By Luke Zhang, Grade 7
I chose to play volleyball last fall because I didn’t want to get “smashed” playing football. Actually, volleyball was my only option since soccer, one of my favorite sports, is only offered in the winter term, so if I wanted to participate in a teamsport, it was volleyball or nothing at all.
I knew I had made a good decision after the first practice. The coach immediately put me at ease and took time to teach me how to set, bump, and serve the ball. He taught me tricks on how to get the ball up, and to remember to call “mine” when I reached to hit the ball. My coach especially helped me on my serve, which paid off during our game against AWTY, where I managed to score 4 aces despite only playing for a couple of weeks. That match really boosted my confidence and showed me how, with dedication, I could make a direct impact on the scoreboard.
Being part of a team has taught me the value of relying on others and communicating effectively under pressure. Whether I am setting up a teammate for a spike or diving to save a ball, volleyball has taught me that a positive attitude is just as important as technical skills.
Beyond the technical skills, this sport has strengthened my mental game, teaching me to quickly let go of mistakes like a missed serve and focus immediately on the next point. The intensity of in-game communication has made me a better leader, encouraging me to call out for the ball and support teammates even when the match is tight.
Volleyball has health benefits. According to Valley Athletics, volleyball improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts agility.
Playing volleyball has helped me stay active and have fun, making it easier to stay committed to the sport. More importantly, volleyball has helped me grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. It has taught me teamwork, perseverance, and confidence—skills that I can apply both on and off the court. Whether I am practicing my serve or cheering on my teammates, volleyball continues to be one of the most rewarding sports I have ever played
Works Cited:
Baker, Sarah, and Jonathan Winder. “15+ Benefits of Playing Volleyball: Fitness,
Focus & Fun.” Valleyathletics.co, Valley Athletics, 2 Mar. 2025,
valleyathletics.co/blog/benefits-of-playing-volleyball/. Accessed 29 Jan.
2026.
