When I think back to when I was younger, you were just another sport that I played. Somewhere along the way, you became the sport I love most, my burning passion. Through the years of many practices, tournaments, and matches, you consistently offered me an outlet, so I could leave all of my troubles and worries at the door. You also taught me so many things about myself and about life in general. If you want to see me happiest, put me on the volleyball court, simple as that!
I owe a "thank you" to many people.
Mom and dad, thank you for your never-ending support and instilling integrity, accountability, leadership, sportsmanship, and confidence in me. I know you have made many sacrifices for my siblings and me to do what we love. It is impossible to put how thankful we are for everything you have ever done into words. I love you.
To my entire family, thank you for your constant love and support. Because of you, I have never gone a day without knowing that I am loved and cared for.
To every coach I have had the chance to play for, thank you for taking a chance on me and trusting me to embrace my role as an athlete on your team. Because of you, I have transformed into a mentally tough athlete and person, which is a significant part of my identity. While you were coaching the game you love, you were fueling my passion, and I thank you for that.
To others who have followed my volleyball journey through the years, thank you for the continuous support and recognition for my accomplishments. It truly means the world to me, knowing how much you care.
To all the wonderful teammates and friends I have made because of this incredible sport, thank you for the laughs, love, tears, sweat, blood, and some damn good memories. I wish you nothing but love and happiness and every other amazing thing this world has to offer. I am always thinking of you and will cherish the memories.
To myself, thank you for sticking with it and overcoming the adversities you have faced. You are so strong. You have learned many things about yourself and about life in general. Take the lessons you have learned, run with them, and live them out.
Volleyball has taught me that attitude and effort are the only things you can control. Encouragement, confidence, and mental toughness are key to success. Your thoughts can make or break you, always have a winning mindset. The best things do not come easy. You win some, you learn some. Have fun and smile more, life is too short to dwell on what could have been. Never lose hope and, finally, always take the high road.
You may have gotten emotional while reading this, you may not have. Either way, my journey is not over as I plan to continue coaching and play as often as I can. Volleyball, you will always be my passion and a large part of my identity. You will always be near and dear to my heart and be a part of my life!
Love, a little girl who fell in love with the game and never looked back ❤️
