Raja Elliott '16 Recruiting Profile

In college, I plan to build connections with other people to grow as a person and a player. During college I hope to gain more independence and stay on top of my schoolwork while playing volleyball. I would like to pursue a career in neurosurgery. I plan to major in neuroscience with an emphasis on neurobiology, therefore, I plan to study in a pre-med program.

After years of playing the viola, dancing, running track, swimming, and soccer I found my true passion in volleyball. This passion was ignited my first week of middle school tryouts. Filled with excitement and motivation, after the first day of tryouts, I went with my mother to purchase kneepads. Since 6th grade I have played on club teams and school teams every year since. I still enjoy playing viola in advanced orchestra and dancing in advanced Afro-Haitian and Fogo Na Ropa Dance Company.

I have been playing volleyball intensely for six years and it is my true passion. I have played every position on the court and I know the rotations like the back of my hand. One of my old coaches called me a effective utility player. I really enjoy playing the opposite position. I would love the opportunity to continue to play volleyball in college and enhance my hitting and blocking skills. I enjoy watching local CAL Women's volleyball games because they inspire me to work harder on the court to be a better player.

Looking back, I recently realized that it taken six years for me to fully open up to my teammates and be vocal on the court. When I kept to myself I didn't really understand the importance of being a team player, but now that I have risen out of my shyness I have been a more effective player on the court and with my team overall. As a teammate I am always willing to learn new techniques and skills to make my game better for the team.