When you start middle school, you learn quickly that a great support system will get you through the tough, the awkward, and the best of times. Heck when you grow older and wiser you find that this same support system though sometimes changed is what gets you through the struggles, heartache, and successes in your adult life as well. I’ve always had the support of my family in everything I’ve done, and as life has changed and I grew from a 12 year old girl into a 23 year old woman I have found that two consistencies remained. The support of my family and the thankfulness in my heart for the mentor that V was to me.
She was apart of my support system in middle school, high school, and my early college days. She helped me grow into a volleyball player who was smart as well as mentally and physically strong. She ultimately pushed and encouraged me to pursue a collegiate volleyball career. She gave me advice whenever I needed it and sometimes even when I didn’t know I needed it. She always listened, and most importantly she always believed in me. Not only in my ability to be a successful volleyball player but she believed I could be successful in life and anything that I put my mind to. V helped me love myself and a sport that my entire life revolved around.
As I sit here writing this, my life no longer revolves around volleyball, but the lessons about kindness, respect, drive, and passion from my time with V are very much so apart of my life today. I don’t know if I can put into words truly how thankful I am that she has been apart of my life for so long. Or if I can even fully describe how positively she has impacted my as an athlete and individual. I do know that her passion to teach is reflected through the game she loves, and the young athletes she influences. I knew from the moment I set foot into coach Vs gym 11 years ago that I would forever be challenged, encouraged, and loved. Not only to be the best athlete, but the best version of myself. Even to this day I know that those things remain true.
