To my old volleyball club,
I haven't stepped foot in your facility in a few years now. However, you still hold such a big place in my heart. Some of my best memories as a teen took place because of you. I'll never be able to fully express all that you did for me growing up, but I will certainly try to sum it up in this letter.
First and foremost, thank you for introducing me to some of the greatest people in the world that I probably never would have met otherwise. Each year, new friendships were formed over the love of the game. In just a few short months, lifelong relationships were established with girls that I shared blood, sweat and tears with on and off the court. You introduced me to coaches that would have such a huge impact on my athletic and personal life for years to come. Years later, you'll be happy to hear, I am still friends with girls and coaches from your club. One day, I'll be able to say that my bridesmaid started out as the setter on my club team.
Thank you for allowing me to travel. Whether it was a home tournament or out of state, I was able to experience so much more than just volleyball through your club. There was nothing better than a night out on the town with my teammates and their (crazy) parents. I got to experience the many different cities and all the food they had to offer. The hotel sleepovers and team dinners are memories that I will cherish forever.
Thank you for giving me a place to escape to. High school was full of nonsense, but I could come to your club and forget all about it. I was able to play my heart out and leave it all on the floor. I looked forward to practice each day so that I could see all of my friends that went to school hours away from me. We were always willing to listen to each other vent about the daily drama that was happening at school.
Thank you for allowing me to play volleyball all year round. I know, this is the whole point of your existence. But really, as sad as it was for the school season to end, there was a certain excitement to begin club season. I never had to stop playing the sport that I loved. Everyone knows there is a huge difference between school and club volleyball, and everyone knows which one is better.
Lastly, I miss you. Many years have passed and my floor burn scars have finally healed, but the influence you had on me as an athlete and as a person will last forever. It was a honor to have been able to represent your club for all of those years and I am so incredibly jealous of the girls who are doing so today.
My heart is almost as full as my closet was full of XL tournament champion t-shirts.
Sincerely,
A retired volleyball player
