“The underdog…”

 

Shared by Breanne Smedley

It’s generally accepted that in volleyball, height is a blessing.

Not required, but certainly makes some things easier.

Blocking, hitting, more range defensively.

I’ve coached plenty of girls who have height.

I’ve also coached a handful that probably doesn’t get typical, “you must play volleyball, right?” question from random people in the grocery store.

One girl, in particular, who stands at 4’10”. Rounded up to 5’ on the roster. A full foot (plus some) shorter than others on her team.

I’m pretty sure she can walk directly under the net without having to duck.

She’s had to fight her way through the program, and every club team she’s played on.

Because at first glance, she is what you’d consider the underdog.

She’s undersized. Has the potential to be overlooked.

I imagine she had a choice to make when she started to play competitive volleyball.

Use her height as an excuse, or use it to her advantage.

It’d be easy for her to tell herself and others that things didn’t go her way because she’s short.

“If only I were taller, I would have made that team.”

“I’ll never be able to be good because I’m short.”

And I’m sure those thoughts have crossed her mind a time or two.

But, as I’ve seen this player grow, I also can’t help to think that she wouldn’t be the player she is today if it weren’t for her height.

She has been forced to be better at reading the play (one of the hardest and most important parts of the game) because she can’t rely on her length to get her to the ball.

She’s had to work on creating better angles with her platform because her range won’t allow for anything else.

She is quicker than most because she has to be.

She has to be louder, more tenacious, and a great communicator to make her presence known on the court.

She’s used her status as an underdog to rise up.

To learn skills that others have been slower to develop.

We have the same choice when faced with our weaknesses.

Use to use them as an excuse.

Or find a way to turn them into our greatest assets.

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#DaringlyResilient

#MindfullyEvolving

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