I may have been more nervous than Olivia as she stepped up to serve. She took her time, rocking gently back and forth, and before I knew it she’d hit the ball clear over the net. The other team dove, but missed and our team scored. Yeah, this felt different. Everything about this game felt different. From the moment they stepped on the court, those middle school girls had that look in their eyes. Another parent joked, they’ve found their mamba mentality. I shouldn’t be surprised though, because all offseason long these young ladies have been putting in the work. And now it’s starting to show.

Last year was our first year parents of athletes. London ran track (and now is trying her hand at basketball). Riley and Olivia joined the volleyball team. To put it bluntly, they weren’t very good. It was a new sport for most of the girls on the team (both JV and varsity). As a result of their lack of skill and competitive fire, they lost every game they played. But, like the troopers we are, their community rallied around them and showed up to support every single game. Still, it was hard to watch. And I wondered, what would be different this time around?

It turns out, a lot has changed. I knew that Olivia was competitive, but I didn’t realize she was this competitive. She remarked after yesterday’s win that she hates losing more than she likes winning. Noted. And, she said this is the most exhilarating feeling she’s ever felt. I never want to get used to losing again. Over the spring she doubled down on building her skill, practicing at home each week and enrolling in bootcamps during the spring and summer months. Her teammates did the same thing. By the time their first game rolled around this week, they were more than ready. There were rumors that the middle school girls team had even been challenging the varsity girls in practice. Like, actually beating them.

So when game time came, they were ready. They won their first match, 25-8. I was stunned. At one point after spiking the ball at the net I watched my daughter let out a roar that I’ve never seen come out of her before. Now that was impressive. She’s evolved into quite the leader on her team, vocally calling out her teammates while also elevating her own play. She’s not the most talented player on the team, but she’s close. And I suspect she knows that the gap between talent and performance is hard work, so she’ll be ready to close it.

I’m generally proud of each of my girls for pursuing their passions. But I’m particularly proud of growth, when I see them put in the work and it pays off. Looks like volleyball season is going to be a fun ride this year. And I’ve got a front row seat.

SDW3