Spring Competition

This past weekend (April 13) it was so great to play with the team again. Getting to see everyone’s competitiveness surge out once more was very exciting, especially to see it as a precursor to next seasons attitude. All the hours and hours of very very very early morning conditioning, practices and weight lifting is starting to show in our play. I never thought I would be capable of getting up almost everyday before the sun is even out. But regardless of the hour of the day, the team seems so driven to improve from our last season. Some of my favorite moments out on the court is when we have been tediously and meticulously working on little things – like deep corner shots, diving out six feet for a ball, etc. – and suddenly you see it click in a game like scenario. My teammates at times seem startled by my high-pitched squeals, but sometimes I just can’t hold in all the excitement.

The recent warm-ish weather has allowed us to finally wipe out the sundresses and show off our new bruises from our awesome defense work. At times I feel like it’s almost a competition to see who has the most bruises. But I feel like other people on campus must thing we are in some sort of fight club.

We also had our banquet this past weekend- a very bittersweet moment. On one hand it was great to eat all the incredible food at the Hanover inn and see everyone with her parents and reminisce on the great moments last season. But on the other hand it was very emotional hearing the seniors farewell speeches and thinking that’s only three more seasons away for me! I’m definitely nowhere near ready to a) say goodbye to volleyball and b) go into the real world.

Overall I think this spring off-season has been great. I can feel everyone’s motivation and commitment getting stronger each passing day. I can’t wait to see it translate into our upcoming season!

Kayden Cook '16