Reflection:

The idea of playing a varsity sport has always been a dream of mine ever since I started playing volleyball in sixth grade. When I would go to high school varsity volleyball games throughout middle school, I remember being in constant awe of the players and how skilled they were, so when my chance to make the varsity volleyball team presented itself to me my junior year, I knew my dream was about to come true. The years of hard work playing club volleyball, going to three hour practices and clinics, and constantly having floor burns and bruises on my knees, was going to pay off. Going to that first practice felt surreal, but after the first month of pre-season blurred by with playing time never greeting me with open arms, I soon realized that varsity wasn’t at all what I thought it was going to be like. Although my confidence was fleeting, I continued to work hard during practices so I could earn myself the playing time I so desperately wanted. The first round of district went by faster than pre-season, and still no playing time. My confidence was shot, and having my dream of playing varsity completely disillusioned, I almost felt like I wasn’t a part of the team. Although I had a permanent seat on the bench, I never showed an ounce of bitterness in front of my team or my coaches. I cheered on my teammates for every kill they got, screamed and jumped for every ace they served, and remained supportive for them every time they stepped on the court. I cried to my mom behind closed doors, but I never let my frustration of not playing get the best of me. I learned a lot during my junior season on varsity, and honestly, I’m grateful for that experience. I became the best teammate possible, the loudest cheerleader, the number one supporter for each one of teammates, and I set aside my personal wishes in order to benefit my team. If being on the bench meant that I could give the pep talks and energy needed by my teammates to keep playing hard, then I knew I was always contributing to the team effort even if I wasn’t playing. Because of my junior year experience, I worked harder than I ever had on improving my volleyball skills during off season so I never had to worry about getting playing time ever again, and by my next season on varsity, I was an all-around starter. I know that I wouldn’t have had the same senior year experience on varsity if it wasn’t for the challenges I faced during my junior year on varsity. I was able to live out my dream of playing on varsity during my senior year, and I was able to be a great leader as co-captain as well. The character I built throughout my junior year and knowledge I obtained about how to be a good teammate and how to approach adversity stuck with me throughout my senior year, and I know I’m going to apply these things throughout the rest of my life.