The lessons you have taught me and the experiences you have provided are a priceless testament to the value of sports. The woman I am and the woman I have still yet to become are in large part to the values you have bestowed upon me. In my four years of collegiate volleyball, I will learn what it means to be pushed to my limits and back, I will learn the true value of forming relationships and I will learn how to love something beyond the house spent just on the court. I owe so much to you, and in reflecting on the most important takeaways I have gotten in my development over the years, here are the biggest things you have given me:
1. You have taught me the importance of being bold. Whether it be taking that first leap and committing to four years of playing at the collegiate level or speaking up for those who may not always have a voice, I have learned that staying quiet and in the shadows is never the best option and I must use my platform as a force for positive change.
2. You have taught me the value of hard work. Every day in practice you pushed me to be a better version of myself, and left me unsatisfied with anything less than 100% effort.
3. You have taught me what it means to be a role model. Stepping onto that court and putting on that uniform meant becoming a representative of something so much bigger than myself, and you allowed for me to be a part of a culture that aims at inspiring the next generation.
4. Last and most importantly, you have taught me the importance of having people in your life that truly believe in you. To start my coaches, teammates, trainers and support staff: these are people who from day one have wholeheartedly cheered me on as as a player and have tirelessly supported me on and off the court. Next my friends: these people have become my foundation as I’ve learned to navigate the ups and downs of collegiate sports. And finally my family: these are the ones who have always been one phone call away, who no matter what have had my back, and whose prayers and blessings have gotten me where I am today.These systems are the key cornerstones to my current success, and without them, I would be half the person I am today.
Volleyball: you have helped shaped and molded me and I am so thankful that I made the decision to say yes to you all those years ago. Thank you for everything.