NSR Female AOD: Marissa Armstrong, volleyball player, from Paradise Valley High, AZ, with a 3.0 GPA

We are pleased to announce Marissa Armstrong from Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona.  This 5’6″ all-around volleyball player has earned a 3.0 GPA and expects to earn a Psychology degree in college.  Cliff Weeks is her NSR scout and says this about Marissa, “Marissa is a good left handed hitter that plays can play both pins well. She also has the capability to play middle and has good hands as a setter, and defensive specialist.  Solid footwork and athletic, a solid striker as well as a good passer. Would like to she a quicker arm swing which will help her attain more kills. Solid serve with good placement. Hard worker who loves the game and has 5 years experience. Practice Practice Practice is her motto. She has a strong desire to play at the next level and is willing to go to any school that would give her the opportunity. I feel that Marissa would fit many collegiate teams needs.”  In her essay to college coaches she states, “I am a strong, motivated, encouraging, and competitive player. I have learned so many things about the game of volleyball, from court vision to simply just cheering on my teammates. I have also learned more about teamwork, which shows when I play, both physically and emotionally. I have the ability to play multiple positions from middle to setter. Currently however I play the right side position. Whenever I play, I give the game my heart and soul and never back down from the challenges that are ahead.  I have been playing volleyball for five years, and wish to continue to play in college. Just like any other well-driven athlete, I have self-goals and achievements I want to attain. They include skills from the beginning of my volleyball career when I made my first serve to running my first trick play on offense. Now that I am older, my biggest goal is to acquire a college scholarship for volleyball so I can continue my growth of skills for volleyball at the collegiate level.As a teammate, I provide assistance to the team with not only my volleyball skills, but also by motivating the team to continue to do their best. I am a fierce competitor and always encourage my fellow teammates to excel. I am always listening and observing to improve my game and skills. I incorporate what I learn and bring it to the court to improve the overall team so we can achieve more collectively.  I understand what it takes to be a great player and teammate, which separates not only the experienced player from the inexperienced, but also distinguishes the team-oriented players. My understanding comes from observation of professional players and the stars at the collegiate level. While putting everything I have into the game, as a player is a good start, I do very well at helping others on my team to do the same.  Being a great athlete starts with good work ethic. Mine personally is practice, practice, practice. Although it may seem simple, sometimes the simplest things are the best way to go to achieve great things. If I am on your team, I will take criticism well and strive to improve, while working to better the team. I will work on my skills on and off of the court. Whether it be during practice or when observing great players during competition. I believe that as well as stretching my knowledge of the game, I also have to stretch my knowledge academically to become smarter in both areas. My work ethic academically is no different than my work ethic athletically.”