Lauren Wilke '18 Recruiting Profile

I have been involved in a variety of sports growing up – soccer, softball, and basketball.   I began playing volleyball in a local CYO league in 6^th grade. In the 8^th grade I was a starter on my high school varsity team.  I realized then that volleyball was my sport. I began playing club ball at age 12, and was put on the U16 team, where I played for three years. Playing club ball exposed me to a more challenging level of play, which motivated me to improve my skill and learn more about the game. In 2015 I moved to the Island Volleyball Academy (ACAD) club and played on the First U16 team.  We won our region (Garden Empire Volleyball Association) and went to Nationals in the Open division.

In 2014 I made the GEVA Regional High Performance team.  That experience – the training and level of play – really developed my understanding of the role of the setter as well as game strategy.  I am also good hitter. Last year on the GEVA High Performance Team we ran a 6-2 and I played all around hitting and setting.  This year my school team is running a 6-2 and I am playing all around, so my hitting skill continues to improve.

Although I am a junior, I am the court captain of my high school team and call the plays. I also play varsity basketball and spring track because I enjoy sports and like being on a school team year round. 

Having the opportunity to play volleyball in college is important to me. I would like to attend a school that has a variety of programs and majors.

I am a good student.  I accelerated in math and science, and I have taken/am taking AP courses in science, math and English. I have played the clarinet for many years and continue to play in the school band. I know that academic performance is necessary for overall college success.

My community, Blue Point, is on the south shore of Long Island so I have grown up around boating. My family owns a sailboat and a small motor boat. One of my favorite activities is going to the beach.  We spend many summer weekends living on the boat at the beach. I learned to water ski and dig for clams growing up.  I got my boating license before my driver’s permit!