Personal Statement

My name is Ciara Merrifield, and I am currently a 6'1" middle blocker/right side from Glendale, AZ, Class of 2017.  I attend Deer Valley High School and have been the starting MB on my varsity team since I was a freshman.

My work ethic on and off the court is second to none.  I am extremely competitive and very coachable.  I work every day, striving to be a better player than I was yesterday.  I love being a part of a team, and there is no greater satisfaction than working together to achieve a common goal.  I am recognized as a leader on my team, and this year I served as team captain.  I feel my skills and positive attitude would be a great asset to any team.  

This year I switched club teams to play on the Revolution Volleyball Academy 17 Premier team.  My coach is Amanda Burbridge, head women's volleyball coach at Phoenix College.  I have always played on great club teams and my teammates were all talented athletes, but this year it has been a blessing to be coached by a true college coach.  I am learning so much and can feel the day-to-day improvement I am making with Coach Burbridge.  She says I have a great block and really know how to terminate the ball.  Although up until this year I had never played any position other than MB, she has offered me the opportunity to play both right side and 6-rotation outside hitter.  I am so excited for these opportunities, as I feel they will help to showcase my versatility on the court, as well as my willingness to learn a new position.

Academics are also very important to me.  I've always had straight A's, including Honors and Dual Enrollment classes.  I give 110% in the classroom just as I give 110% on the court.  I plan to major in business and someday hope to work in sports marketing and media for a Major League Baseball team.

My goal is to find the right school for me, one that offers a competitive team environment while allowing me to contribute to the team's success.