As a home-schooling freshman in need of a physical education credit, I had two options: I could attempt to follow the aerobic steps of an overly cheerful lady in a pink sweat suit or I could join a volleyball class. Naturally, the pink sweat suit and dancing were my first choice...but I signed up for  the volleyball class instead. I thought it would be a good opportunity to have fun meeting new people and learning new skills, while earning my credit. I didn't know that my perspectives on competition, team, friendship, authority, goals, persistence, and life in general would be radically changed during my volleyball experences                                                 Participating in a homeschool sport more than covered my physical education cerdit. I got exercise and achieved new skill. Also, laughter is clinically proven to be good for your health, and the Lightning team never has a shortage of reasons to laugh! Over the three years that I played with the Indy Silver Lightning, I met a varity of personalities. I will simply say that volleyball introduced me to some of the most intriguing characters I will ever know. Countless hours of car - pooling and sweating together create a strange bond, and working in game situations with coaches and teammates (and parents) can bring out a new side in everyone. Through traveling, learning, cleaning up, setting up, and just spending time with these people, I was blessed by the way they challenged and encouraged me.

           In addition to the amazing benefits of exercise and relationships, I learned many lessons from volleyball. I realized that although the game is what fans come to watch, the real work is done in the hours of practice and conditioning before the competition. What happened during practice and among our team was what created a win or a loss on the court. Teamwork was especially essential. The most needed element for a victory in team sports is a group of pepole who work together and individually to improve their level of performance. I discovered there is no room to promote myself in a true team effort, however , I also found I had friends to cheer for and friends that cheered for me . Playing volleyball was my first time to compete with a team and my first time to have coaches. I learned that respecting my coaches is essential to my success.

          Volleyball also taught me to not be afraid of making mistakes. When I first began playing volleyball, I was cautious, being careful to not miss the ball completely. Eventually, I decided to put all my effort into every move. If I missed the ball, I moved on and tried again. Sometimes it was very embarrassing, but it was good for me. A few times, I even did it right!

          Playing volleyball was one of many life experiences I willl earn from. There were good times and hard times, and I am continually grateful for my memories from playing on the Indy Silver Lightning. I highly recommend playing volleyball. Put all you've got into it and it will be a choice you will not regret!