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Brennan Hoelperl

1x

Finalist

General information

Hobbies & Interests

  • Volleyball

Bio

I am a rising college sophomore with a double major in biology and sports management. I am also a NCAA Division 1 student athlete on the Sacred Heart University men's volleyball team. I spend a lot of time on the water, playing volleyball, and with my dog! I enjoy the teamwork, competition, and lifelong relationships that indoor volleyball and beach volleyball have brought me. I played club volleyball for 10 years, school volleyball for 6 years, and now am in my second season as a college athlete. I try to be a good teammate and continue to learn. I love the game and everything about it, and I seek to improve myself through practice, lessons, camps, clinics, beach and film. I am in the weight room 4-5 days a week and in the last year I can see the difference increased strength has brought to my game. I volunteer coach at my youth club. I like breaking down big skills into component parts and then watching younger players "get it" and get excited to play, too. I work hard in the classroom. I was named to the dean's list both semesters of my first year in college and have a gpa of 3.8. I plan to pursue something in Biology or health and sport related fields. I would also love to coach high level volleyball someday. Through all of this I am also type 1 diabetic. I have to manage blood sugar levels and prepare for all possibilities of exercise, insulin needs and food. Diabetes is a 24/7 severe medical complication and I'm working really hard with family and friends in my support system.

Education

Sacred Heart University

Bachelor's degree program

2025 – 2029

Majors:
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Minors:
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Mcquaid Jesuit High School

High School

2018 – 2025

Miscellaneous

Desired degree level:
Bachelor's degree program
Majors of interest:
Biological and Physical Sciences, Medicine
Desired degree modality:
In-Person
Medical school interest:
Yes

Career

  • Assistant Coach

    Sports · Rochester PACE Bootlegger Volleyball Club

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Assistant Coach

    Sports · NOVA Volleyball Club

    Jan 2026 – Present

  • Official

    Sports · USA Volleyball

    Jan 2024 – Present

  • Lifeguard

    Public Safety · Rochester Yacht Club

    Jan 2024 – Present

Miscellaneous

Dream career field:
Medicine
Dream career goals:
Medical or Veterinary Field
Work experience:
1 year
Has nursing license:
No

Future Interests

  • Advocacy
  • Volunteering
  • Philanthropy
TRAM Resilience Scholarship
I am a first year student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. I have a double major: Biology and Sports Management. I play NCAA Division 1 Men’s Volleyball, complicated by my diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes.I hold myself to high academic and athletic expectations and I try to contribute to my community where possible, while watching the diabetes every minute of the day. My goal for my academics is to do my best in every class that I take, to achieve a high GPA and take rigorous classes within my major. With my Biology/Sports Management double major, I have multiple career paths in mind: medicine, veterinary medicine, athletics (coaching, officiating, competing). I am especially interested in body systems; how things relate to one another, and in my case the implication of diabetes on exercise and athletics. Endocrinology is fascinating, and real for me. My dog is also a certified therapy dog and I’ve considered a career in animal care as well. I’m just not sure yet, but I want to learn, connect with people, and improve lives. I earned a 3.7 gpa my first semester and a 3.8 in the second. My athletic goals for the next three years are to play at the highest level I can through consistent effort and development. This fall my goal was to make the travel roster for our main 2026 spring season as a freshman, which I accomplished. My next goal is now to be a full-time starter. I want to be a leader, a team and court captain. I study a lot of film, take advantage of training opportunities and learn everything I can. Long term I would love to play professionally overseas. I’m also a certified (regional level now) referee for USA Volleyball, so even if that’s my way into the Olympics someday, I’ll take it. Despite having Type One Diabetes, I continue to work hard and strive for my goals, both physical and academic with my utmost effort while maintaining my health. Diabetes is a 24/7 life threatening situation. I have to count carbs, bolus insulin, manage an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor, avoid certain foods and beverages, and constantly be aware of my blood sugar level. While Type 1 Diabetes is an obstacle, it has helped me to appreciate family and friends in my support system. I’ll always be grateful for teammates that understand and coaches that never let diabetes be a hindrance (though it’s really hard) or an excuse. Receiving this scholarship would assist me in pursuing my goals by taking emphasis away from the financial implications that come with attending university and allowing me to shift more of my focus toward health, academics and athletics. As well it would also help me financially set course on what I plan on doing with the rest of my life and lessen the implications of loans. My parents are both teachers. My sister will be a senior in college next year. It is a challenge.
Bick New York Scholarship
I am a first year student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. I have a double major: Biology and Sports Management. I play NCAA Division 1 Men’s Volleyball, complicated by my diagnosis with Type 1 Diabetes.I hold myself to high academic and athletic expectations and I try to contribute to my community where possible, while watching the diabetes every minute of the day. My goal for my academics is to do my best in every class that I take, to achieve a high GPA and take rigorous classes within my major. With my Biology/Sports Management double major, I have multiple career paths in mind: medicine, veterinary medicine, athletics (coaching, officiating, competing). I am especially interested in body systems; how things relate to one another, and in my case the implication of diabetes on exercise and athletics. Endocrinology is fascinating, and real for me. My dog is also a certified therapy dog and I’ve considered a career in animal care as well. I’m just not sure yet, but I want to learn, connect with people, and improve lives. I earned a 3.7 gpa my first semester and a 3.8 in the second. My athletic goals for the next three years are to play at the highest level I can through consistent effort and development. This fall my goal was to make the travel roster for our main 2026 spring season as a freshman, which I accomplished. My next goal is now to be a full-time starter. I want to be a leader, a team and court captain. I study a lot of film, take advantage of training opportunities and learn everything I can. Long term I would love to play professionally overseas. I’m also a certified (regional level now) referee for USA Volleyball, so even if that’s my way into the Olympics someday, I’ll take it. Despite having Type One Diabetes, I continue to work hard and strive for my goals, both physical and academic with my utmost effort while maintaining my health. Diabetes is a 24/7 life threatening situation. I have to count carbs, bolus insulin, manage an insulin pump, a continuous glucose monitor, avoid certain foods and beverages, and constantly be aware of my blood sugar level. While Type 1 Diabetes is an obstacle, it has helped me to appreciate family and friends in my support system. I’ll always be grateful for teammates that understand and coaches that never let diabetes be a hindrance (though it’s really hard) or an excuse. Receiving this scholarship would assist me in pursuing my goals by taking emphasis away from the financial implications that come with attending university and allowing me to shift more of my focus toward health, academics and athletics. As well it would also help me financially set course on what I plan on doing with the rest of my life and lessen the implications of loans. My parents are both teachers. My sister will be a senior in college next year. It is a challenge.
Trinity Lodge 127 PH Scott Heckstall Scholarship
I am a first year student at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. I have a double major: Biology and Sports Management. I play NCAA Division 1 Men’s Volleyball, complicated by having Type 1 Diabetes. I hold myself to high academic and athletic expectations and I try to contribute to my community where possible, while watching the diabetes every minute of the day.. My goal for my academics is to do my best in every class that I take, to achieve a high GPA and take rigorous classes within my major. I made dean's list both semesters this year with a GPA of 3.8 this spring. With my Biology/Sports Management double major, I have multiple career paths in mind: medicine, veterinary medicine, athletics (coaching, officiating, competing). I am especially interested in body systems; how things relate to one another, and in my case the implication of diabetes on exercise and athletics. Endocrinology is fascinating, and real for me. My dog is also a certified therapy dog and I’ve considered a career in animal care as well. I’m just not sure yet, but I want to learn, connect with people, and improve lives. My athletic goals for the next three years are to play at the highest level I can through consistent effort and development. My goal this year was to make the travel roster for our main 2026 spring season as a freshman, which I accomplished. My next goal is now to be a full-time starter, then I’d like to make the all-conference team, then possibly on the all-American list. I want to be a leader, a team and court captain. I study a lot of film, take advantage of training opportunities and learn everything I can. I work really hard in the weight room. Long term I would love to play professionall. I’m also a certified (regional level now) referee for USA Volleyball, so even if that’s my way into the Olympics someday, I’ll take it. Diabetes is an example of adversity, and in the face of adversity, I work through it. I train hard in the weight room, at my volleyball practices, and eat and sleep in healthy patterns. I plan my activities and supplies for every practice and home/away match. Diabetes requires an intense level of organization and preparation, but I am motivated to be the healthiest I can. In the summer I am also a lifeguard, contribute to positive work environment, and maintain certifications in Lifeguarding, CPR, First Aid, AED, and Oxygen. While Type 1 Diabetes is difficult it has helped me to appreciate family and friends in my support system. I’ll always be grateful for teammates that understand and coaches that never let diabetes be a hindrance (though it’s really hard) or an excuse. Receiving this scholarship would assist me in pursuing my goals by taking emphasis away from the financial implications that come with attending university and allowing me to shift more of my focus toward health, academics and athletics. As well it would also help me financially set course on what I plan on doing with the rest of my life and lessen the implications of loans. My parents are both teachers. My sister will be a senior in college next year. The expected family contribution for each of the two of us added together is more than ⅓ of their gross income. I also appreciate the level of responsibility and advocacy that receiving this scholarship would bring. I am always hoping to help younger athletes not let diabetes slow them down.
Breeze Sports Scholarship
The lessons of hard work, maturity, gratitude, responsibility, and accountability that I have learned throughout high school and my first year of college now will give me the necessary skills for success in the future. I love volleyball, and after my collegiate career, I desire to take my talents as far as possible in the sport including professional competition and coaching. As a student athlete, a coach, and an official, I build relationships with teammates and players and hold myself to a high standard of integrity and character. At a college recruiting camp a couple of summers ago, the head coach described how he is recruiting young men, not boys, he expects recruits to look, act, and be mature throughout all aspects of their life. He said that college volleyball is not forever, but the men that you became and the way you grew during your time is. My high school varsity volleyball coach, Coach Parks taught us to employ player-to-player or player-to-coach contact, by taking responsibility and initiative in communication skills. I also have had type 1 diabetes since I was 10 years old. When I eat, I have to enter the carbs to match with insulin. My continuous glucose monitor transmits my current blood sugar to my iphone every 5 minutes, and syncs to my Apple Watch. If I start to drop I get a Gatorade or snack. If I am too high, I’ll have to give myself more insulin through my pump. I carry a knapsack with diabetic supplies, snacks, gatorade, and rescue glucagon at all times. Type 1 diabetes is a constant balancing act. If my blood sugar drops too low I can have a seizure and die. If it goes too high it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and or in the long term lose vision and organs. Despite this, I am a dedicated and focused Division 1 Student Athlete. I have never missed a practice or a workout. I have to work harder to regulate my blood sugar and eat right in order to be focused on competing at the next level. I have good habits with strength and conditioning in the weight room. Diabetes is a chronic disease but I’m dedicated to not letting it be the reason I can’t succeed. And through this all I am grateful to my family support system and to the coaches who never let diabetes be an excuse or a limitation. I am an assistant coach for a 14U girls volleyball team during the school year and in the summers I work with young players in the club that trained me. I loved it when older players came back and helped me and I want to do the same with them. I am also a certified USA Volleyball referee. Officiating volleyball has given me a new perspective towards; leadership, responsibility, and fairness. It has enhanced my character, teaching me resilience, confidence, and making clear and decisive decisions under pressure. One of my favorite memories as a referee took place in a tight match, and I made a net call that was not seen well by the crowd.. After the match, a coach from the losing team commended me for the composure that I kept during the game and complimented me on how fair and high quality my reffing was. Managing games has also improved my communication skills, by enhancing my handling of difficult conversations and moments in life with respect and authority.
MannKind Al Mann Centennial Scholarship
The most important goal I have set for myself is a broad one, and it applies to numerous facets of my life. My goal is to improve at everything I do by at least a margin every time, while giving 100% effort. I have been very focused on a few things: health, family, academics and athletics. I hope to continue to balance those and be successful in college. I am grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and teachers for their role helping me prepare. I am pursuing a career and a degree in the life sciences due to my interest in the human body and the systems that it is composed of. Type 1 Diabetes has especially given me insight and interest in this field. My brain always works in systems. When I learn a new concept, I best grasp it if it is a system that I can learn in and out and how and why it works. The reason that I enjoy Biology is that it is composed of all different types of systems that interconnect. This makes it very easy for me to go from topic to topic and learn the specific system. However, I do find it challenging when it comes to minute details because minute details can have large effects on the whole system. I am a division 1 student athlete playing men’s volleyball. Volleyball is primarily composed of systems, offensive and defensive, as well as multiple theories and philosophies that people have about numerous parts of the game. Volleyball being composed of systems has allowed me to grasp the game and help foster my joy for the game. I play, coach, officiate and learn constantly. When I encounter challenges or setbacks, structure and organization keeps me grounded and helps me continue to persevere toward my goals. If my setback is academic, I create a new study schedule and a plan to tackle the challenging coursework, for which I am a double major in Biology and Sports Management and made dean’s list with a 3.7 gpa my first semester in college. If my setback is athletic, I break down the struggle by reviewing film, consulting with my coaching staff, considering my nutrition and sleep schedules, and try to objectively strategize what to do next to improve. If the challenge is with diabetes, I again think through my systems. Is my glucose expired, the pump site working, the CGM accurate, did I miscalculate carbs? I try to pinpoint a baseline and work from there. I also value my support system of family, friends, teammates, teachers, and coaches. If I could make one meaningful contribution, it would be to inspire younger student athletes to not give up on their dreams because of diabetes. I am double majoring in Biology and Sports Management because I want to find a way to connect health and athletics; in an athletic or clinical setting. I want kids to know that diabetes can be managed in a healthy way and striving for excellence in athletics is possible. I’d like to be able to pinpoint even more exactly the impact of blood sugar on performance both on the volleyball court and in strength training. I’d like to identify a way to predict what overnight recovery looks like in a diabetic versus a nondiabetic athlete. The technology is emerging quickly but being able to put it into use and ease the struggles of younger athletes would be great.
Student Referee Scholarship
Officiating volleyball has given me a new perspective towards; leadership, responsibility, and fairness. It has enhanced my character, teaching me resilience, confidence, and making clear and decisive decisions under pressure. Looking forward, I seek to continue to grow as a referee and person, utilizing these skills to make a meaningful impact in volleyball and further. One of my favorite memories as a certified USAV Regional referee took place during a significant volleyball game. The score was close in the third set, and I made a net call that was not seen by the crowd, but despite any reactions; by the crowd, the team it was against, I was strong and confident in my call. After the match, a coach from the losing team commended me for the composure that I kept during the game and complimented me on how fair and high quality my reffing was. This specific moment reaffirms my joy for officiating every day, specifically through upholding the integrity of the sport. Refereeing has given me focus on how I can become a more clear and decisive thinking individual in the face of adversity while remaining composed. Making quick, decisive, and fair decisions as a referee has benefitted me as well in other areas of my life such as academic and leadership roles. Managing games has also improved my communication skills, by enhancing my handling of difficult conversations and moments in life with respect and authority. Enforcing rules impartially has reinforced my commitment to integrity, a principle that extends in the context of my life far beyond sports. Looking towards the future, I plan on continuing to officiate in the future and possibly at the collegiate level someday. I seek to refine my skills, gain higher-level certifications, and mentor new referees. Additionally, I aspire to improve my knowledge of the game, enhance my decision-making abilities, and build enduring relationships with fellow officials. I as well hope to promote respect for and towards officials, and the importance of playing fairly. Being a referee has emphasized qualities that will help me in all facets of my life. The lessons of confidence, resilience, and fairness will reside in me for a long time, aiding in making split-second decisions on the court or facing challenges in my life, whether in academic pursuits or professional contexts. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of responsibility, effective communication, and staying composed under pressure. These skills not only define my approach to refereeing but also influence how I tackle various situations, ensuring I am prepared for whatever comes my way. I also found that I really enjoyed spending time with mainly senior citizen referees. Their stories were so fun and they have experienced a lot. It changed my perspective when I am playing volleyball with my team, too.
Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship
Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship
My name is Brennan Hoelperl, and I recently graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School, and plan on attending Sacred Heart University in the coming fall. Throughout my collective experiences of life, I have learned that everything is not simply handed out, and everything that is good comes from the fruits of one’s efforts. From early on, I have learned that I need to have a quality work ethic if I am going to survive in any aspect of my life. In school I may not be the naturally smartest, and in athletics I am not the most athletic, but I have the best work ethic and drive to do better. At first academics came easy to me, but as the years progressed on, the courses began becoming harder and harder. Up until freshman year, it was all pretty simple and straightforward, but once I began taking classes sophomore year, that is when my work ethic in academics flourished. I began to study more in advance for midterms, finals, and tests in general. I would plot out my calendar for when I needed to begin studying for the test, as well keep a well tracked homework calendar. During my time in high school, this continued to progress on, having to learn about how I should study for each individual class, how much time I needed, etc.. I took and passed 7 AP exams plus two dual credit courses in local colleges, so this level of hard work was ultimately successful. Sophomore year as well is the first year that I made varsity volleyball. I was a sophomore amongst seniors, and had a role that I was to serve. I was riding my skill primarily, and did not have the greatest amount of athleticism to back it up. After the high school volleyball season ended, one of my former coaches/teammates' mom introduced me to the idea of using the weight room on a consistent basis, to improve my performance on the court.That is when I started using the weight room on a constant basis, and is likely the reason that I will be playing Division 1 volleyball at Sacred Heart University next year. During this time, my work ethic translated into sport, pushing myself in the weight room and on the court. As well, a factor that plays into all of my life, is living with Type One Diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of ten, and have had to work to keep healthy ranges for my blood glucose, so that I can excel mentally in the classroom, and physically as well. It is tough, where I must live with it, but must plan ahead before a practice by turning my insulin down, and am inconvenienced at the hours of 3 AM to eat food to treat a low. Volleyball is a significant part of my life, and I want to pursue a career in the sport as far as possible, whether that is playing at the highest level, or coaching at the highest level. As well, I have always been interested in Biology. I plan on giving it time and seeing where my career with volleyball goes, and see how I enjoy my classes at school. But overall, it remains to be seen when I do after college. Overall this scholarship will help me to focus on where I am to take my talents and efforts in life. I would be able to work hard and not worry about the financial aspect of receiving a college education and competing at the Division 1 level.
Treye Knorr Memorial Scholarship
My name is Brennan Hoelperl, and I recently graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School, and plan on attending Sacred Heart University in the coming fall. Throughout my collective experiences of life, I have learned that everything is not simply handed out, and everything that is good comes from the fruits of one’s efforts. From early on, I have learned that I need to have a quality work ethic if I am going to survive in any aspect of my life. In school I may not be the naturally smartest, and in athletics I am not the most athletic, but I have the best work ethic and drive to do better. At first academics came easy to me, but as the years progressed on, the courses began becoming harder and harder. Up until freshman year, it was all pretty simple and straightforward, but once I began taking classes sophomore year, that is when my work ethic in academics flourished. I began to study more in advance for midterms, finals, and tests in general. I would plot out my calendar for when I needed to begin studying for the test, as well keep a well tracked homework calendar. During my time in high school, this continued to progress on, having to learn about how I should study for each individual class, how much time I needed, etc.. I ultimately took 7 AP courses and passed all of the exams plus two dual credit courses with local colleges. Sophomore year as well is the first year that I made varsity volleyball. I was a sophomore amongst seniors, and had a role that I was to serve. I was riding my skill primarily, and did not have the greatest amount of athleticism to back it up. After the high school volleyball season ended, one of my former coaches/teammates' mom introduced me to the idea of using the weight room on a consistent basis, to improve my performance on the court.That is when I started using the weight room on a constant basis, and is likely the reason that I will be playing Division 1 volleyball at Sacred Heart University next year. During this time, my work ethic translated into sport, pushing myself in the weightroom and on the court. As well, a factor that plays into all of my life, is living with Type One Diabetes. I was diagnosed at the age of ten, and have had to work to keep healthy ranges for my blood glucose, so that I can excel mentally in the classroom, and physically as well. It is tough, where I must live with it, but must plan ahead before a practice by turning my insulin down, and am inconvenienced at the hours of 3 AM to eat food to treat a low. Volleyball is a significant part of my life, and I want to pursue a career in the sport as far as possible, whether that is playing at the highest level, or coaching at the highest level. As well, I have always been interested in Biology. I plan on giving it time and seeing where my career with volleyball goes, and see how I enjoy my classes at school. But overall, it remains to be seen when I do after college. Overall this scholarship will help me to focus on where I am to take my talents and efforts in life. I would be able to work hard and not worry about the financial aspect of receiving a college education and competing at the Division 1 level.
Bruce Tucker Scholarship
In all areas of my life, I try to display a life of service to my family, community, and teammates through working to improve myself and everyone around me. I am a student athlete at McQuaid Jesuit High School, and I have had to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a demanding athletic schedule. Along with courses and grades in high school, there is a minimum service requirement to graduate (100 hours) but I actually logged more than 235 because much of what I was doing was a part of my everyday activities and goals. As a result, I have served my community in numerous ways, whether it is cleaning trash out of Lake Ontario, or stocking food at a local food pantry, I have contributed to the greater good of the surrounding community. The most memorable way that I have helped in serving the community is when I volunteered for two days at the Rochester Hope Food Pantry in the City of Rochester. I stocked shelves and helped customers shop around. The experience of working at the food pantry was an eye opening and surreal experience, where my effort can be greatly appreciated in helping them shop and stock the shelves. I have logged the most actual hours helping coach U12 and U14 volleyball players and that has only increased my love of the game, for which I’m signed to play in college next year. I have displayed service to my family through helping whenever I can. My parents and siblings have been there for me since day one, and any way that I can help them. Helping them is not a chore, but it is something that I can do out of gratitude. I had my father for Theology class this year, and he taught many lessons about relationships, whether that is a girlfriend, siblings. The main lesson is that you do not keep score. I have thought about it as taking responsibility for yourself, asking for help when required, and willing to help whenever others need it. As well, I take this approach when I am playing and being with my teammates. When we walk into practice, we are all in different states of mind. Some just came from school, some from work, and others from home. Anyone could be having a great day or bad day, but you accept them where they are at, and help them to improve their day. At base level, we just play volleyball together, but to be a positive leader and presence, it is more than just sport. I am looking forward to my next chapter, for which I plan to major in biology and sports management while playing Division 1 NCAA men’s volleyball at Sacred Heart University. I’ve worked really hard in the classroom, on the court (both high school and year round club), and weight room and am grateful for the opportunity. My intended double major is an interesting choice, I’m told, but I want the opportunity to pursue two career paths: one in pre veterinary or medicine, and another in college and youth coaching. I became a certified USA Volleyball official this past year so when I wasn’t playing myself or working with our club’s younger teams, I had the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic veterans coaches and officials. Through my service activities, schooling, church, athletics, and family, I’ve learned so much from all kinds of different people.
TRAM Resilience Scholarship
When I was ten years old, my life changed quickly. After roughly a week of feeling ill, within five minutes of entering the hospital breathing heavily with fruity breath, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and I was in DKA. At the time of my diagnosis, I had just started playing club volleyball, and I was determined to continue on like “normal” and compete at the highest level. I am the youngest of three siblings and I watched my brother and sister play club, varsity high school and college volleyball, and doing the same (or let’s face it…more!) was my goal, and my family, teammates and coaches have helped. When I was 10 my club director told my mother to keep an eye on my blood sugar levels from the sidelines but to give me the time to be a kid and learn how to run an offense and love my sport. He would help and it would be a team effort. Fast forward 8 years and I have now signed to play NCAA Division 1 Volleyball this fall at Sacred Heart University. Less than 2% of high school athletes have the opportunity to continue to compete at this division 1 level. I imagine the percentage of athletes with type 1 diabetes is even less. I spend hours in the weight room, focusing on strength and conditioning. I play both high school volleyball and indoor year round national level competitive club volleyball. I am a certified USA Volleyball official, coach younger teams in our club and am dedicated to a structured and demanding practice and competition schedule myself. I’ve had to learn to manage diabetes while playing at a high level. Right now my club team is ranked #11 of 826 teams in the 18U division nationwide and we’ve played everywhere up and down the East Coast to California, Chicago, Orlando, and numerous places in between. In both high school and club experiences, I’m a starter and play a large majority of the time so I have to be on top of the diabetes because time-outs are not very long. It’s an added pressure and I have to keep the balance, but with the support system I’ve had it’s been working. I’m grateful for the opportunities but recognize how I could not have gotten to this place alone. My coaches that never let diabetes be an obstacle or an excuse plus my family and friends have helped. I learned to plan my calendar and routines. I have to plan to turn my insulin down practice. I always have an appropriate number of snacks and drinks in my bags for sports and school. I even have a phone charger and battery pack in my bag in case my phone were to die, as my cgm and pump manager are through my phone. Before a large tournament weekend, I make sure I have packed enough pods for my pump system, ample amounts of insulin, and spare cgms if necessary. I always check before going onto the court and after every time out. I hope to someday become a veterinarian or work in the professional or collegiate field of playing or coaching volleyball so I’m majoring in both Biology and Sports Management. Through diabetes, I have learned the lessons of gratitude and responsibility plus with resilience in the face of adversity. That has taught me that even though things will go wrong at times, I will be prepared to assess and face the situation.
Carolyn Craddock Memorial Scholarship
When I was ten years old, my life changed quickly. After roughly a week of feeling ill, I went to the hospital after waking up breathing heavily, a tell-tall sign of DKA and within 5 minutes of arriving at the hospital I was diagnosed with diabetes I did not understand the gravity of the situation yet. That day my life was changed forever as I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that requires constant effort and attention. When I was in the hospital, our first question was if I could participate in sports again and how my life would work, but it did. My parents helped me learn the lesson of responsibility by contacting the school nurse and making sure we all communicated. I learned to pack the night before school with snacks, supplies, and insulin. When I made my return to volleyball, my coach asked us what she needed to know about how we were all going to handle my diabetes. My mom helped a lot in the beginning but as I grew older the lesson of responsibility stuck with me as I started handling diabetes more and more independently. But I still do text her and my father to make them feel that I am all right when the low alarms go off. So all I can do is learn how to handle it as best I can. Through meticulous planning using a calendar and routine, I can effectively keep myself healthy and alive in my efforts for academic and athletic success. It has shaped me as a person by forcing me to mature at a greater rate. Since the age of ten, I was forced to be responsible for my life and well-being. The concept of responsibility that my parents helped establish in me which was catalyzed by diabetes has affected the way that I conduct myself in life, from the classroom to the court and it enhances the gratitude that I have for my family. Not just my parents are my support system in handling diabetes, but my siblings as well. I have signed to play NCAA Division 1 Volleyball next year at Sacred Heart University while studying biology and sports management. I want to pursue two career paths: medical/pre-veterinary or professional/collegiate sports. Less than 2% of high school athletes have the opportunity to continue to compete at this division 1 level. I imagine the percentage of athletes with type 1 diabetes is even less. I spend hours daily in the weight room, focusing on strength and conditioning. I play both high school volleyball and indoor year round national level competitive club volleyball. I squeeze in some beach volleyball, help coach our younger teams, and recently have become a certified official. I am also a lifeguard. All of those things are challenging enough on their own, but when I also have to watch my blood sugar at all times, it’s a severe complication that I need to handle, and maybe one day overcome if the science catches up. I’m grateful for the opportunity but recognize how I could not have gotten to this place alone. My coaches that never let diabetes be an obstacle or an excuse plus my family and friends have helped.
Gregory Chase Carter Memorial Scholarship
A community event that I participated in was working at the Rochester Hope Food Pantry in the city of Rochester. I worked with the food pantry for fifteen hours, over two days, and helped to restock shelves, move items around throughout the building, as well as assist shoppers in finding the items that they required. The food pantry would take in different food items from an array of grocery stores and donation areas throughout the city. For example, Wegmans and Aldi are very good and kind about donating food that is to expire in a couple of weeks and items that were designated to be sold fresh that morning, but never made it off the shelf. The experience can be described as an eye-opening one for me. While most of my job in those two days consisted of unloading shipments from donors and restocking shelves, having the opportunity to help shoppers find the food items that they required, without the need to exchange money or have a financial worry, was shown by the gratitude on their faces. I simply helped the customers by holding their bags for them and picking up items for them if they were not physically able. Despite simply seeing the fruits of my labor from the day prior, assisting the customers was meaningful to me, because I am not commonly around a food desert and a place of food insecurity. Seeing that reality showed me that those harsh conditions are a reality in the world, and not just a headline that is shown on TV. In my high school, we are required to satisfy a certain number of service hours in numerous respective fields. I chose to work at the food pantry because I had to satisfy the number of Junior Theme hours, caring for the poor. I did a small bit of work prior with my volleyball team, but we did not do nearly as much work as I did in those two days. When I first pulled into the parking lot of the food pantry, I thought that I was going to do it and power through the work so that I could graduate in June. But the experience that I gained from doing the work was worth so much more. The first day was just stacking boxes, stocking shelves, and unloading shipments, and was overall tedious. I knew that I was doing work that would help people, but in the moment, it appeared to be only helping the people who ran the food pantry. It was once the second day came, when at 4 PM the shoppers would come in, that I saw the fruit of my labor. The amount of smiles and overjoyed expressions when the food pantry opened its doors, and customers were met with warm conditions in the middle of winter, and did not have to worry about feeding their children, was simply amazing. The effects that my actions had on the community through volunteering, shown to be amazing and quite positive. Food security is a major issue in the city of Rochester, and the opportunity to assist in combating that and helping families survive and thrive was simply amazing. I'd like to see more small businesses and restaurants partner with the food pantry and contribute and continue to work with the larger donors as well.
David Foster Memorial Scholarship
In my senior year in high school, I enrolled myself to take A.P. Biology. My teacher is a middle-aged, bald man by the name of Mr. Hochadel. While he may look like a generic person, having a short and white beard or goatee, depending on the week, and enjoying the sport of golf, he is naturally a teacher who influences me the strongest. At the beginning of the year, I was warned by multiple of my peers and students who have taken A.P. Biology that Mr. Hochadel teaches the class far harder than what will be expected of us on the A.P. exam in May. In the very first week of school, that became quite apparent to me. I failed two consecutive quizzes in a row, and I quickly realized that I needed to change something that I am doing. At the beginning of the year, I thought that I would be able to pass and succeed by studying for a few days in advance, and having a fairly decent understanding of the material, but surely I could not have been more wrong. I continued to improve how I did in the class from September to April, improving my grade from a 66% to currently an 82%. The rigorous evaluations that he gave allowed me to find an opportunity to change and grow, but further taught me that effort is all that I can give. Meanwhile, he made the class a fun class that I continue to look forward to attending. Classes tended to have a similar format from class to class, either being notes, a lab, or a test day. During a test or lab day, he would read the instructions and allow us to learn, while guiding us if he deemed it necessary. But notes days were far more fun. He would open his slideshow of the notes that we were to go through, and we would just discuss each process, peppering him with questions and all. He is very knowledgeable in what he is teaching, and he rarely could not answer a question. Mr. Hochadel has also given me an extremely intelligent idea and lesson that I will take with me throughout my experience in school, where it is not important to achieve a grade, but to gain a thorough understanding of what I am being tested on. Although his humour and connections with students at school appear effortless, he is a man who continues to be true to himself and does not pretend to be someone that he is not. That is admirable in its own right. Mr. Hocahdel has taught me more than just A.P. Biology, and has prepped me for more than just the A.P. exam, but for life. He has taught me that the effort that I have put in will reflect with a grade, and that effort is all that I can provide. As well, he teaches me to be a good person, through his example of connecting with students, and how he makes a positive, entertaining, and academic setting mix in a good fashion.
Success Beyond Borders
The title of my movie would be “Finding Success in the face of adversity”. My opening scene would be on June 3rd, 2017. That was the day that I was diagnosed with Type One Diabetes. It goes through how I was rushed to the hospital between seven and eight AM, after being sick for the entire week leading up to it. A person that would be included is a senior from McQuaid Jesuit. My father is a teacher at McQuaid Jesuit and primarily teaches seniors. One of his students learned that I had diabetes and offered to come in and talk and meet with me. He played volleyball, the same as I, and he played baseball. He had won a state championship in both volleyball and baseball in years prior, and to me, as a small fourth grader, he had completed everything that I have sought to do. He showed me, and even my parents, that despite having to deal with diabetes, planning and being responsible is the key to accomplishing all of my hopes and dreams. Then the scene would shift into a more modern day me, where I am a lifeguard, a NCAA Men’s Volleyball Division 1 recruit, and have excelled with academic first honors for numerous consecutive quarters. My first thought when I contemplated becoming a lifeguard and doing it as a summer job, as both my siblings have, is that I should and can not do so per my diabetes. But I proved myself wrong, through planning and having ample supplies with me, in case there was an issue at work. When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, my parents primarily took care of it for me while I played volleyball, but as I have grown into an adult, I have taken much of the responsibility and burden upon myself. By growing increasingly independent, I was able to attend college recruitment camps, where I could compete at the highest level possible. However, in my volleyball journey, college is merely a step on my journey. I hope to be able to take my volleyball career to the furthest extent that I can. But while the average player would not have to deal with it, I will have to use routines and constant planning for my success at the highest level. Throughout my academic career as well, strict planning has been the primary reason that I have had success in the classroom. When I first returned to school in fourth grade, I became very familiar with the nurse and how giving myself insulin after my meals would work at school. Anytime I needed to prick my finger or give myself an insulin injection, I would go see the nurse. Similar applied as I started my time in the McQuaid Jesuit middle school and continued on through high school. Anytime I had to change my continuous glucose monitor or my insulin pump, I would go to the nurses' office and do it myself. But as I grew older, I continued becoming more independent in giving myself insulin before my meals and if my blood glucose was high. I reached out to my teachers at the beginning of the year, letting them know the current situation with me and how I handled myself in class. They were very understanding. As well, I also communicated with my academic office, especially for exams such as A.P. exams, where I would have start and stop accommodations to handle my diabetes as I have outlined before. While it has not affected how I seek to learn and grow as a student, it is the small details that may serve to hinder how I could learn and grow as a student. Overall, the scene that I have outlined starts with the greatest adversity that I have faced throughout my life. Every day since I have been diagnosed, it has involved planning, struggle, and growth. But in the face of adversity, I have been able to succeed in all facets of my life, and continue on until the current day to grow and improve.
Team USA Fan Scholarship
My favorite athlete to watch for Team USA is Micah Christenson. Micah Christenson on the USA Men's Volleyball National Team is a great role model to me as a volleyball player. He shows kindness and confidence as he competes for Team USA and during his professional season. While his skill is something that catches the eye, he shows even greater personality and kindness to all of his fans. While he has been a player that I have idolized from a very young age, he always is a man who is willing to meet and even talk to his fans. When Team USA was competing in the Volleyball National League in Ottawa, Canada, I had the pleasure of being able to meet and even talk with Micah for a few minutes after the game. When I met him, he was just a normal guy with a wife and kids who just loved playing volleyball. The second year I was in Ottawa, he saw me in warmups and recognized me and came over to take a photo after the game. To this day, it is one of my greatest memories of volleyball. I am on my way to playing Division 1 volleyball, and I can only hope to have the same athletic and personal success that Micah has had. While he is a fantastic player, he is an even better role model to his fans, whether it is his effort and hard work or his composure on the court. Tactically, I most admire Micah for his court presence. He is not the largest nor strongest player on the court, but he is the smartest. He uses precision and tempo to dictate the movements of the entire team on the court. As well his experience also provides a calm and confident presence for the rest of the team on the court. He always has his goals set on the end in mind and works to peak at the correct times. Fans saw that with Team USA from the Volleyball Nations League in 2023 to the Olympic Qualifiers later that fall, peaking at the Olympics, where they earned a bronze medal. Micah Christenson's style of play is admirable for fans and other players with similar goals to his. He plays freely and stress-free and looks to involve all of his team to ensure greater overall success. He recognizes that volleyball is a team sport and that he can use each of his teammates properly offensively to ensure greater overall success.
Anthony Bruder Memorial Scholarship
The lessons of hard work, maturity, gratitude, responsibility, and accountability that I have learned as a high school student athlete will give me the necessary skills for success in the future. I love volleyball, and after my collegiate career, I desire to take my talents as far as possible in the sport including professional competition and coaching. I will use these principles to get me to the top. I will use these principles to care for my teammates or players. In college, I plan on majoring in biology with a pre-veterinary track. At a college volleyball camp this summer, the head coach described how he is recruiting young men, not boys, he expects recruits to look, act, and be mature throughout all aspects of their life. He said that college volleyball is not forever, but the men that you became and the way you grew during your time is. My varsity volleyball coach, Coach Parks taught us to employ player-to-player or player-to-coach contact, by taking responsibility and initiative in communication skills. These lessons of respect also bring along gratitude in the face of adversity. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 10 years old. During the first six months, we had to calculate the amount of insulin by hand and administer at least 5 insulin shots a day, as well as poke my finger 10-12 times per day. Now I use a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump. When I eat, I have to enter the carbs to match with insulin. My continuous glucose monitor (typically on my arm) transmits my current blood sugar to my iphone every 5 minutes, and syncs to my Apple Watch. If I start to drop I get a Gatorade or snack. If my watch indicates that I am too high, I’ll have to give myself more insulin. If I have a sports practice/match/camp coming up, a hour ahead of time I have to turn on “Activity Mode” to account for reduced insulin needs while competing. I carry a knapsack with diabetic supplies, snacks, gatorade, and rescue glucagon at all times. My parents can remotely monitor too but I manage it myself now that I’m almost 18. Type 1 diabetes is a constant balancing act. If my blood sugar drops too low I can have a seizure and die. If it goes too high it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and or in the long term lose vision and organs. Overnights are challenging. I have alarms that go off but after a particularly physical day, my body is recovering and uses more glucose and I might drop low in the night. Despite this, I am a signed, committed division1 athlete. I’ve earned all-county, regional and national recognition, but I have to work harder to regulate my blood sugar and eat right in order to be focused on competing at the next level. I have figured out how to develop good habits with strength and conditioning in the weight room, how to participate at a highly competitive national level in volleyball, and keep my blood sugar stable. Well, I’ve sort of figured it out. Every single day is a balancing act and then things like illness, altitude, growth spurts, surprise foods, and other factors get in the way and I have to work through those too. It is a chronic disease but I’m dedicated to not letting it be the reason I can’t succeed. And through this all I am grateful to my family support system and to the coaches who never let diabetes be an excuse or a limitation.
Gabriel Martin Memorial Annual Scholarship
When I was ten years old, my life changed quickly. After roughly a week of feeling ill, I went to the hospital after waking up breathing heavily. Within five minutes I was diagnosed with diabetes. I did not understand the gravity of the situation yet. That day my life was changed forever as I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that requires constant effort and attention. When I was in the hospital, our first question was if I could participate in sports again and how my life would work. My parents helped me learn the lesson of responsibility by contacting the school nurse and making sure we all communicated. I learned to pack the night before school with snacks, supplies, and insulin. When I made my return to volleyball, my coach asked us what she needed to know about how we were all going to handle my diabetes. My mom helped a lot in the beginning but as I grew older the lesson of responsibility stuck with me as I started handling it more and more independently. But I still do text her and my father to make them feel that I am all right. My parents used to wake me up in the night to make sure that I ate something when my blood glucose was low. Now I wake up to those alarms and handle them on my own. Since diabetes is a chronic illness without a known cure, all I can do is learn how to handle it as best I can. Through meticulous planning using a calendar and routine, I can effectively keep myself healthy and alive in my efforts for academic and athletic success. It has shaped me as a person by forcing me to mature at a greater rate. Since the age of ten, I was forced to be responsible for my life and well-being. The concept of responsibility that my parents helped establish in me which was catalyzed by diabetes has affected the way that I conduct myself in life, from the classroom to the court. And in greater hindsight, it enhances the gratitude that I have for my family. Not just my parents are my support system in handling diabetes, but my siblings as well. Whenever my blood glucose goes too low, my whole family gets a notification on their phones. I text in the group chat saying that I am all right. I have signed to play NCAA Division 1 Volleyball next year at Sacred Heart University while studying biology and sports management. I want to pursue two career paths: medical/pre-veterinary or professional/collegiate sports. Less than 2% of high school athletes have the opportunity to continue to compete at this division 1 level. I imagine the percentage of athletes with type 1 diabetes is even less. I spend hours daily in the weight room, focusing on strength and conditioning. I play both high school volleyball and indoor year round national level competitive club volleyball. I squeeze in some beach volleyball, help coach our younger teams, and recently have become a certified official. I am also a lifeguard. All of those things are challenging enough on their own, but when I also have to watch my blood sugar at all times, it’s a severe complication that I need to handle, and maybe one day overcome if the science catches up. I’m grateful for the opportunity but recognize how I could not have gotten to this place alone. My coaches that never let diabetes be an obstacle or an excuse plus my family and friends have helped.
District 27-A2 Lions Diabetes Awareness Scholarship
When I was ten years old, my life changed quickly. After roughly a week of feeling ill, I went to the hospital after waking up breathing heavily. Within five minutes I was diagnosed with diabetes. I did not understand the gravity of the situation like my mom did. That day my life was changed forever as I was diagnosed with a chronic condition that requires constant effort and attention. When I was in the hospital, our first question was if I could participate in sports again and how my life would work. When I got home my parents helped me learn the lesson of responsibility regarding my condition by contacting the school nurse and making sure we all communicated. I learned to pack the night before school with snacks, supplies, and insulin. When I made my return to volleyball, my coach asked us what she needed to know about how we were all going to handle my diabetes. My mom helped a lot in the beginning but as I grew older the lesson of responsibility stuck with me as I started handling it more and more independently. But I still do text her and my father to this day to make them feel that I am all right. My parents used to wake me up in the night to make sure that I ate something when my blood glucose was low. As I got older I began to wake up to those alarms and handle them on my own. Since diabetes is a chronic illness without a known cure, all I can do is learn how to handle it as best I can. Through meticulous planning using a calendar and routine, I can effectively keep myself healthy and alive in my efforts for academic and athletic success. It has shaped me as a person by forcing me to mature at a greater rate. Since the age of ten, I was forced to be responsible for my life and well-being. The concept of responsibility that my parents helped establish in me which was catalyzed by diabetes has affected the way that I conduct myself in life, from the classroom to the court. And in greater hindsight, it enhances the gratitude that I have for my family. Not just my parents are my support system in handling diabetes, but my siblings as well. Whenever my blood glucose goes too low, my whole family gets a notification on their phones. I text in the group chat saying that I am all right. I have signed to play NCAA Division 1 Volleyball next year at Sacred Heart University. Less than 2% of high school athletes have the opportunity to continue to compete at this division 1 level. I imagine the percentage of athletes with type 1 diabetes is even less. I spend hours daily in the weight room, focusing on strength and conditioning. I play both high school volleyball and indoor year round national level competitive club volleyball. I squeeze in some beach volleyball, help coach our younger teams, and recently have become a certified official. I am also a lifeguard. All of those things are challenging enough on their own, but when I also have to watch my blood sugar at all times, it’s a severe complication that I need to handle, and maybe one day overcome if the science catches up. I’m grateful for the opportunity but recognize how I could not have gotten to this place alone. My coaches that never let diabetes be an obstacle or an excuse plus my family and friends have helped.
Student Referee Scholarship
Being a certified USA Volleyball official has given me a new perspective towards; leadership, responsibility, and fairness. It has enhanced my character, teaching me resilience, confidence, and making clear and decisive decisions under pressure. Looking forward, I seek to continue to grow as a referee and person, utilizing these skills to make a meaningful impact in volleyball and further. One of my favorite memories as a referee took place during a significant volleyball game. The score was close in the third set, and I made a net call that was not seen by the crowd, but despite any reactions; by the crowd, the team it was against, I was strong and confident in my call. After the match, a coach from the losing team commended me for the composure that I kept during the game and complimented me on how fair and high quality my reffing was. This specific moment reaffirms my joy for officiating every day, specifically through upholding the integrity of the sport. Refereeing has given me focus on how I can become a more clear and decisive thinking individual in the face of adversity while remaining composed. Making quick, decisive, and fair decisions as a referee has benefitted me as well in other areas of my life such as academic and leadership roles. Managing games has also improved my communication skills, by enhancing my handling of difficult conversations and moments in life with respect and authority. Enforcing rules impartially has reinforced my commitment to integrity, a principle that extends in the context of my life far beyond sports. Looking towards the future, I plan on continuing to officiate in the future and possibly at the collegiate level someday. I seek to refine my skills, gain higher-level certifications, and mentor new referees. Additionally, I aspire to improve my knowledge of the game, enhance my decision-making abilities, and build enduring relationships with fellow officials. I as well hope to promote respect for and towards officials, and the importance of playing fairly. As the youngest referee in our region, I've also come to appreciate the senior referees. Their experience and witty anecdotes have taught me a lot. Being a referee has emphasized qualities that will help me in all facets of my life. The lessons of confidence, resilience, and fairness will reside in me for a long time, aiding in making split-second decisions on the court or facing challenges in my life, whether in academic pursuits or professional contexts. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of responsibility, effective communication, and staying composed under pressure. These skills not only define my approach to refereeing but also influence how I tackle various situations, ensuring I am prepared for whatever comes my way.
Nickels Student Athlete Scholarship
The lessons of hard work, maturity, gratitude, responsibility, and accountability that I have learned throughout high school will give me the necessary skills for success in the future. I love volleyball, and after my collegiate career, I desire to take my talents as far as possible in the sport including professional competition and coaching. I will use these principles to get me to the top. I will use these principles to care for my teammates or players. In college, I plan on majoring in biology with a pre-veterinary track. At a college volleyball camp this summer, the head coach described how he is recruiting young men, not boys, he expects recruits to look, act, and be mature throughout all aspects of their life. He said that college volleyball is not forever, but the men that you became and the way you grew during your time is. My varsity volleyball coach, Coach Parks taught us to employ player-to-player or player-to-coach contact, by taking responsibility and initiative in communication skills. These lessons of respect also bring along gratitude in the face of adversity. I have had type 1 diabetes since I was 10 years old. During the first six months, we had to calculate the amount of insulin by hand and administer at least 5 insulin shots a day, as well as poke my finger 10-12 times per day. Now I am able to use a continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump. When I eat, I have to enter the carbs to match with insulin. My continuous glucose monitor (typically on my arm) transmits my current blood sugar to my iphone every 5 minutes, and syncs to my Apple Watch. If I start to drop I get a Gatorade or snack. If my watch indicates that I am too high, I’ll have to give myself more insulin. If I have a sports practice/match/camp coming up, a hour ahead of time I have to turn on “Activity Mode” to account for reduced insulin needs while competing. I carry a knapsack with diabetic supplies, snacks, gatorade, and rescue glucagon at all times. My parents can remotely monitor too but I manage it myself now that I’m almost 18. Type 1 diabetes is a constant balancing act. If my blood sugar drops too low I can have a seizure and die. If it goes too high it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and or in the long term lose vision and organs. Overnights are challenging. I have alarms that go off but after a particularly physical day, my body is recovering and uses more glucose and I might drop low in the night. Despite this, I am a signed, committed division 1 athlete. I’ve earned all-county,regional and national recognition, but I have to work harder to regulate my blood sugar and eat right in order to be focused on competing at the next level. I have figured out how to develop good habits with strength and conditioning in the weight room, how to participate at a highly competitive national level in volleyball, and keep my blood sugar stable. Well, I’ve sort of figured it out. Every single day is a balancing act and then things like illness, altitude, growth spurts, surprise foods, and other factors get in the way and I have to work through those too. It is a chronic disease but I’m dedicated to not letting it be the reason I can’t succeed. And through this all I am grateful to my family support system and to the coaches who never let diabetes be an excuse or a limitation.
Kalia D. Davis Memorial Scholarship
I am a high school senior and will be playing Division 1 Men's Volleyball at Sacred Heart University next year while studying both biology and sports management. I spend a great deal of time in the volleyball community. I have been playing competitively for nine years both in the club system and in high school. In recent years I've also become an assistant coach for our younger players as well as a certified official. I also lifeguard in the summers, am very consistent with strength and conditioning, and try to be a good friend. During the school year I've worked with our local food pantry, did afterschool basketball with a children's group home, and volunteer with diabetes advocacy programs. The lessons of hard work, maturity, gratitude, responsibility and accountability that I have learned throughout my high school experience will give me the necessary skills to succeed in my desired field in the future. I love the game of volleyball very much, and after my collegiate career, I desire to take my talents as far as I can in the sport, whether it is on a professional stage, or even a coaching career. In college, I plan on majoring in Biology with a pre-veterinary track as well as minoring in sports management. A scholarship would help me achieve my goals of being a good teammate and athlete while preparing for a successful future. When I attended a college men's volleyball camp last summer, the head coach shared some key principles he has for when recruiting mature players. He is recruiting young men, not boys, he expects recruits to look, act, and be mature throughout all aspects of their life. He made key points saying that college volleyball is not forever, but the men that you became and the way you grew during your time is. These lessons of respect also bring along plenty of gratitude. My parents, friends, and community are the greatest support systems I can ever ask for. When I was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes when I was 10, my community was the greatest support system for helping me. My parents and I learned everything we possibly could about the disease, and what it meant for my life. As a result, I was forced to learn the lesson of responsibility. This has translated into turning in my schoolwork on time with high quality, which will translate with my work ethic into my collegiate career. As well, as being responsible for showing up to practice, showing up to games, lifting, and film on time. And taking responsibility for myself and helping others. Thank you for considering me for this scholarship.
Valerie Rabb Academic Scholarship
I am a senior student athlete at McQuaid Jesuit High School in Rochester, NY and will be attending Sacred Heart University next year studying biology and health sciences. I'm undecided about my career path but want to consider health care, pre-veterinary or collegiate coaching. I am grateful to have the opportunity to play NCAA Division 1 Mens Volleyball in college despite the challenges that a chronic disease, Type 1 Diabetes (juvenile) has presented me since age 10. I have to measure all carbs that I eat and manage my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor in order to stay alive. My parents tackled the life-changing challenge early and have gradually released that responsibility to me. There isn't a single minute of my day when I don't have to be aware of exactly where my blood sugar number is and plan on how to handle each everyday activity. As a result, I was forced to learn the lesson of responsibility. This has translated into turning in my schoolwork on time with high quality, which will translate with my work ethic into my collegiate career. As well, as being responsible for showing up to practice, showing up to games, lifting, and film on time. And taking responsibility for myself and helping others. This as well will translate into my desired career, because when I am impassioned to do something, I want to do it to the best of my ability. Even if I do not want to do it, I will. Because it is the right thing to do, and usually the hardest things are the best for growth in life. Overall the lessons of hard work that have been instilled in me during my high school athletic career will set me up to face any future problems directly, whether that is in the volleyball community or the medical community. I am organized, optimistic, and conscientious. I try to be an example for younger student athletes, both with diabetes and not. I have helped coach 12U and 14U players. I'm a certified USA Volleyball official. I have done over 200 hours of community service throughout high school in numerous areas. I am interested in the medical and health sciences field, either human or veterinary. I can also see myself working with athletes and fostering a program of inclusivity and challenge. Overall I plan on making a positive impact on the world through leading by example. Showing that the way to reach your goals is through only hard-work and determination while remaining positive and progressive.
Skin Grip Diabetes Scholarship
Brennan Hoelperl Student Profile | Bold.org