Since the sixth grade, volleyball has changed my life for the better. I have had over ten different coaches, all with different criteria and styles of coaching that have created the player that I am today.

Volleyball has always been a positive light in my life, giving me a break daily or at least a few times a week to take my anger out in a non-violent way, just on a volleyball instead of hitting someone.

Volleyball teaches you so many skills, not just on the court, but off as well. Playing on a team teaches you to work with people you might not be friends with if you were not forced to play together. It shows you how to work with a variety of people; self-centered, stubborn and those who cannot take criteria in any fashion. You are taught social skills that will help you have good relationships with people later in life in jobs, meetings, or any sort of social activity.

Volleyball gives you so many opportunities. If you really want to play volleyball in college, you totally can. It gives you the option to continue to do something you love all throughout high school and college. I am a firm believer, anyone can play volleyball in college. It might not be Division 1, but there is most certainly a school that would love to have you play for them. Your options are vast.

Volleyball also allows all different sizes of people to play. Even if you are smaller, there are positions for you. If you have an amazing vertical, you can play almost anywhere and if you are smaller, passing is a huge benefit. Closer to the ground, causing an easier and quicker dive for the ball.

It teaches you how to accept criticism, and how to listen to others views and input. How to take to heart some aspects, and better yourself as a player. This helps you later in life when you are critiqued at your job or by a spouse, it helps you to take others input better. Most coaches constantly ridicule you to make you a better player, and throughout life, we receive tons of criticism from other people. How we handle that is what makes us who we are.

Volleyball also gives you lifelong friends, other than my boyfriend, all of my closest friends happen to be from different volleyball teams. I have met my best friends through this amazing sport and have made friendships that will last a lifetime. It's also a benefit they have the same love for volleyball like I do, we can play whenever.

Volleyball has made me more confident. When I first began playing, I lacked confidence in myself but my coaches over the years have taught me to believe in myself and mentally think that I would crush the ball every time I hit. Receiving this advice has helped me so much, every time I enter a room I now think to myself, "I am ready to conquer whatever I am here to do. I am a boss."

Volleyball also helps me stay active, constantly giving me a reason to workout and play volleyball. It teaches that being active and eating healthy can benefit you both on and off the court.

Volleyball also is very rewarding. Winning a game 16-14, fifth game out of the five is the most incredible feeling. To know you battled five games for this amazing win teaches you that hard work pays off.

With your wins also come losses, and volleyball has taught me how to handle the losses and hardships we all will face throughout life. Do not be a sore loser: keep your head up, chin up and know that you worked hard.

Volleyball also causes blood, sweat and tears. To become a better player, hard work has to be put forth. Energy and time have to be spent to better yourself and your team.

Volleyball has had an incredibly positive impact on my life. It has taught me to take out my anger in a nonviolent way, social skills, opportunities, how to accept criticism, how to be a good winner and loser and how to work hard for what I love. Additionally, I have gained lifelong friends and more confidence.

Volleyball is an amazing sport and I wish for everyone to have the opportunity to play and experience the amazing benefits of the sport. Volleyball can be for anyone, no matter how big or small.