“There’s a major difference between the volleyball and softball communities. For volleyball, we do a lot of things as a team, outside of the actual sport itself. 

The coaches and captains are very set on building an actual community within the team, because they believe if we are comfortable together as friends, we will be able to play as one unit on the court.”

Softball is different. We don’t do many things together outside of practice and games. But, within the time we spend together we build strong relationships anyways. There’s still a difference of effort between the two teams though.”

“Winter is very nice between sports seasons! I still have club softball and volleyball, but it’s only two practices a week. I have time to have a life; time to hang out with friends, and not fall behind on school work. It’s wonderful during the seasons though to play the sports I love, so it’s bittersweet. “

“Junior year with AP testing gets hard. It’s key for college applications, and as a multi-sport athlete it’s important to show schools that I can balance school work and sports, while also getting good grades.”

“On top of that, we have to aim for getting a good score on our AP tests. Not all coaches and teachers understand that. My teachers, if anyone are more understanding about how much work we have to miss.”

“Coaches always say academics before athletics, but not all of them necessarily implement that. Yeah it’s said, but you’re supposed to show up for practice no matter what. You’re harped on for letting your grades slip, but then you don’t have time for the work.”