McKenzie Bates '16 Recruiting Profile

     A saying overly used, I believe, by athletes involves their favorite sport followed by, "is life;" for example, "volleyball is life."  Usually, I have found, to them this saying means, "I'm constantly playing this sport," or "I love this sport."  It doesn't go any further in depth.  For me, this saying means:  I never stop playing; there are no off days.
     From the earliest time I can remember, my life has involved sports.  I have played soccer, basketball, and softball competitively, and many other sports recreationally.  One sport has always stuck out to me, though; the one I loved more than the others. . .this being volleyball.
     In third grade, volleyball was just another sport that involved me hanging out with friends, and gaining another "Participation Trophy." It began slowly evolving into more than that, especially freshman year.  I chose to focus on the one sport I wanted to excel in. Freshman year boosted my confidence when I was the only freshman chosen to move up a team.  From then on, I realized I might have a chance at playing volleyball after high school, and I was determined with making that happen.  That year, I gave up other sports and focused on volleyball year-round.  Since freshman year, volleyball has become an everyday event; it has become my first priority, along with school.  On the days I don't have practice for school, club, or beach, there is a volleyball either in my hands or right next to me, reminding me of my goal.  I workout with the intent of getting more in shape for volleyball; I eat healthily with that same intent; and I practice with my younger sister, friends or by myself.  This focus makes me different from many other athletes my age; the fact that my life revolves around this sport.  Although I am involved in many things, my focus is volleyball -- volleyball is my life.