Dear Athletes Under Pressure, 

   I feel your pain! After playing volleyball for almost half of my lifetime, I have had major struggles with my self confidence and inner thoughts. Before joining high school volleyball, the thought of quitting the sport I once adored was unthinkable; But after countless rude comments from the coaches about girls' bodies, personalities and skill levels, both school and club ball, I was at my wits end.

  No matter the sport, a majority of players have some sort of tug-of-war in their heads about whether or not they’re good enough. According to The National Alliance for Sports, 70 percent of athletes quit sports by the time they get to high school. There is a reason for that! No matter how tough your coaches are on you, at the end of the day, it’s YOU that decides you’re not good enough.

  I am here to let you know that life goes beyond a sport. If you take the pressure off of yourself, you will enjoy your sport much more. Change your mindset, and watch how much easier it gets to come to practice each day. Don’t let a ball rule you. It can be so easy to get caught up in the competition that you forget how to let yourself live a little. TAKE A BREATHER! 

  The reality of it is, you probably won’t be playing your sport much longer, even if you play in college. It is supposed to be FUN. Next time you’re on the court or the field, try to remember to be kind to yourself. High school sports can build a negative self talk that stays with you for life. Build good habits while you’re still playing, so twenty years from now you don’t regret dedicating your life to a ball.