1. Why did you decide to sign with Millsaps College?

Visiting the campus and meeting the team really solidified my decision to choose Millsaps. I really like the coach and my new teammates and the educational opportunities this school has to offer.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am beyond excited to begin my journey as a collegiate athlete! It is such a rewarding feeling to finally achieve something you’ve been working towards for so long.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Start early, know what you’re looking for in a school, coach, and team, and be proactive! Contacting coaches yourself is very important. It also establishes good connections among college coaches.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My coaches for sure. They have shaped me into the player I am today, and I owe a lot to them.

5. What would you like to accomplish during your college sports career?

I would love to start all four years while keeping my grades up!

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with the University of Dallas?

I heard about this school through the volleyball coach and decided to check it out. I chose to attend the University of Dallas because of my campus visit. I absolutely fell in love with the university, and was able to imagine myself attending college there.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I am extremely excited to start my first college season at the University of Dallas. It is actually going to be the first time getting in a game since my ACL repair surgery I had in March. So just being able to continue my athletic career, let alone at the college level, is exciting in itself.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

Don’t focus too heavily on the athletic aspect of your college decision. You want to be able to see yourself attending this school even if you didn’t have the opportunity to play there. College should be a great experience, so being able to enjoy yourself and learn in a good environment that you want to be in will help make your college decision better for you.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My family and my club team have had the biggest influence on me when it comes to volleyball. My family has always been very supportive and has given me a great foundation to always make me want to better myself and not have a losing attitude. My club team has always challenged me to become a better athlete and made me want to continue my athletic career through college, even after my injury. (I tore my ACL in Jan. 2012)

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I would like to help my team become the best we can be. While being successful on the court, I want to be successful in my classes as well.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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1. Why did you decide to sign with McNeese State University?

Close to my hometown so my parents can come to my games. High rate of athletes get their degrees. Small hometown feel. I am in my own apartment with a player I played club volleyball with and loving college atmosphere.

2. Describe the excitement you feel about becoming a college student-athlete?

I love my team and coach! All the coaches know what they are doing and they are working us hard and challenging each and every one of us. I did not want to go to school and it be easy. I want to be challenged! I am a little overwhelmed worrying about how to balance classes and volleyball but McNeese provides a lot of support so I will do fine.

3. What advice would you give to other athletes looking to get recruited?

As far as volleyball you need to play for a club that does a great job of working with college recruiters. Make good grades in high school and from the beginning of your junior year start taking your SAT and ACT tests to get your scores as high as possible. Make a recruiting page and send out your club schedule to colleges to let them know when you play and make sure they have your jersey number. I was committed by my junior year but never took my recruiting page down and all during my senior year I was approached by colleges. It takes a lot of pressure off your senior year if you have made a decision your junior year.

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your sports career and why?

My parents because they have stood by me every step of the way. As a family we prayed before I committed and once I made my decision I did not have a doubt in the world. My parents have made great sacrifices to make sure I had the best training, allowed to play at a high profile club and supported me by coming to my games. They continue to support me by helping me adjust to college life away from home. I feel very blessed and do not want to let them down. So when practices are hard I just work harder and remember I have a lot of people pulling for me and supporting me every step of the way.

5. What would you like to accomplish during college sports career?

I want to start all four years in college. I want to make all-conference. I want to be a leader and team captain for my team. I want to be known as a team player and hard worker. Someone incoming freshman will look up to me when I am no longer a freshman.

Over the last five years SportsForce Recruiting has helped over 1,000 student-athletes and families successfully navigate the college recruiting and athletic scholarship process while saving families on average $50,000 in college expenses.

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SportsForce Alumni Cameron Gypsyn is making a name for himself across the pond as he has become as stand out for Team Northumbria. Cameron is at Uni in the UK and has been training with the Newcastle Eagles 1st team (professional) and playing with the 2nd team. Also, he is at Great Britain national under 20’s team camp with main team assistant coach Tim Lewis. The Daily Chronicle reports on his standout season, below.

TEAM Northumbria star Cameron Gypsyn jets back into Tyneside this week – still on course to become a dual international for his adopted country.

The California-born forward holds a UK passport and has already represented Team GB in volleyball.

But Gypsyn tried out for Tim Lewis’s Team GB under-20 basketball squad last month.

And it is understood the TN rookie impressed at a talent identification camp showcasing the best of the country’s emerging hoops stars.

“Cameron has settled in well to the EBL second division and his numbers have made a few people sit up and take notice,” said skipper Chris Pearce.

“He was invited down to the talent camp after Team GB got in touch with our coach Greg Modzelewski.

“And now we’re just waiting to hear how he got on.”

Gypsyn is due to fly into Newcastle tomorrow after spending the festive period back home in the USA.

And TN’s versatile 6ft 7in close-season capture will be thrown straight back into the EBL action as Modzelewski’s men prepare for a gruelling double-header on the road.

“We’re away at Kent and Brixton this weekend, so it’ll be quite a shock after the Christmas break,” added Pearce.

“The bad weather hasn’t affected our practice schedule too much, though, and we’re in pretty confident mood.

“We’re traditionally strong heading into the second half of the season, but we have plenty of work to do if we’re going to climb the table.”

—Full Article at Chronicle Live

—See Cameron’s Full SportsForce profile here

Position: OH Height: 6’0” Class: 2011 School: La Jolla Country Day School La Jolla, CA

Mollie Rogers killed the competition last Saturday as she led La Jolla Country Day to a CIF San Diego Division IV title. Rogers was aggressive at the net the entire night recording a game high 19 kills and sparked a 3^rd game rally which saw LJCD outscore Bishops 7-2 to win the game. Mollie was also named the CIF Championship MVP. The win marks the first time since 2003 that LJCD has claimed a Girl’s Volleyball championship. Mollie and her team advance to the State Championships Playoffs which start this week.

Visit Mollie’s full SportsForce profile

Former Student Athlete of the Week, Natalie Hagglund, helped lead the LCC Girls Volleyball team to victory over No. 1 ranked Torrey Pines. The San Diego Union-Tribune writes of the match,

In a thrilling back-and-forth battle between two of the state’s top programs, the Avocado League rivals did not disappoint in the San Diego Section Division I finals.

In the end, No. 2 La Costa Canyon took the 25-15, 25-27, 25-22, 26-24 victory over the top-seeded Falcons at Cathedral Catholic last night, earning the Mavericks a sixth consecutive section title before a near-capacity crowd.

Just two weeks earlier, La Costa Canyon (28-5) fell to Torrey Pines (25-9) in the final match of the regular season, resulting in the league title being shared by the two schools and the higher seed in the playoffs going to the Falcons.

But the Mavericks managed to finish ahead in the tightly contested match, getting a stunning performance from big-match veterans Kendall Polan and Natalie Hagglund as well as underclassmen such as sophomore Natalie Bausback and junior Karsta Lowe.

Hagglund had a match-high 10 kills, while Bausback and Lowe each added nine.

See video below of Natalie in action at the California Challenge:

Full article here

See Natalie’s full SportsForce profile here

No. 3 Poway and No. 2 La Costa Canyon faced off this week in the finals, both aiming for a chance at the CIF San Diego Section Championships. Poway was eventually outplayed by the dominating LCC, 3-1. With matches at 25-11, 25-21, 19-25, 25-17, Poway did not give up, but LCC just had more steam. Poway was not without some great performances with junior setter Bridget Hill stepping up and leading the team with 12 assists, while Mariah Counts contributed 6 kills. Check out the highlight video below and be sure to visit the SportsForce Girls Volleyball section for more video, resources and events.

Position: Setter Height: 5’10” Class: 2011 School: Poway High School Poway, California

Bridget Hill, as junior who moved up to varsity this season has proved herself to be up for the challenge. Bridget is a member of the 2009 Palomar League Champion Poway Girls Volleyball team. Bridget helped the team advance through the CIF playoffs and had 26 assists in a 25-9, 25-15, 25-16 win over Vista in the first round. Hill then had 35 assists in a 25-18, 25-17, 25-13 win over San Pasqual in the quarterfinals of the CIF San Diego Section Division I playoffs.

Unfortunately Hill and Poway were knocked out of the CIF Finals this week by No. 2 La Costa Canyon 25-11, 25-21, 19-25, 25-17. Despite the loss, Hill still led the team with 12 assists that helped them win one match over LCC. Hill leads her team in assists, racking up 721 for the season.

Postion: Outside Hitter Height: 6’1” Class: 2010 School: Cathedral Catholic High School San Diego, CA

Kelly Reeves signed her National Letter of Intent with UCLA to play volleyball for them this past Wednesday. Kelly is captain of the Cathedral Catholic team which won last years Division III Championship as well as the Western League title. A dominant outside hitter, Kelly’s coach, Kelly Drobeck told The San Diego Union-Tribune, “Kelly is always the one we know will never run out of energy. She definitely hasn’t changed at all in that aspect. She has gotten a lot stronger and smarter. I’ve definitely seen her mature, too. Now she’s developed into our team leader.” Reeves has racked up 294 kills this season alone while leading Cathedral Catholic to another impressive season with playoffs starting this week, which the Dons are sure to go far in. Reeve’s is also looking for big things with her club team, The Encinitas Wave, telling ESPN Rise she hopes her team wins the Junior Olympics.

Many SportsForce athletes have been receiving local recognition and one continues to receive national press coverage as Dillon Baxter continues his quest to be the national player of the year for high school football. With the high school fall sports season wrapping up, national signing day is inching closer we are looking forward to more amazing athletic performances throughout the play offs.

Dillon Baxter is receiving constant attention as he moves forward in a phenomenal season breaking records along the way. This has caused many people to draw comparisons between Dillon and a few other football players from San Diego. MaxPreps took on the subject comparing Dillon to Helix High School Alum, Reggie Bush:

Visit Dillon Baxter’s SportsForce profile HERE

Baxter has had an outstanding season, punctuated by his performance Friday night against Lincoln. The 6-foot, 205-pounder, who lines up at quarterback for Mission Bay, threw for 282 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 268 yards and two scores. He also intercepted a pass on defense.

For the season, Baxter has amassed 781 passing yards and 1,090 rushing yards. He’s even kicked three PATs.

Baxter has good speed, excellent balance and the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, all characteristics that have folks in the San Diego buzzing about the area’s next great rusher.

In a September matchup with Paloma Valley, Baxter rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another as Mission Bay won 38-15. Paloma Valley head coach Bert Esposito was highly complementary of Baxter after the game.

“That’s the best high school football player I’ve ever seen, and I saw Reggie Bush at this age,” Esposito told North County Times afterward. “But this kid’s phenomenal.”

The San Diego Union-Tribune published November’s Athletes of the Month. Two former SportsForce Athletes of the Week received honors, Lauren Birks for Girls Volleyball and Kenny Stills for Football. The Union-Tribune writes of Lauren:

Lauren Birks, La Jolla Country Day

Helping the Torreys to a glittering 27-1 season record, Birks, a junior outside hitter, was credited with a team-leading 287 kills on 478 attempts. Showing her all-around ability, Birks compiled 230 digs and 39 service aces.

Visit Lauren Birk’s SportsForce profile HERE

While Kenny had another month of stand out performances,

Kenny Stills, La Costa Canyon

Stills, a senior, led the Mavericks to a 4-0 record in October. For the month, Stills caught 23 passes for 447 yards and three touchdowns. He tossed a 29-yard touchdown pass and ran for 26 yards on four carries. On defense, he picked off one pass and recovered a fumble.

Visit Kenny Stills’ SportsForce profile HERE