Volleyball was never my first choice when I figured out I could only play one fall sport in high school. I was born into a family who is very passionate about soccer and I was raised playing and watching it throughout my whole life. My mother inspired my interest in volleyball. She was the varsity setter for her high school when she was a junior. When she was a senior, she was team captain, MVP, and was selected for the All Conference team in her area. I've only ever played soccer competitively, so the thought of playing volleyball was a new idea to me. When I was a freshman, I decided to try out for the high school soccer team. I've been told I was a skilled goalkeeper and I believed I would make the team. So it was a huge disappointment when I found out I didn't. I was completely upset, but my mom reminded me that I still had the chance to tryout for another sport: volleyball. I was reluctant at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked the thought of playing it. I tried out for the high school volleyball team and made the team. I have grown exponentially, not just my skills but my mental and emotional strength as well. I am now a senior and I played on the varsity team all 4 years as a defensive specialist, earning 4 Letterman’s Awards. I played varsity libero my senior year and was lucky enough to be varsity captain for my teammates that I have bonded with over my years in high school. My school, not especially known for being great at sports, have pulled out more wins at tournaments and region games than any of our previous teams in 15 years. When I was a underclassmen, the seniors were often intimidating and sometimes unkind. This affected the play on the court, creating an uncomfortable situation for players who were new. The younger girls, including me, felt tense and were scared to mess up around them. I knew that when I became a senior, I was not going to bring that same atmosphere to the team. The other seniors and I have welcomed the underclassmen, cheered for each other, and opened up to receive advice and critique from our team and coaches. We hoped to set an example so that the underclassmen will continue to keep a positive spirit on the team, where everyone feels welcomed and no one feels excluded. My favorite moments on the court are the ones where we support each other no matter what. We may be losing and behind in points but when a teammate dives, jump sets, hits, blocks, or digs, we cheer and jump and scream. We always make sure to pat her back and help her feel appreciated. I remember playing against one of our rivals, and I saw the outside hitter hit the ball in between the block and I dove for tit. The hit was so fast it ricocheted off of my arms and into the bleachers. But I didn’t hear anyone sigh or see any disappointed faces. All of my teammates came to me, helped me up and smiled, complimenting my attempt and helping me feel cherished. My senior year of volleyball has been my favorite because the ambiance of our team is unique compared to other schools and even the other sports teams at our own school. The girls I’ve met and made friends with have changed my perspective and have impacted my attitude towards teammates, competitors, and coaches, and myself. Volleyball is where I’m supposed to be. In addition, volleyball has helped me in club soccer and even academics, specifically with my mental toughness. I have figured out that volleyball is a mental game above all, and I’ve learned to not let my emotions affect my play and work. It’s not easy, and it still isn’t, but now I feel like I have more control over myself, and that is important. I will continue to support the game, and especially my team and teammates, at school and even when I graduate. I plan to assist them, whether it’s donating what I can give or attending their games and cheering them on. I’m grateful I had the opportunity to compete and learn alongside my friends and peers, and grow as an individual.