Dear Freshman Katie,
11/13/2021
College volleyball is going to teach you more about yourself than you ever thought it would. Walking into your freshman year you had your ideal four years planned out to a tee, but things don’t always go according to plan. Over the last four years, you’ve redshirted, attended three different schools, had four different head coaches, and faced different challenges each step of the way. It wasn’t always easy, but you have become a better person because of it.
I’m going to give you a couple pieces of advice I wish I knew going into my freshman year... Enjoy the time you spend with your teammates, because those memories and relationships will last a lifetime. Over the next four years, learn from your teammates, grow with your teammates, and push each other to become better. After you graduate, you won’t remember the accolades and records of your teams, but you will remember the relationships you had with your teammates.
There will be days where you feel impatient, uncomfortable, and begin to question the process. You don’t know it yet, but these difficult moments are going to shape you into the person you will become. Remember to be patient with yourself as you face setbacks and unforeseen challenges, remember that your growth will not always be linear, and remember that God has a plan for you on this journey.
Also, be present in every moment. Cherish every opportunity you get to play the sport you love, as this experience will go by in the blink of an eye. There will be days where you feel like giving up but remember why you started playing volleyball in the first place. Remember the young girl who grew up dreaming big dreams and didn’t find any obstacle insurmountable. Play for her and play with that same competitive spirit she had. Most importantly, remember the joy that volleyball brings you.
With that being said, thank you. Thank you to my friends, family, and coaches who supported me along the way. Thank you for believing in me and molding me into the person I am today.
Finally, to senior year Katie, cherish these last few moments you get to play with your teammates and play for the girl who fell in love with the sport.
Love, Senior Katie
