Alright, so, let’s talk about this volleyball career thing. It all started way back when I was just a kid, you know? I was always the tall one in my class, and people kept telling me I should give volleyball a shot. So, I did. I joined the school team, and at first, I was pretty awful, haha. I mean, I couldn’t even serve the ball over the net consistently. But, I stuck with it, practicing every day after school, and slowly, very slowly, I started to get the hang of it.
Then came high school, things got serious. I made the varsity team as a freshman, which was a big deal for me. The competition was intense, and I had to really push myself to keep up. I spent countless hours in the gym, working on my hitting, blocking, and especially my defense, which was my weakest point. We had this coach, man, he was a tough cookie. He drove us hard, but looking back, I owe him a lot. He taught me discipline and the importance of teamwork.
I remember those weekend tournaments, traveling to different cities, playing against some really strong teams. We won some, we lost some, but each game was a learning experience. I even got scouted by a few colleges during my senior year, which was pretty exciting. Ended up getting a scholarship to play at the university level.
College ball was a whole new level, let me tell you. The players were bigger, faster, stronger, and the game was so much more strategic. It was tough, juggling classes, practices, and games. There were times I felt like giving up, but I kept remembering my dream. I really wanted to see how far I could go.
I remember one specific game that was really crucial. My team was losing and I wasn’t playing well. My coach called a time out and he said, “You need to relax and play the way you know you can!” I did that, and I did really well for the rest of the game and we ended up winning.
I even considered going pro after college. I looked into some overseas leagues, did some research, and talked to some people who had played professionally. It’s a tough life, you know? A lot of traveling, living out of a suitcase, and the competition is fierce.
It’s a tough path, and it’s definitely not for everyone. But for those who are truly passionate about it, who are willing to put in the work, and who have that burning desire to compete at the highest level, it’s an amazing journey. It’s about pushing yourself beyond your limits, both physically and mentally, and seeing what you’re truly capable of.
I decided not to. So I ended up accepting a position as a volleyball coach.
I’m really glad that I did. I’m really loving it. Being a coach is like the best of both worlds. I get to work with volleyball every day and I also get to teach younger people.
- Work hard. Nothing comes easy in life, especially in volleyball.
- Be patient. Volleyball is difficult, it takes time to master.
- Be persistent. Just keep going. It’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.
- Build connections. You never know who will offer you an opportunity.
- Believe in yourself. There are going to be times when you doubt yourself but keep going!
Here’s what I tell my athletes:
So yeah, that’s my volleyball story, in a nutshell. It’s been a wild ride, full of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in volleyball. The money is great and it can be a lot of fun.
If you love volleyball, go for it! Don’t be afraid to fail. Just remember, it’s a long road, and you gotta be in it for the long haul.
