Welsh-White Prepares to Play Ball, Post-Collingswood

Growing up in Collingswood, Julian Welsh-White was never certain what his future held.

He bounced around from home to home in several different locations with his parents David and Stacie.

Welsh-White was always on the taller side of children his age, and today stands at a towering 6 feet, 7 inches. He grew up playing three sports—soccer, baseball and basketball—for recreation leagues, and eventually for Collingswood Middle School.

In his basketball career, he was a star player in Collingswood High School's varsity basketball team this past season, averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game.

He always imagined one of those three sports would play a major role in his future.

Now, though, as Welsh-White approaches his Collingswood High School graduation, volleyball aided his decision-making process when deciding which college to attend.

Welsh-White’s only previous volleyball experience—prior to trying out for the high school team as a freshman—was a time he spent watching his brother play for Collingswood, nearly a decade ago.

In spite of that, Welsh-White claims it was the school’s head coach Joe Gillepsie who initially sparked his interest in the sport.

This past Monday, Welsh-White announced  his decision to enroll at Indiana's Ball State University (BSU) for the upcoming school year.

While excited about his future, Welsh-White knows that his Collingswood athletic career won't be easily left behind.

“My favorite part about living in Collingswood has to be the small-town environment,” Welsh-White said. “There’s such a sense of community. Everything is so close by and within walking distance from each other.

“I’m going to miss everything about high school,” he said. “I’ll miss my friends, my teachers. Just the fact that I might not be close with anyone anymore. That’s what I’ll miss.”

Going off to college can be a trying experience for anyone, and Welsh-White is no exception.

His relocation to central Indiana-based BSU, to compete in Division I athletics, certainly won't be a simple transition. But wherever he ends up, Welsh-White said he plans to keep a few simple words close to his heart.

They're words spoken by his mother.

“She always told me to strive for whatever it is that I want,” said Welsh-White. “She told me that I should never let anybody tell me I can’t succeed.”