With bruised legs and short of breath, I continue to run drills and plays in the Bellaire High School gym. A desire to win games and a determination to become a better athlete are what keep me and my teammates going. One of the most important parts of my life is playing volleyball.
Just prior to my freshman year of high school, I walked into volleyball tryouts with confidence. I was sure of my abilities and excited for what the season would entail. I soon found out that I definitely wasn’t the best player in the room. As dominant competitors in the Houston area and in a 6A district, Bellaire volleyball players and coaches pushed me my freshman year and taught me important lessons. For instance, you can’t set the ball without a pass, and you can’t kill the ball without a set. This showed me how vital teamwork and communication are.
My sophomore year, I made the varsity team. The girls on the team made my sophomore year memorable, from working hard on the court to having fun off the court. They taught me to step up as a leader and to set an example to the JV and Freshman teams.
Volleyball hasn’t just affected me as an athlete, but as an individual. For one, it has taught me that it is essential to own up to your mistakes, but to never dwell on them. Life is about making errors and learning from them. Second, I have come to see the importance in trusting your teammates and building them up; they will do the same for you. Last, I learned to play when you’re down. Life constantly knocks you off your feet. What makes people strong is how they get back up and continue to persevere.
I wouldn’t have come to realize these things if volleyball weren’t a part of my life. I am beyond thankful for the ability God has given to do what I love. A day doesn’t go by that I am not grateful for all of the skills and life lessons that volleyball has taught me, and they will help in great ways in the next stages of my life.
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