Laci Gratkowski

My name is Laci Gratkowski, and I’m from Katy, Texas. I grew up on a ranch nearby, where I was always surrounded by animals and gained hands-on experience in daily operations—from feeding cows to operating equipment like excavators and skid steers. During my freshman year of high school, I committed to playing Division I volleyball at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. I ended up playing in Corpus Christi for a short time then moving to Alabama to play at a Junior College. After finishing my time up there I transferred to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith. I just finished up two seasons while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. On the side I also take welding classes, I am certified in TIG and at the end of the spring semester will be certified in MIG as well. I have taken other welding classes such as welding blueprint and pipe fitting in order to further expand my knowledge and refine my skills, allowing me to gain hands-on experience and stay updated with the latest techniques and industry standards. Recently, I made the decision to step away from volleyball to focus entirely on my academics. I will complete my final year of college at the University of Texas Permian Basin, with plans to graduate in the spring of 2026. I also plan on getting a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the UTPB in the future. With that, being a student-athlete has prepared me to help others and succeed real world situations. Balancing the demands of academics and athletics taught me valuable skills like time management, teamwork, and effective communication. Through these experiences, I learned how to resolve conflicts, collaborate with diverse groups, and stay focused under pressure. I also developed a strong work ethic and a commitment to fostering positive relationships, both of which I believe are essential for guiding and supporting others in a professional setting. These lessons have given me the confidence to navigate challenges and contribute meaningfully in any environment.

• Student Athlete at University of Arkansas Fort Smith - Volleyball