Change In My Life: College Essay About Volleyball

When someone says the word "volleyball", you'll probably just think of a white ball or just a game. But to me, it is more than just a game. Being able to play volleyball for the majority of my life has been a blessing. As a student athlete, I have to maintain different activities at one time. This is why I want to share of my experience with you in the "Change In My Life: College Essay About Volleyball" paper.

Being part of the volleyball team requires practice everyday, meeting with coaches, conditioning and more. Sometimes, we athletes, are forced to make decisions we don't want to make. We are forced to get an extra workout in. We are forced to stay up late at night to work on a term paper that we have to hand in soon. We are forced to eat later at night while others are lucky enough to sit at home and have a warm, home-cooked meal with their families. I've never really been into sports. I've only been playing volleyball at home for fun. But after my first practice at school, I really enjoyed it and ever since, I've wanted to get better. I can't imagine my life without volleyball but I can't help but think about how stressful I'll be trying to manage my time in balancing academics and sports. I was well aware that I will be struggling in school because the academic curriculum that I took in college was way more difficult than in high school. I started missing class because of practice. Most practices last over two hours and there are times wherein me and my teammates are still at school, practicing and playing games while everyone else is at home. I always end up being tired and sore all the time. Naps became my best friend because it is the only time the pain stops. There are times wherein I was tempted to give up because the mountain seemed too high to be the person I want to be.

Doubt always finds its way into my thoughts. But I can't let go of volleyball. It was my life, something I looked forward to every day, and a part of me that I couldn’t imagine living without. I love the sport but what really gives me the push to keep playing are the people who stand behind me and believe in me, and the people who help me believe in myself. I somehow got a grip on the trials and hardships brought by volleyball as time goes by. It made me stronger and in some ways, more mature. I learned that limitations are only as real as I make them. That's why I decided to see myself as my ideal inner athlete. I decided to dream bigger and learn to reject the limits life has taught me. Being a student athlete also taught me that no one gets to the top in one big jump. I learned to plan for each little step of my journey as if I was climbing a mountain. I may not be as fast or as strong as the others, but I know that good things take time. They don't just happen overnight. I practiced and practiced and practiced. I started playing for my school. I also attended camps and other leagues during summer. I even played volleyball during lunch and recess. I also learned that not every play works out as you want it to and not every situation is what you expect. Volleyball taught me to be tough especially in times of failure and defeat. It taught me to work even harder and to get back up every time I fall. Through hard work, perseverance and determination, I made it despite all the challenges I encountered. All the hard work and sacrifices really pays off in the end. My dream of becoming an accomplished student and a successful athlete finally became a reality. I would never have surpassed all the trials that came in my way without all the people who believed in me.

My parents are my biggest believers. Not only are they my cheerleaders, they are also my best friends. They always got my back and I can always count on them when I need advice on anything. This sport also introduced me to the people I'll cherish forever. I met countless other friends along the way. My teammates became my best friends and they always had my back since day one. They made sure that I always had the support that I needed whether it was on the court or off. To our Almighty God, I'll forever be thankful for His divine guidance and for giving me the strength that I need to endure every situation life brings. But at the end of the day, I might not be able to be where I am if I didn't believe in myself. I know it takes a lot of courage but all you have to do is to believe that you are doing your best and that you can get through a hard day. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But eventually, volleyball is worth all of it. It is not just a sport. Not to me. Volleyball is my life.