Olympic Focused: Volleyball "Goal" Digging

During the past year there has been so much change, isolation, and loss. It was a year that caused many to step outside of their comfort zone , to seek the peace that they needed to carry through. It has also forced us to accept a new normal, and look for positivity in the midst of so much negativity.

While last year was unlike any I have lived through, it allowed me to discover my love for volleyball. I know that sounds strange, but it is absolutely true. Before everyone was forced to quarantine, and school went to a virtual format, I was looking forward to joining the Volleyball Club with my best friend.

I have always been the type to stay to myself and keep my circle very small. Being stuck inside and unable to go to school everyday I was able to handle, but when my best friend since first grade moved to Florida I was devastated and it caused me to be a little more withdrawn than usual.

Instead of just accepting all the things that I had no control over, I found a way to regain control.

Unfortunately, the Volleyball club at school was canceled, and so was the Volleyball program offered at the YMCA. This forced me to turn to YouTube to try to figure out anything I could about the game. My Dad bought me my first volleyball from Wal-Mart, and that was just the start I needed to help develop my interest in the sport.

I got my whole family involved, and even my neighbor that lived across the street helped me out. They would toss me the ball so I could practice passing, and my neighbor helped me to work on my setting. Any chance I got to be outside with the ball I was there. I was determined to get good enough to make the 7th grade team. While my skills weren’t great, I made the team because I was willing to work hard. However, this was just the beginning of my journey.

My Mom realized that while I was committed to working on my skills anytime I could, it was going to take something more to help develop my skills. She did her research and was able to get me in a few clinics that helped to improve my fundamentals.

Those clinics led to me basically spending a large portion of my time at The Academy Volleyball Club. I was signed up for every program from the winter through to the summer before my 8th grade volleyball tryouts. Each one of those programs helped to foster my love for the game. As I played more, I hungered to be the best, and I am still working hard to prove it.

My Mom always asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Honestly, I wasn’t sure and didn’t want to even think about it. Now, I know that if my future doesn’t include volleyball, I will be lost. After watching the Summer Olympics and seeing how amazing the US Women’s Volleyball team was; I know that is the only job for me.

Being a kid means never really having to worry about how much stuff costs, but I finally caught a glimpse of the price tag. Even I realize that this is going to be expensive. My parents work hard to provide for both my brother and I, and they always seem to find a way to make things happen.

This is my very first time making a Volleyball Club Team, and I am so proud that all of my hard work earned me a position on “EN FUEGO”. That is the name of my 14U Elite National Travel team, which is the highest team in my age group. Of course I’m ecstatic to wear the #18 and be the Pin for this team, and it was even more rewarding to have someone recognize all of the hard work I have been putting in.

Well, with all the accolades came a HUGE price tag, but my parents have yet to bat an eye. I have noticed my Mom has been working more, and I know that is so she can have extra to attack this new expense. She also has been researching options for me to get training to improve my strength, speed, agility, and ensure that my VISIONS CLEAR. I can’t forget that I still get private lessons because the grind doesn’t stop.

My Mom fell asleep with her journal open and I snuck a peek at all that it will take to make this happen:

• 14s Elite- $3000

• Hotel Fees- $4000

• Estimated Tournament/Travel Fees- $160-$195( added to monthly club dues)

Included in Club Dues:

• Coaching

• Gym rental

• Insurance

• JVA registration

• Administrative Fees

• Uniform package

So, it is $7000 not including any of my personal training or private lessons. Despite the fact that I can’t legally have a job at 13, I want to at least try to find a way to contribute. This isn’t my Olympic Dream, but it’s definitely part of my journey to get there. My Parents always tell me that it takes a village to raise a child, and sometimes there are people in your village looking out for you that you may not know.

This is the call to my VILLAGE, no amount is too small, and every little bit will help. I just want to play the sport I love and help take some of the burden off my parents.

Indiana has tons of athletes and celebrities that draw positive attention to our state. I want to be part of that and get some recognition for Women’s Volleyball. Folks went head over heels for Gabby Douglass and Simone Biles, and now it’s time for Tristyn Roberts to spread some BLACK GIRL MAGIC!!!