Volleyball - More Than A Sport

     For those of you who do not know, I played competitive volleyball for one of the top teams in Pennsylvania.  We had one 9 out of the past 14 state titles, along with a numerous amount of section, league, and district gold medals.  My final season we actually lost in a very competitive, state final game, finishing third in the state rankings.  I also had the opportunity to go to the national tournament in Atlanta, Georgia my first post season of playing on the team (which was my sophomore year of 2008).  I worked extremely hard to start my first year of varsity (which was the following year) and did so midway through the regular season.  All of this sounds grand, and I do not wish to come off as conceited in mentioning the credibility of my past.  I wish to express, however, that I had to work hard to succeed, despite the wishes of some of my coaches.  My club coaches were upset with me for some reason after my first season of playing for them.  The first year they encouraged me, wanted me to play for upper levels, and were constructive in a tasteful way.  They really disliked me after that, for which reasons I still do not know why.  I did not play club volleyball the following year, which set me back for the normal season.  But I remained extremely dedicated and worked extra hard to make the team and become a starter for the remainder of my high school career.
     The point I am trying to make is that I did not just view volleyball as a sport.  I fell in love with it.  So despite the discouraging actions of others, I pursued it.  I did so not for others, not for my coaches, not for my family, but rather for me and my team.  I just encourage all those with hobbies and passions to pursue them despite the surrounding situations.  Shut the negative sides of the world out of your dreams and only embrace the positive.  It will pay off, I promise!