Volleyball has been a significant part of my life since fifth grade. The thrill of the game, the teamwork, and the sense of accomplishment after a match have always driven me. As I grew older, my passion for volleyball only intensified, and I found myself dedicating more time and effort to improving my skills and understanding of the game. However, as the season ended, I faced a difficult decision: should I continue playing volleyball in college, or should I focus solely on my academic pursuits?
The idea of playing volleyball in college was both exciting and daunting. On one hand, I loved the sport and couldn’t imagine my life without it. On the other hand, I knew that college would bring new challenges and responsibilities, and I wasn’t sure if I could balance my academic workload with the demands of being a student-athlete. I spent countless hours weighing the pros and cons, seeking advice from coaches, teammates, and family members, and reflecting on what truly mattered to me.
During this period of introspection, I remembered my grandfather, Mike Smith, known as Poppy to our family, and his stories about his time at Sterling College in Kansas, where he attended from 1979 to 1982 and played football. He often spoke fondly of his college years. However, Sterling is ten hours away, and I was curious about how he ended up there.
When I asked him about it, he said Brownstown’s coach had played out there and helped him make a connection with the college.
Inspired by my grandpa’s experiences, I decided to look into Sterling College. I discovered that, despite being a small school, Sterling had a great volleyball program. The coaches were supportive, the team was competitive, and the facilities were top-notch. I could see myself enjoying that environment, both as an athlete and as a student. But what truly sealed the deal for me was their biology program, which was perfect for starting my veterinary nursing degree. The more I learned about Sterling, the more I felt that it was the right place for me.
Deciding to play volleyball in college was not easy. I knew it would require a significant commitment of time and energy, and there would be moments of doubt and struggle. However, I also knew that volleyball had shaped me into the person I am today. It has taught me valuable lessons about perseverance, teamwork, and leadership.
With my Poppy’s legacy at Sterling College as a guide, I decided to follow in his footsteps and pursue my passion for volleyball at the collegiate level. I was excited about the opportunity to continue playing the sport I loved while also working towards my academic goals. I knew that Sterling would provide me with the support and resources I needed to succeed both on and off the court.
My journey to deciding whether to play volleyball in college was a complex and introspective one. It required me to confront my fears and uncertainties, seek guidance from those I trusted, and ultimately follow my gut. Sterling College emerged as the perfect fit for me, not only because of its strong volleyball program and excellent biology department but also because of the personal connection I felt through my grandpa’s experiences. By choosing Sterling, I honor his legacy and continuing a family tradition of athletic excellence and academic achievement.
As I look forward to my time at Sterling College, I am confident that I have made the right decision. I am excited to contribute to the volleyball team, excel in my studies, and create lasting memories and friendships.