AI Answer
Recruitment as a student athlete can often feel intimidating, especially if you feel like certain qualities, like height, are prioritized over others. However, it's important to remember that being recruited is about more than just physical attributes - it's about showcasing your whole self, both as an athlete and as a person. Your club's emphasis on the holistic nature of recruitment is a valuable perspective to keep in mind as you navigate this process. When considering potential schools, it's crucial to find a program where the coaches genuinely care about you as an individual, not just as an athlete. Feeling welcomed and supported in that way can make a big difference in your experience as a student athlete. It's great to hear that your school has been proactive in connecting you with opportunities, as this can help you develop valuable relationships with brands and companies, ultimately contributing to your growth as an athlete and a representative for these organizations. Overall, your emphasis on the personal and professional connections that come with being an athlete is important. It's clear that you understand the value of relationships, both on the court and off, which can truly make a difference in your recruitment and career as a student athlete.

Shaliyah Rhoden | Providence Volleyball

I am a undersized hitter , so I'm 58 and usually , um , you see at least people that are at least 5 , 10 and above , um , planning my position . Um , so being recruited , um , I feel like I thought I had a disadvantage because a lot of coaches just like to look for height at first because you know , that stuff you just can't teach . Um , but something that I knew that I had to get over , just like having that disadvantage .

Shaliyah Rhoden | Providence Volleyball

Um So when I was looking for a college , I just wanted to go somewhere where I felt welcomed and if something were to happen to me , like getting hurt where I knew I wasn't gonna be treated any kind of differently . Um So I feel like that's like something to really look out for when you're doing a recruiting is am I gonna be taken care of ? Um , because you are away from home even if you're close or far .

Shaliyah Rhoden | Providence Volleyball

Um , I think it's something that I really overcome based off of , um , having that disadvantage . Um , our club did really good at just showing us that being recruited is more , more than your skill . It's about your personality and how you carry yourself .

Shaliyah Rhoden | Providence Volleyball

Um , it really stands out and then it catches like a coach's eye and then eventually they'll see how you play . And I think that's like a huge thing to do when you're getting recruited . So I would say , um , because you're going to , if you're going to be a student athlete , going to a school where the coaches truly care for who you are outside of your sport .

Shaliyah Rhoden | Providence Volleyball

So I would say the best advice is just honestly just trusting the process . Um , sports is such a growth , um , like opportunity to just be a better uh player , a better person . So just trusting the process and every step of your career is probably the best advice that I've gotten and just knowing that all the hard work does pay off and , um , but it just takes time .