Volleyball went from being an almost nonexistent part of my life to something I look forward to every day. I believe volleyball has done more to build my character than anything else in high school. When I tried out in freshman year, I realized that the world of high school volleyball was completely different and much more intense than the sport I thought I knew how to play.
Freshman Year Tryouts
I walked into the gym, a little nervous about trying out. I knew the basics of volleyball because I used to play when I was younger, and because my dad was a pro player in India. However, I was caught unprepared by the demonstration Captains Kyle Wu and Josh Brown displayed. However, watching them smash the ball and learning that Kyle had started playing as a freshman for the first time led me to believe that I could definitely be that good. The first week, I came home every day with red arms and some part of my body sore and aching. Defensive Season
During a Varsity scrimmage match in my freshman year, Coach Mike put me in as a defensive player. I found myself on the Varsity court much sooner than I expected. However, I apparently played well as a passer, and Coach Mike decided to have me play as a defensive specialist for the Varsity team from then on. For the rest of the season, I further developed my defensive skills to become as useful as possible for a team of much more experienced players. I became the starting libero (a position for the best passer on the team) for the Varsity team from then on.
I joined Coach Mike's club volleyball team in the offseason, playing for Pinnacle 18-1. There, I further developed my defensive skills in a much tougher league. Playing as a libero for the club season was much more demanding, so when school season started again, I was much more prepared to be a libero.
Sophomore Roller Coaster
My sophomore school season will always be remembered as the toughest season of volleyball I ever had. I found out that I was now the second-string libero for the school, a prospect that I had not considered. Libero was MY position, and I strived to earn it back. Furthermore, being the youngest member of the team yet again made me the target of the older kids' mischief. However, halfway through the season, Coach Mike gave me an opportunity to earn back the position I had lost. I grabbed it, and gave it my all. Impressed, Coach Mike gave me back my position. The older kids realized my importance to the team, and welcomed me as a brother. This experience has done more to build my character than any other experience. The season culminated with me receiving the Coach's Award for strength of character and growth during the season.
Junior Year
Upon my coach's insistence, I tried out for the strongest local club volleyball team, Renegades Volleyball Club. To my surprise, I found myself the captain of the Renegades 17-2 team. My hitting training began, and I was pleased to learn that my strong defensive background greatly helped my hitting strategy. Knowing how the mind of a passer works helped me place the ball in difficult places, making me a crafty, smart hitter instead of a showy, hard hitter. Furthermore, my experience as a captain taught me much. I had to learn how to balance the concerns of each teammate, enamor the team as a funny but strong leader, and help Coach Ron with his many burdens. By the end of the season, my 17-2 team was renowned in all of Renegades for the team bonding and brotherhood we had. I was proud to receive the MVP award for my team.
Coach Mike was surprised at my newfound hitting ability. He made me the starting outside hitter, and I grew even more as a hitter. This year's school Varsity volleyball team was the strongest we'd had yet, as shown in our much higher ranking in the championships. Although our championship career ended that year with a disappointing loss to a team we had beaten before, our team was at its peak this year.
