Gabrielle Paelmo '18 Recruiting Profile

My name is Gabrielle Paelmo. I am a 5'3" libero/DS. I have been playing volleyball for seven years now and my love for the game has never faded. I started taking lessons when I was in third grade after my mom noticed that I would hit a ball over and over again on the walls of our house. She saw potential in me; little did I know that this sport would become my biggest passion. My first year of club volleyball was when I was in eighth in a small volleyball club near my house called Team Illinois Volleyball. I was a DS and I instantly fell in love with the position. Defense, passing; I loved it all. I then took up many camps in the summer to improve my skills and when high school season came around, I made the Junior Varsity team at Schaumburg High School my freshman year. I was pulled up for many varsity tournaments. After high school season, I went to Sky High Volleyball for my club season and made the 15 Blue team. Now, I am a DS on Schaumburg Varsity and an active member of Sky High. I love volleyball, there is no other way to put it. Being on the court is the happiest feeling in the world to me. I believe I am a good candidate for your team because no matter what team I am on, I will guarantee you I will put my heart, soul, and everything on that court. Whether I am on a regional team or a one's national team, I will always work hard and put my everything in for that team. And I plan to do that in college. I believe I am a natural leader; the back row is challenging and takes a lot of mental focus but I truly believe I can lead the back row on defensive while also doing my part and improving my skills every single play. As much as I love the game, I am aware that academics are a top priority as well. I have ambitions for my future; I plan to take up a science field and minor in creative writing. Volleyball has influenced me to better my studies. I take my education very seriously.  Playing college volleyball has been a dream to me and I am determined to make that dream a reality, no matter what it takes. I have said it once but I will say it again; I love volleyball and it truly is my passion.