I Believe in Volleyball by Katie Hughes

I remember my first volleyball practice. I was in second grade and I couldn't wait to start. I was very nervous but anxious at the same time. I always watched the Nebraska volleyball team with my grandpa, whether it was at home on TV or at the NU Coliseum, and I became inspired. I remember wishing that I could play like they could. I've been playing volleyball since I was in second grade, and I plan to keep playing for some time. I believe in volleyball.

Volleyball is a great form of exercise. Many people think, You don't even run, it can't be that hard. What they don't know is that volleyball can actually get very tiring. You have to work hard every play of the game whether you're jumping to hit the ball or diving for a different one. Yes, at times, if your not playing a good team that is, it may not be as hard working as cross country, basketball, or football, but you're still using your body and muscles to move and jump.

Volleyball helps form friendships. Since I started playing in second grade, I've played with many girls who have become friends that I stay in touch with. I've been playing with the same girls in Club volleyball since I was in fifth grade, and we have been friends ever since. I've played on many Lincoln teams up to eighth grade, and I've formed many friendships with those girls as well. Even though you are forming friendships with the girls you're playing with, you often develop a friendship with your coaches that you play for as well. I have gotten to know my coaches really well over the years, and they have developed as being family friends. I think it's good to form that kind of relationship with your coach so you get to know them and they get to know you, too. As I keep playing, I continue to make new friends and meet new people, which is great.

Volleyball helps develop teamwork. My coaches have always told me, There is no I in team, or as you all have heard, Team first self second. In volleyball, you and your teammates have to work and come together as one. It really helps when you have been playing with the same girls for a long time, like me, because you know everyone's strengths and weaknesses. This helps form great team chemistry, which is very important. You also have to communicate to one another and work together in order to be successful.

Volleyball is very important to me. I love playing it as well as I like watching it. At tournaments, I often see little girls trying their hardest just to get the ball over the net and I think, Wow that was me one day, and I always wonder which of these girls will grow to love the sport as much as I do. To me, volleyball isn't just a sport; it's a way of life and is my absolute passion. I believe in volleyball.