A Volleyball Chapter Closes
Chapter One- The Beginning
My husband and I sat in the stands last weekend, waiting for the 18 Open Division regional tournament to start. It was a mix of emotions. We had just ended the school volleyball chapter, and now it’s one more “final” with the end of club volleyball. It feels like everything happened so quickly. Memories of our daughter’s volleyball journey flashed through my mind. I can still vividly recall the day our 11-year-old daughter came into the kitchen and asked if she could quit gymnastics and join a club volleyball team. She had already been playing volleyball as part of her school league. Her school coach had encouraged her to try out for club volleyball. She started on a small city club team in our town. The next season, she tried out and secured a spot on one of the best 12s teams in the whole state.
Chapter Two -The Growth
Those first few years were all about learning responsibility, accountability, teamwork and practice skills. We didn’t know it then, but we were also forming lifelong friendships. The families we met along the way became like an extended part of our own. After around two years of playing travel ball, knowledgeable coaches suggested she switch from playing middle to setter. Everything clicked. She had rhythm and her permanent position, and she hasn’t turned back since.
If you’re a sports parent or an ex-athlete, you know the highs and lows of the journey. Questions like “Am I good enough for the next level?” or “Is this the right sport for me?” can be common. We’ve been through all that, but we let our daughter find her own answers. Throughout, we’ve had the guidance of great volleyball pros who coached, advised, and taught her everything about the game. What I’ve realized now is that the value of the club experiences, both good and bad, far outweighs just the coaching and gym time. Have you seen that viral quote by an unknown author? It captures what many parents feel.
"One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money for your kids to do all their sports”? Well I have a confession to make; I don't pay for my kids to to do sports. Personally, I couldn't care less about what sport they do.
So, if I am not paying for sports what am I paying for?
- I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired they want to quit but don't.
- I pay for those days when my kids come home from school and are "too tired" to go to their training but they go anyway.
- I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined, focused and dedicated.
- I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their body and equipment.
- I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good team mates, gracious in defeat and humble in success.
- I pay for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that placing or title they'd hoped for, but still they go back week after week giving it their best shot.
- I pay for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals.
- I pay for my kids to respect, not only themselves, but other athletes, officials and coaches.
- I pay for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours, years and years of hard work and practice to create a champion and that success does not happen overnight.
- I pay for my kids to be proud of small achievements, and to work towards long term goals.
- I pay for the opportunity my kids have and will have to make life-long friendships, create lifelong memories, to be as proud of their achievements as I am.
- I pay so that my kids can be out on the field or in the gym instead of in front of a screen...
...I could go on but, to be short, I don't pay for sports; I pay for the opportunities that sports provides my kids with to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far I think it is a great investment!
~Unknown
Chapter Three- Another Door Opens
The championship match for the Open Division went to a third set. It was a tough battle to end her club career. Center court was loaded with college commits- all serious about winning. She played amazingly, setting up beautiful plays for her teammates and hustling on defense. Even though her team won the second set, they ended up in second place. When match point came, tears began to flow. That’s the end of club volleyball for good. I couldn’t have been prouder of our girl. Who would have thought our 11-year-old would grow up to become one of the top setters in the state? I walk away feeling grateful for it all.
Next on the agenda: high school graduation and heading off to college. Summer volleyball workouts are also about to start. I guess that marks the official start of the next phase. If there’s one thing to take away from my blog today, it’s to cherish the present moments before they become memories. Appreciate the journey! Even if your child doesn’t continue playing club sports for much longer, the life lessons they’ve learned are incredibly valuable. I can confidently say that her experiences in sports and school have played a big part in shaping the person she’s become. Oh, and make sure to have some tissues handy on that last day!
(Post Update: Since writing this article, R.J. Williams’ daughter has decided to major in a pre-law track in college while she’s an undergraduate on the volleyball team. Down the road, we have a feeling she’ll ‘pay it forward’ and volunteer as a coach in the club ranks someday.)
