We are taking a minute to recognize women and girls in sports. We have a few ladies in our office who have spent their youth participating in sports.
First, we start with Darci. She played Volleyball for the University of Louisiana.
What has been one of the best teams you have been on and why?
I would have to say my club team, Team KC. I had great coaches, and teammates. My parents/siblings were able to watch most of our games, and we got to travel across the United States. We also were ranked 5th in the nation, so we got to the play competitive teams across the US.
Who is a hero in your life and why?
This question is difficult to answer. My parents were always there for me, and were there to push me. They have provided me with many opportunities that most kids would dream of. When I was in 5th grade, I struggled with serving overhand. My dad and I went to the gym every morning at 5am before school started for a month and would practice serving blind folded.
Biggest disappointment as an athlete?
I would have to say when my last college game was over. Basically my whole life I was known, as a volleyball player. You almost lose your identity, and don’t know where to go from there. It’s a bittersweet feeling, as you are glad it is over (with all of the hard work and long hours), but are sad at the same time.
Greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
Breaking the schools record for assists.
What is something unique about your sport? You must be able to play multiple positions. You can’t just be a good hitter. You need to be able to play defense, serve, etc.
If you could go back in time, and do it all over, would you? Yes, I would! It was hard work and long hours, but has made me who I am today. I had to grow up fast, as I didn’t know one person besides the coach, and was moving to another state. Being a student athlete teaches you dedication and time management. I also met some of my best friends in the state of Louisiana.
We have another volleyball player here, Hannah. She played at Missouri Western State University.
What has been one of the best teams you have been on and why?
I think my favorite team I played for was my freshman year of college volleyball. We all came from different states and backgrounds, but quickly formed friendships that weren’t forced just because we were teammates. We were able to confide in each other since we had gone out of state for school and were each very homesick. Our record that year was 4-32, but we continued to improve as our careers went on, through injuries, long weekends of traveling, and hours of study tables trying to keep our grades, even making it to the top half of the conference. I’m proud to have been part of a good foundation for a program that is now very successful.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
One of my greatest accomplishments of being an athlete was the opportunity to play college ball on a scholarship. My parents have 3 children that they chose to put through college so I was very proud to have been offered a way to pay for my schooling and alleviate some of the stress on my parents that tuition costs can create. Also, I got go to away for college which provided me the opportunity to gain some freedom and independence.
Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?
My parents are my biggest fans. They did so much for me during my athletic career such as buying all of my gear, making travel plans and driving long hours for club tournaments. They even surprised me several times by showing up at other schools when we played away games. They supported everything I did and I know if I ever were to say I wanted to do something different they wouldn’t have pushed me to stay in volleyball. They were proud of me no matter how badly I played.
Did you have rituals, superstitions or routines before you played?
Not really, I just had a certain routine before serving the ball.
If you had to go back in time, would you do it again, and why?
Yes, I’d like to go back and play with the coaches I encountered who taught me so much as well as the girls I’ve become good friends with.
Stephanie was on a dance team while in high school.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
My senior year, we were able to participate in state competitions and advance to the preliminary world championships. We were able to stay and watch the finals and in awe at the level of skill those athletes possessed. It felt like we were a part of something bigger than just a half time show of a basketball or football game.
What has been one of your greatest disappointments?
My greatest disappointment is not finding a team in college to continue in. The sense of family I had with the girls on my team was missed, especially my first year of college. Being on the guard team gave me an avenue to grow relationships with people that I otherwise would have no involvement with.
Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?
My biggest fan would, hands down, be my parents and sister. They would sit in the bleachers for hours through tournaments or football games just to watch a 4 minute performance. They were always there. They traveled with us across the US. I have talked with my mother about days gone by and she often speaks about how she misses sitting on those cold bleachers and watching the numerous performances.
What is difficult about your sport?
The most difficult part about color/winter guard is being in unison with 15 + others. Making sure you are in sync with your movements, technique, positioning (different planes) of your equipment all the while catching your tosses, throwing your equipment across the floor to your partner all without hitting someone else. Timing and practice is everything.
If you could go back in time, and do it all over, would you?
Most definitely! I would probably even put more effort into researching a team to join in college. I made friends on my dance team that I am still close with, 15 years later.
Last but certainly not least, Cortni, who participated in fast pitch Softball based out of Dallas, Texas.
What has been one of the best teams you have been on and why?
Ft. Worth Bat Busters, because the experience with the group of girls I played with. But truthfully I had many great teams that all had an amazing impact on my life and the people in my life.
Who is a “hero” in your life and why?
Corny I know but my mom, because she is an amazing woman, mom and friend.
Who would you say is your “biggest fan?” Why?
I would say my mom is my biggest fan. She very rarely missed a game or tournament, if she did it was to work to be able to pay for my softball. She worked multiple jobs just so I could play competitive ball and travel every weekend.
What has been one of your greatest accomplishment as an athlete?
Being chosen to go to New York and Canada to play in a tournament.
What is something that is unique about your sport?
It is a sport you can play year round, and we traveled to many different states to play tournaments. Since it was competitive softball we would practice 3 days a week (in the summer there would be 2 a days, defensive practice in the morning and batting practice in the evening) and play games Friday-Sunday, sometimes playing as many as 7 or more games a day.
Did you have rituals, superstitions or routines before you played?
Yes, when batting I had to have the same routine when getting into the batter’s box. I also had to wear the same thing, same way every time.
If you had to go back in time, would you do it again, and why?
Enjoy and soak up every little thing. I would have also taken better care of my injuries rather than ignoring it so it does not prevent you from being able to play again.
As we can see, participating in sports not only helps you physically but also prepares you for difficult times as an adult. Aside from building relationships and developing interpersonal communication skills, sports instill lasting lessons when it comes to dealing with unforeseen injuries, and learning to get along with people you may not necessarily agree with.
Author: Stephanie Jones