Vidourek Earns Scholarship through Hard Work and Dedication

Through hard work, dedication and giving it her all every time she steps on the court, Rachel Vidourek has earned a full scholarship to Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Vidourek started playing volleyball in grade school at Queen of Peace, in Millville. Her team was called Catholic Youth Organization (CYL). Two years after she started, she then joined a more advance club at borderline. “In my 8th grade year I changed again to Sports Express.” Sports express is a volleyball league in Mason.

Vidourek was discovered at a national level competition in Orlando, Florida with her club team her freshman year, when a recruiter happened to be watching the game and realized her talent. “After giving it a lot of thought, my sophomore year, I contacted him and verbally accepted the offer to go,” Vidourek said.

Through her years of playing volleyball, Vidourek has won many awards. When she went to nationals, she earned the All-American Award. The Award focuses on the efforts of each club to be a good neighbor, support other clubs and government initiatives, and provide an avenue of learning and growth for its members, among other things. At Talawanda, she has received awards for best offense her freshman year, and M.V.P. (Most valuable player) junior year.

Vidourek originally started playing volleyball because of her parents’ influence on trying new things. “My parents made me try out a bunch of different sports, but I enjoyed volleyball the most,” said Vidourek. “I love being with my friends on the team, and knowing they have my back.”

THS volleyball coach Ernie Gilbert says he is truly going to miss Vidourek next year, but wishes her the best. “Rachel is an excellent attacker. She is an intimidating blocker, a fine backcourt defender and serve receiver,” said Gilbert. Vidourek’s best talent over all is that she has the ability to be a teammate.

Vidourek is a leader in practice, and works hard just like the rest of the team. “If Rachel was asked to score when the other teams were ahead, she would, which is a very difficult situation,” said Gilbert. Overall, Vidourek has the ability to make all the players around her better.

Vidourek  feels more confident in team sports rather than individual sports. “I like the feeling of knowing my team members have my back, and I have theirs.” Junior and team player Francesca Lindley is grateful to have had Vidourek on the team. “I am truly going to miss her, she has an incredible amount of talent and is a great leader,” said Lindley.

Vidourek’s highlight moment in volleyball was when her club volleyball team last year defeated the top ranking team in the United States from California at nationals. “It was an amazing feeling.”

With her scholarship already in place, Vidourek no longer has a huge amount of stress on her shoulders. She can relax and enjoy her senior year. With the scholarship, her family is also lifted from stress. “I have 5 brothers and it helps that my parents won’t have to pay for college.”

With a full ride ahead of her, Vidourek has many doors open. As of now, Vidourek plans on majoring in physician assistant. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics describes a Physician Assistant as practicing medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment.

Vidourek was drawn into this field by all the different opportunities available. Physician assistants work in all areas of medicine, including primary care and family medicine, emergency medicine, and psychiatry. The work of physician assistants depends in large part on their specialty and what their supervising physician needs them to do. “I am fascinated by the human body, and I like how a physician assistant is open to more opportunities than a physical therapist.” said Vidourek.

Even though Vidourek knows where she is going next year, she is still a bit nervous about the changes that awaits her. “It is so far away from home, but I am also excited because of the great experience i am going to encounter.” This whole new experience is really going to test her leadership, her work ethic and will allow her to grow.

Vidourek says she hopes to learn as much as memories that will accumulate over time. As of now,Vidourek has maintained a 3.7 gpa and plans on continuing that throughout college. She is eager to learn as much as she can and improve on communication skills and learning to become a great leader. “I am aware that this will take determination and a lot of hard work.”

With volleyball taking up most of her time, Vidourek also enjoys being with her friends and family. Vidourek also tries to make team to coach younger volleyball players. “I love being around kids, and helping them improve.”

Above all, Vidourek is looking forward to her time at Marquette. She is very focused and determined to make  her future a success. She is very  anxious to learn new things to help shape her as a person and as a leader. The THS volleyball team will miss her greatly, but also wishes her the best of luck as she moves into the next stage of her life.