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In Her Words HOW VOLLEYBALL CHANGED MY LIFE

We have come so far together. It all started in the fifth grade, when my dad bravely volunteered to coach me, and some of my friends, at the YMCA. Every week, I came to practice rocking the tie-dye spandex, oversized t-shirt, and knee-high socks ‘look’ of the time. During drills, volley-lites flew in every direction, and they hit the floor more than they were actually in the air.

My forearms were sore, my diving was awkward, and even a little muscle mass would have been helpful. At this point in my ‘career’, I could not even imagine an overhand serve, let alone envision myself playing at the collegiate level. But, to me, you were pure fun…and, in no time, you beat out your competition- soccer and ballet.

Over the next eleven years together, I will have played under 6 programs, been trained by 16 coaches, and shared the court with well over 100 teammates. I will have competed across the United States, on the beaches of Costa Rica, and alongside lifelong friends. I will have taken on the identity of not only a player, but also of a setter, captain, mentor, and coach as well. I will have spent an infinite number of hours practicing, and the number of weekends spent competing in a gym cannot be counted. But, I do know, with absolute certainty, that my parents have spent each and every second cheering me on.

Volleyball, you have taught me more than just the importance of hard work, dedication, and calling the ball. You have taught me an even greater life lesson on the importance of relationships. Without the support of my family, coaches, and teammates, I would not have made it past the tie-dye spandex phase. Coaches never gave up on me, teammates were always there, and my parents, without fail, made sure I had what I needed, whether that be a forced protein shake or a hug after games.

It was this village of people that empowered me to take on each challenge that you have presented me. Through tryouts, long homework nights, and never-ending pre-seasons, you have not always been easy. Whether being on the bench or on the court, you have pushed me both mentally and physically. You, with the support of my village, have certainly molded me into the person that I am today.

When I say we have been through a lot, I mean it. This journey we have been on together has counted for half of my lived life. As I reflect on our shared experiences, I see your positive influence on my social life, within my personal choices, and through my empowered understanding of my own body. I am not sure what our relationship will look like in the coming years, as I can peacefully say I am a retiree at 22…but, it is a guarantee that you will always be in my heart.

To read more letters from the NCAA Woman of the Year Top 30 honorees:
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