Talia Watson '18 Recruiting Profile

My name is Talia Watson and I am looking forward to playing volleyball in college. I attend Souderton Area High School where I currently maintain a weighted 4.12 Grade Point Average. At Souderton, I’ve successfully completed several Advanced Placement and Honors courses in math, science and in social studies. I am active in student government and I’m a manager of the boys’ volleyball team. I was also nominated and accepted a position as a Senior Student Athlete Leader for the 2017 school year. I have always worked very hard on academics and athletics. Being a student athlete requires hard work, dedication and time management.

I have been a member of the Varsity volleyball team since I was a fresh-person. I have earned a varsity letter in 9^th, 10^th and in 11^th grades. I am the starting varsity Libero for my high school team and in my first season ever playing the Libero position I earned Suburban One Conference Honorable Mention. I have played the position of setter since age eleven, but our high school coach needed someone to pass so I volunteered. I believe in always putting the team first.

I have played club volleyball for the past six years. My primary position is setter but I’ve played Libero and defensive specialist. As a setter I have led very successful teams in the Keystone Region. Last season my 16 U team won over 90% of their matches and earned six gold medals in local area tournaments. This season I’ve led my 17U team to second place finish at the Presidents’ Day Classic in Allentown.

For me, volleyball is a year round sport. There is no off season. I am avid outdoor volleyball player as well. I play in several annual outdoor grass (Pottstown Rumble/Susquehanna Smash) and I play annually in beach tournaments as well.  I’ve competed in quads and doubles tournaments in the sand and on grass. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoor game. I believe playing outdoors has helped me develop speed and power to be successful while playing indoors.  For the past five years. I’ve competed in an outdoor A/BB quads league. Last season, my team won the High School level championships.  

In addition to being a student athlete, I am also a student with Type I diabetes. I was diagnosed with the disease when I was five years old but I never let the disease slow me know. I check my blood sugars five times a day and I wear an Insulin pump to maintain my blood glucose levels. I have managed the disease throughout a very busy academic and athletic schedule. I refuse to let the disability stop me from achieving my goals of completing college while playing college volleyball.

I am an active, and engaged student and believe that I can contribute substantively to most volleyball programs. I believe in the virtues of hard work, dedication and resiliency. I would love the opportunity to contribute my passion to a college volleyball team.