I've played for Lake Murray volleyball since I was in 8th grade, after playing c-team with Coach Sue Dillon. This will be my 5th season, and I've loved every minute of it- making friends that have lasted and found an extended family. I feel as though my volleyball involvement has given me another family, as we all come out and support one another-even during school ball. Tonight, at my last school volleyball game, I looked over and saw my LMVB family- which made tonight even better. My coaches have done so much for me, and I've come to love them as family. They helped to raise me, and were there any time I needed them.

School ball did not come easily to me however. I tried out both freshman and sophomore year for JV, but unfortunately did not make it. Coach Brandon Doty, who has become one of the most influential coach's I've had, always encouraged me to come back. So, I was the manager for JV during my freshman year, and half player-half manager my sophomore year. Junior year, I was the starting middle, and Co-captain of JV under Coach Doty. I learned so much from practicing every day for three seasons under him, and I finally got to show what I had learned. At the end of my junior season, I received the coach's award- for sticking with my dreams and learning so much. Finally, I reached my goal of making varsity this past school season. I was one of 4 seniors, and played my heart out. Though I was injured early in the season, I still got to play more often than not. And, I helped to bring down the undefeated Spring Valley in our region. Also, my team made it to second round of playoffs.

Thanks to Sue Dillon for teaching me how to play, to Coach Green for always wanting to make me a better player, Coach Katie Austin for always believing in us, Coach Brandon Doty for being such an amazing coach and mentor, and Coach Chad Boland for giving our team a great 2011 season.