Preseason from a veteran's perspective
This preseason was my 4th and final preseason of my college career! Each year I have come to realize that I develop different feelings and outlooks for the start of each volleyball season. Excitement is one factor that always makes the cut; however, I have learned there are multiple aspects that change as you grow through college athletics.
As a freshman, the ultimate feeling is anxiety of the unknown. As a sophomore, you now understand the process of college athletics; yet, you also know a lot more is expected of you at this point. As a junior, you have crossed over into the world of being an upperclassmen, which in that comes many more responsibilities and high expectations.
Then before you know it, you are a senior. My experience as a senior has been short thus far; nevertheless, the change in feelings at this 4th and final level hit me just as they did in the past. I started by comprehending that I am the one and only senior on the team this year, which also meant that I am the one person on the team who has the most experience at this level. Therefore, I knew my role going into my last preseason was going to be one of leadership and sharing my knowledge for the game with my teammates.
As a senior I have recognized the very high expectations my teammates and coaches have for me. I and many of the returning players are the ones chosen to demonstrate drills and explain the Green Bay Volleyball Way to our newcomers. Leading by example is important when you are the only senior on the team. Demonstrations are also expected out of the upperclassmen when in the weight room with our strength and conditioning coach, Coach Wade. However, upperclassmen must be aware that if you demonstrate a lift incorrectly for Coach Wade he will ban you from ever demonstrating for the freshmen again in the weight room! And he will proceed to heckle you about your poor demonstration throughout the lifting session, like he did with junior Karli Koralweski this preseason. Understanding and getting used to Coach Wade's humor is also part of the process of evolving through college sports here at Green Bay!
Fall sports have to move the quickest when it comes to team chemistry, because we only have a short amount of time (usually around two weeks) to learn how to work together as a team before competition begins. We take team chemistry very seriously on our volleyball team, which means we practiced hard in our two-a-days on the court; however, we know that the chemistry off the court must be just as strong. As a result, we spend a lot of time in team bonding activities to solidify our bond as teammates off the court as well. I feel that the team bonding activities off the court are great ice breakers for the incoming freshmen, and it allows the upperclassmen to really spend time and get to know the newcomers on the team.
At the end of my last preseason, my body possesses a bit more aches and pains than most. Nothing that a few more bags of ice or a relaxing ice bath can't cure! My last preseason was a memorable one with a great group of girls, rewarding community service, and of course....lots of heat!! I look forward to my last volleyball season to be as memorable as ever.
