Tweet! The whistle sounds and the intense point begins. I feel my feet starting to take an approach out of instinct; the ball was set me and I’m going to send it straight down the line and get the point for my team. Volleyball: the sport that gives me a natural high.

In the huddle before the game, I get an adrenaline rush as we do proudly shout out our cheer and get ready to line up. Now, nothing else matters. It’s me, my teammates, and my opponents. What really gets me going is when my team has a great block against the opposing team’s strongest hitter or when I go up for a great kill. Knowing that I contributed to earning the point for my team is what really gets me a natural high. Of course winning the game is a cherry on top, but sometimes losing, yet knowing that’s the best I’ve ever played, isn’t so bad.

I first started playing volleyball in third grade through the park district and have continued on since then. However, if it hadn’t been for my sister, then I probably wouldn’t have been so into it. She started playing in seventh grade and when I would watch her play, I was amazed by the game. I was drawn in by the intensity, excitement, and fast pace; pretty much my dream sport. I played for the park district from third grade through sixth grade. Then, in sixth I made the team for Rolling Thunder Volleyball Club. The following two years I played on my junior high team as well. In addition, I played for Sky High Volleyball Club starting in seventh grade and continued through junior year of high school. I also played volleyball all four high school seasons for my school.

There is no better feeling for me than playing volleyball. I’ve built bonds with my team that are stronger than I ever thought possible and the feeling of stepping off that court knowing that I gave 110% effort is indescribable. There can’t be anything better than knowing that in the long run, all of my hard work is paying off.