That’s the way the ball bounces

After we walked off the court — before we even got out of the gym, I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. It surprised me; I knew I would miss volleyball once it was over, but I didn’t know the disappointment of never playing with the same girls again would hit me as hard as it did.

When she asked if I would be willing to play as the libero, though, I was a little stunned! Me, as libero? What? (The libero, by the way, is one of the back row passers that can rotate in and out in the game without substituting.) I’d never played that position in my life, for starters, and until last year, I had hardly ever even played back row! But then I thought, “Ya know, what the heck! I’m a senior. I won’t get this opportunity again, so I might as well give it a shot. What is there to lose?”

I went into the next game with way too many nerves, but I had so much fun! I don’t know if it was beginner’s luck or what, but I felt good and played pretty decent as well. Not once have I regretted my decision to play as the libero. I felt strange leaving behind the setting, but I had never felt more comfortable than I did in the back row, scurrying after shanked passes, digging up hard spikes, and finding out how much I really didn’t know about being a libero!

The biggest factor in my playing, though, was my teammates and coaches. They encouraged me constantly and were nothing less than amazing to me. We had our differences at times, but we always got through them (and secretly I feel like when some of them may have had their doubts I played even harder to prove that I deserved to play in my position!).

I learned so many things this year, but most of all I realized that I can do anything if I put my mind to it. I’m not always a very confident person, but I know that when an opportunity comes knocking I need to grab it up quick because I’ll never get anywhere in life if I’m always holding back. And you know what? At the end of our season I made the All Conference Second Team. It’s awesome how God always works things out!

On an end note I just want to thank my coaches, teammates, family and friends for always being there and cheering me on. I couldn’t do it without all of you, and even though I might not have always told you, I’m so thankful for you and all you do for me! I had the best season of my life this year, and even though I’m sad to leave it behind, I’m excited for what’s to come. Change can be a little scary sometimes, but embrace it, you never know what good might come out of it!