish when we work together.

I have always been different.  When I was in the fifth grade I was 5’8”.  I was taller than my entire grade.  I was different before I wanted to be and before it was advantageous to be different.  What makes me unique from my peers is that I have had many years to recognize and accept difference in myself and others.  On a volleyball team, success comes with embracing and harnessing the different skills inherent in each player.