The past couple of weeks I’ve been trying out for the UNE club volleyball team. At first I was unsure about tryouting for many reasons. Firstly—I forgot my volleyball bag that contained all of my gear that hadn’t been used in months. Thankfully, when I went back home I was able to grab it. My favorite tattered and flattened knee pads, a UNE sweat towel I received at the accepted students hockey game, my shoes, and most importantly my ankle braces. All in the same position they were when I tossed them in my bag when packing up from the last club tournament I played. 

Secondly—my mom said I was absolutely not allowed to play in college, especially during my first year. We had gotten into many discussions about this and most, if not all, ended with us disagreeing. She thought I wasn’t going to manage my time well and get injured. While, I on the other hand thought that it would be one of the best things I could do. Volleyball is volleyball and the rules don’t change so it could act as a moment of relief and consistency for me. I argued it would help me make friends and still she did not agree. I even got offered a starting position on the nationally ranked d3 team for the college near me and she still told me no. 

I went back and forth on what I could do. I did love the sport and the challenges I faced while playing but didn’t want to upset my mom. So, I went to the involvement fair, and signed up for other clubs but as I walked past the club volleyball table, I knew I needed to sign up. I mean, what’s the harm? My mom was five hours away anyways, so there’s not much disagreement or prevention she could do to stop me. 

Since then, I’ve attended a few open gyms and tryouts and am now awaiting to hear if I made the team. Regardless, I’m excited and happy that I was able to bring out my passion I feared I was going to lose. 

Update:9/25/23

I made the travel team! Practices have been fun and I’m excited for our first tournament at USM!!!  Also, I was able to keep my number from highschool–#21!!