My Love for volleyball first started when I was very young. I have been surrounded by the game since I can remember. Volleyball wasn’t always easy to love but I don’t think I have loved something more in my life. Being surrounded by so people who share the same passion as you make it everything. Volleyball has given me my best friends and I cannot express how grateful I am for that. Playing the game gave me so many outlets for when I was struggling, and it was always the best part of my day. The passion I was able to develop over the 10 years I played changed me into a better person. I love volleyball because of the lessons it taught me and the relationships it gave me.
I knew I wanted to stay Loyal to Balance for the rest of my time playing after my first year. Those who knew me were surprised because it wasn’t the greatest season, but it was about more than the wins and losses for me. I noticed how connected and family-like the club was and I was extremely drawn to it. It was so easy to love the people in this club and most of them will be my best friends for the rest of my life. Not only is Balance one big family, but my skills were improving immensely. I improved more in one year at Balance than I had my whole career. The coaching staff show up every day knowing that they want to make a difference in the athletes, and they will not stop until they do. This is an extremely special thing about Balance that 9/10 clubs will not do. At Balance you’re not just a number, your family. That’s why it was a no brainer to finish my last 4 years at Balance.
Being a great Leader to me means being someone who others can look too no matter the situation. It’s being the person who makes tough decisions and the responsibility behind them. I have always done my best to be someone the younger girls can look up too as well. Being a leader means doing the right thing even when you don’t always want to. In games, you can show your leadership skills on and off the court. Being a powerhouse player includes having a voice, hyping up your teammates, and expecting the best out of yourself. Reminding your teammates that you expect progress over perfection that way everyone knows they are expected to give their 100%. Also, being a leader means not only having expectations for yourself but also for your teammates!! Don’t be afraid to push others past their potential. The best leaders push the team as a whole, while being a trustworthy teammate.