Personal Statement

Dear Coach,

I am Bjorn Bakker, a Dutch left-handed setter available for fall 2023 (graduate June 2023).  I want to let you know that I'm very interested in roster openings for setters (fall 2023).

In this statement I try to let you know a little bit more about myself and I hope I will get you interested.

My full name is Bjorn Bakker, born on July 17th, 2006.
I live in Beilen in the Netherlands. https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beilen
I am now 1.84m (6 feet), but I am still growing a little taller every day.

1. Height: 6´0
2. Spike touch: 10´5
3. Block touch: 9´11

I am a left-handed setter with good  technical skills (I started with volleyball when I was 6 years old). I try to increase my strength through work outs. A strong point of mine is the set-up backwards. Being left-handed I also like to hit a ball in one go. I am also a good and fast defender. By playing higher I hope to be able to increase the speed in my play and to be able to read the game even better.

For me it is important that the coach is as enthusiastic and driven as I am. I prefer to play volleyball every day, with great pleasure, if possible. I would like a coach who can make me better, who can enthuse and stimulate me, so that I can get the most out of myself. And I like a little positive cheerfull in the coach 😊.

Every day I travel by train to my highschool  "Center for Sports and Education" in Zwolle.  Is a special Topsport talentschool where I train every day, in addition to my studies. https://www.cse-zwolle.nl/

I currently play at the volleyball club Olhaco, located in  Hoogeveen in de Dutch men's Top Devision. https://olhaco.nl/

In addition to schooltraining and clubtraining, I also train with a regional talent team in the Netherlands (https://www.nevobo.nl/topsport-talent/opleidingspiramide/regionaal-training-centrum-rtc/

I was part of the U16 National team (Netherlands) also. 

Every week I follow two workout programs to become stronger and more stable.

I practice 20 hours a week and I'm very motivated and determined. I'm a gifted setter with a good pass. I defend well and have a solid serve.

I have one more year to graduate. If all goes well I graduate in April 2023. After that, my dream is to continue the combination of volleyball and school in a good team with good trainers and a great university.

My profile: https://recruit-match.ncsasports.org/clientrms/profile/recruiting_profile/11425597

1. GPA: around 3.7
2. SAT: 1130/1600 (Math: 620 English: 510)
3. TOEFL: 80/120

I am looking to become a veterinarian so I'm interested in majoring in e.g. biology, physiotherapy or exercise science.

You can watch my highlight video at the following link:
 https://youtu.be/sOiBbXf6438

You can watch a full match at the following link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEz5scE1XxI

Ever since I started playing volleyball, my dream has been to be able to do this abroad. America and Canada are pre-eminent sports countries, where a lot of energy is invested in being able to exercise at a high level, in combination with good education. I hope to get much better by training and playing in a University team. I also want to learn to master the English language well.

I hope I now presented you a good picture of myself.

Met vriendelijke groet/Kind regards

Bjorn Bakker