2 years ago I had not even heard of club volleyball and I had no idea what it was. In November, after playing for 2 1/2 years with NYS on my first recreational team and then with the YMCA on a competitive team for the last 2 years . . . I’m going to try out for the next level — Club Volleyball.

It’s kinda scary for a few reasons. First, I’m scared I won’t make it. Then, I’m going to miss my current team. I’ve been with the same team my entire time playing volleyball, which is really cool. I’ve made great friends and had some really good coaching. Thanks Coach Patrick, Dad, Coach Rich, and Coach Amber. And, of course, a big thanks to my mom who keeps track of my crazy schedule, gets me everywhere on time (10 minutes early usually), teaches me how to balance everything I have going on with being a kid and generally just ROCKS!

To help me prepare for Club Volleyball try-outs my mom has hired me a few different coaches for 1:1 instruction to give me different perspectives and influences and she’s enrolled me into every available clinic that my schedule will allow. She also lets me practice my jumping all over the house and has even given me some great ideas on ways to get better. I know I will eventually hit the spot on the ceiling she has given me as a goal. Most importantly she’s given me great encouragement and been there every step of the way. I love you mom!

If you have a goal — go for it! It doesn’t matter if it’s to try out for club volleyball or to just start playing volleyball or if it’s to learn to dance or be in a school play. My mom tells me that “yes, you’ll be afraid sometimes, but embrace the fear and do it anyway!”

I’ll keep practicing like crazy for the next few weeks and I’ll update you on how my club volleyball try-outs go once it’s over. Here’s a few pictures of one of my recent lessons. Oh, and one of the coolest things I learned on Sunday is how to do my jump serve – Thanks Coach Chad! “Left step, toss, gallop, jump then swing!” I’m working on it.