The holidays are here, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, it is a good time to stop, count your blessings, and reflect on what you are grateful for in your life. While there are ups and downs both in life and in volleyball, the experiences you gain is invaluable and will help shape you into the person you are today. Volleyball for many is life, and they wouldn’t change it for the world!
Do you know what you are grateful for this holiday season? Check out this list of things that volleyball players are thankful for, and see what you can add to the list!
1. Coaches. Despite the good cop/bad cop routine, you could not be more thankful for them.
2. Parents. They motivated you and supported you every step of the way.
3. The dreaded drills. Yes they often are difficult to get through, but they made you a better player.
4. Your teammates. You may not have all been best friends, but you had each other’s backs on the court.
5. The suffering. You suffered together with your teammates, throughout all the conditioning and the tough losses.
6. The long bus rides. Crazy times go on, and these are the memories you will never forget!
7. Deep dish, chicken wing, chowder, butter and pancake. Those terms always made you hungry.
8. The lingo. In non-volleyball world, no one understands you. We are the only ones who really understand this language.
9. Getting a six-pack. While no one likes getting a ball to the face, it’s a part of the game, and can be amusing (as long as no one is seriously hurt of course!).
10. The bruises and abrasions. They serve as battle scars, and proved that you played hard.
11. The excitement you feel before the first game of the season.
12. The sadness you experience during your last volleyball game.
13. Not being able to move the day after a hard workout. You are so sore you can barely move, but it was so worth it.
14. Participating in the “block party”.
15. When you get that game day braid just right.
16. The smell of a brand new pair of sneakers, even though this smell is fleeting.
17. The chants you created with your team.
18. The chants you shouted out with your team after the perfect kill, ace and win.
19. The hoarseness in your throat the next day after an exciting win.
20. The spandex. Despite the constant wedgie’s, they help you move freely while playing.
21. Shagging. Even though this is the last thing anyone wants to do after a drill, you wouldn’t trade it for the world.
22. Enjoying the sweet smell of fresh air after getting out of the airtight gym you just practiced in.
23. Functioning knees. If you still have a pair of these, and you’re a serious volleyball player, be thankful.
24. Ruining that new manicure. It’s OK, you took one for the team.
25. Not having a life because you have practice every day after class…it was so worth it.
26. Enjoying the thrill and excitement of your first kill!
27. Going in for the kill. This exciting play always ends with a huddle and some high energy high-fives!
28. Volleyball problems. They exist, but that is the way of life. You love the game anyway.
29. You appreciate what the game of volleyball has taught you. It has shown you what you are capable of and how to push yourself.
30. You have learned throughout your experiences how to be a warrior, and to never give up on yourself.
