Anyone who has participated in club sports knows the level of commitment it requires from the family. Not only is the cost a factor, but so is the time commitment for practices and tournaments. Most importantly, it takes an amazing amount of support from all of the parents to make a season happen. It really takes a strong team to support the team.
When club volleyball tryouts begin each summer it is incredibly stressful for the young athletes, and of course for the parents who love them and act as unpaid Uber drivers during the entire process. As the teams come together, many times the girls don’t know each other well and the parents have never met. You really don’t know what you are getting into. Are all of the girls good players? Do they have nice parents? Will there be drama? In many cases, a team full of teenage girls makes for a bumpy ride. Add in a few parents with egos and all the together time a season provides can be the perfect storm.
This year though, my daughter’s team was exceptional. While they are all talented players on a volleyball court, that is not the most “exceptional” part. These girls were the kind of teammates you pray for your child to have, and more importantly, the kind of friend group you are proud they are a part of. These girls spent a season cheering for each other on the best days and dried each other’s tears on the hard ones.
The apples didn’t fall far from the trees. This group of parents are just as wonderful as the girls are. When I replay videos of a tournament, I hear the voices of other parents cheering for my daughter as loudly as they cheer for their own. In our experience, this has been the exception and not the rule.
This season is coming to a close. It could be the last weekend these girls take the court together as a team. I’m sure all of them will move on next year to teams where they will continue to grow as volleyball players on the court. I’m more excited to see the young adults they become when they are off the court, taking with them the friendships they formed this year.
“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” ~Emily Dickinson
Ava-Our team Instagram superstar on The Volleyball Project! Your big blocks always bring energy to the court. Sorry again I embarrassed you in the Uber, lol.
Campbell-When you get a kill and turn around, I know you are going to have a celebration as big as the point was! You are a fun player to watch!
Candler-The team optimist, cheerleader and captain. If someone is upset, you are the one to comfort them. Being able to play positions other than setter makes you an asset for the team.
Chloe- It’s so much fun watching the other team look scared when you warm up! Your big hits and strong serves gave the team countless points this season!
Genna- As much as you love volleyball, you love your teammates more. You should be proud of your hard work and growth this season! Keep up your happy energy!
Gia-Always with a smile on your face! You have a had to play through injury and still always gave 100%. You can play just about any position on the court which makes you a valuable part of the team.
Jayden-You bring the energy after a big point! The level of play goes up on the court when you get a big kill or block. A friend to everyone, you are the teammate everyone hopes to have.
Jill-Always smiling and happy! As a hitter you have a great vertical and more importantly are a friend to everyone on the team. Your positive attitude is an asset!
Kennedy-You have the best ability to see the holes on the court and to end the point! One of the funniest girls on the team, you keep everyone’s spirits up off the court and are one of the MVP’s on the court.
Maddie-You are such a gifted athlete! You can hit, pass, set and serve and do it all well! You hold yourself to a high standard and always play with intensity.
Serenity-You have an on and off switch. I have watched you go from a Snuggie to the amazing team Libero in an instant! You are a leader, everyone’s friend and a talented athlete.
Erin Has Something To Say 