Grace Spaulding '20 Recruiting Profile

     As a kindergartner, Tae Kwon Do taught me the importance of leadership, integrity, perseverance, and courtesy.  I worked diligently year round and earned my black belt at the end of fourth grade.  Once I achieved this goal, I threw myself into a new passion: volleyball.  I was excited to learn a new sport that I could play in middle and high school one day.  I applied the focus and determination from tae kwon do and enrolled in leagues, clinics and camps year round to improve my skills.  In 7^th grade, I was so excited to make the middle school volleyball team only to discover that I had a flaw.  I was serving overhand…but with the wrong foot forward.  This was a really hard habit to break, but I worked hard and with the help of my coaches I was able to persevere and learn proper technique.  By 8^th grade, I was voted team captain by my teammates and won the MVP award by breaking a school record with 11 aces in a row in a single game.  I moved onto club ball and currently have the privilege of being the only sophomore on my varsity high school volleyball team.  I am learning so much from the coaches and upper classmen that it is truly a gift.  I owe all of my success to my middle school coach for believing in me and teaching me the importance of doing things the right way to achieve long term goals. 

                Off the court, I am an avid scholar.  I take school very seriously and aspire to earn a degree in architecture and design.  I am also potentially interested in journalism.  I study very hard, like to take honor’s classes and strive for A’s always since I’m pretty competitive both on and off the court.  Enrolling in a college with a strong academic reputation is very important to me.  Getting an exceptional education is my top priority since I want to have a successful career one day.  That said, being a part of a volleyball team is an essential part of my character.  I love the camaraderie with my teammates and coaches.  We are like family and I can’t imagine moving onto college without being a part of something greater than myself.  As a member of the volleyball team, I will bring leadership and a positive spirit to all.  I will encourage everyone to reach their individual goals as well as our team goals.  I will inspire courtesy and respect on and off the court.  As an athlete, my speed and natural athletic ability as a libero/ds will enable our team to reach its highest potential.