Athlete Profile: Claren Spivey '23
Junior, Claren Spivey is one of the leaders for the Varsity Volleyball team and last year she led the team in digs. She is a day student from Clarkesville, GA and has been at Rabun Gap since the seventh grade. Claren is an excellent student and is very involved on campus. She is a Gap Guide, in the Mandarin Club, and is a part of the Spirit Squad.
How long have you been playing volleyball? Are there other teams that you play for?
How long have you been playing volleyball? Are there other teams that you play for?
I have been playing volleyball since 6th grade. After school ball ends, I play for a local travel ball team called Trailblazers Volleyball Club.
What position do you play?
I play the Libero position. In other words, I get to wear a different colored jersey.
What inspired you to play volleyball?
When I was in 5th grade at the Rabun Gap Middle School, I would always sneak into the gym to watch the volleyball team warm up and practice. I then decided to try it out my 6th grade year, and I began to play travel ball the following winter.
What inspired you to play volleyball?
When I was in 5th grade at the Rabun Gap Middle School, I would always sneak into the gym to watch the volleyball team warm up and practice. I then decided to try it out my 6th grade year, and I began to play travel ball the following winter.
What is the best part about playing for the Eagles volleyball team?
One of the best parts of being on the Eagles volleyball team is definitely traveling and getting closer with my teammates. I have made many friends through Rabun Gap's volleyball program. I continue to talk to these friends even after they've graduated or have moved far away. What has been the most exciting game so far for you?
I would say every game has been an exciting game for me because every game gives me an opportunity to improve physically and mentally. However, playoff games get me a little more excited!
What led you to come play volleyball at Rabun Gap?
I didn't come to Rabun Gap with the thought of playing volleyball, but I owe my love for the sport to Rabun Gap and the coaches that have dedicated their time to the school's volleyball program. What is the hardest part of being a student-athlete? How has the environment and people here at Rabun Gap helped you?
I would say the hardest part of being a student-athlete is keeping up with my work if I've missed a class for a game. The Rabun Gap community has done an amazing job with providing time and resources for student-athletes to catch up on missing work. Using our given tutorials time has been super helpful, and the teachers have always been willing to help explain concepts that you might have missed. What makes playing at Rabun Gap special to you?
Playing at Rabun Gap has given me the opportunity to meet athletes from around the world. Listening to techniques from other countries is really eye opening to the diversity surrounding volleyball.
What is your favorite thing about your coaches?
My favorite thing about my coaches is the time they take into ensuring that all the players on the team are healthy and well. They put our mental and physical health before anything. Both of my coaches at Rabun Gap always ask me how I feel before every game, and make sure I am mentally prepared for every event. Playing at Rabun Gap has given me the opportunity to meet athletes from around the world. Listening to techniques from other countries is really eye opening to the diversity surrounding volleyball.
What is your favorite thing about your coaches?
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends during my free time, I also enjoy watching movies on Netflix.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is a tie between AP US History and Mandarin. Both of my teachers in that class are very supportive, and I genuinely enjoy both history and language based classes.
What are your plans for after high school?
I plan to attend college and study psychology or law, while also playing volleyball as an undergraduate student.
What other school activities or organizations/other sports are you involved with?
At school I am a part of the Gap Guide program. The program gives tours to students and families interested in the school. I also participate in the Mandarin Club.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
