When I was a freshman, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to participate in extracurricular activities – join any clubs, student council, or any sports teams – so soon in the year. This changed when someone suggested that I join the volleyball team during the second week of school. I was initially hesitant because I hadn’t touched a volleyball since elementary school, let alone played on a team.
I remember walking into the gym for the first time to practice and feeling intimidated by the super tall juniors and seniors. I felt like I would never be as good as the seniors and juniors or get to play on the court. Being on the volleyball team took a lot of practice for me to become comfortable with the sport.
During one practice, the coach taught the team how to serve the ball over. Each time I served I felt a rush of adrenaline–which was amazing! What may have looked easy, took practice and hard work. But that’s what being on a team means. You practice. You have fun. You improve.
Volleyball—the sport, the team, and my coaches–is now such an important part of my life. I am in my junior year now, and volleyball season is coming to an end, but I am not going to stop practicing. I already excited about the next season. What I have learned during my time playing volleyball is that that doing a sport you love should feel exhilarating–not like a chore. Thanks to coach William and to my teammates—-Victoria, Dotty, Marilyn, Lyric, Lisa, Adrienne, and Neveah, and team manager Eric.
Since I stepped onto the court as ninth grader, I have grown to love volleyball and looked forward to it everyday! Volleyball was a way to take a break from the stressors of school and the tense academic work environment. The volleyball team is a second family to me.
We always welcome new players onto the team. We look forward to having you join next year. Whether you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior, we would love to have you on the team.
