“Beep, beep, beep” The sound of my 5 a.m. alarm blares in my hotel room. I surprisingly get out of bed without any distaste because of the anticipation and adrenaline rushing through me. Why, you may ask? Because I’m about to experience the thrill of a lifetime: walking through a convention center for a volleyball tournament. The high shrill of whistles, the squeaking of shoes on the court and the roaring crowds fill my ears. As I walk by all the courts to get to the one that I am playing on, I see girls from all over the country and the excitement of playing sets in.
Volleyball has been an integral part of my life for as long as I can remember. My passion for the sport began when I was 9 years old and I joined the elementary school team. I originally joined because all my friends played and it gave me something to do. I realized that I actually really enjoyed it (and I wasn’t that bad) so I joined a club team when I was 11. I played at Club North Volleyball Club my 11’s year and then Dynasty Volleyball Club my 12’s-15’s year. This past club season I played at MAVS volleyball and I am playing there this upcoming season. In addition to club volleyball I have played on the STA varsity volleyball team since my freshman year.
My love for volleyball grew gradually throughout the years as I began to put more time and effort into the sport. Volleyball has since become my happy place where I can momentarily forget everything going on and focus on the sport. Volleyball has played an important role in my life and taught me valuable life lessons on and off the court. The challenges and setbacks that I face during training and competition have shaped my character, teaching me to embrace adversity, learn from failures, and strive for improvement. Being a student-athlete helps me with my time management skills, especially when I miss class for tournaments. Through volleyball, I have learned to communicate with teachers to complete the assignments that I miss which will be a lesson I use for the rest of my life.
Volleyball is a sport that thrives on teamwork and collaboration. The constant communication and coordinated efforts with my teammates create a bond unlike any other which I will cherish forever.
Volleyball is more than just a game; it’s companionship, personal development and pure joy. It offers physical engagement, a sense of community and skills that extend beyond the court.
