For the first time in my life, I went to an informal dance recital. After watching it, I am disappointed that it took me so long to go and see what the other women at Cottey do. Being an athlete left me with very little time for extracurricular activities. However, finishing my two years of collegiate volleyball may very well be one of the best things that happened to me.

I often wondered what in the world the non-athletes did at this school in the middle of nowhere. I also wondered why in the world these women chose to go to Cottey if they were not receiving an athletic scholarship. I now know the answer to this question.

As an athlete, it is hard to see anything outside of the gym or the weight room. It is hard for us to connect with those that are not on our team. This often leads us to make judgments about the other students based off of what we see and hear in the dining hall. I speak for myself and hopefully the other athletes that were present at your recital when I say that I am sorry.

I am truly sorry that it took me this long to see that talent that each of you have. You are most definitely an athlete, just not in the stereotypical way. From watching you perform I can see that you put just as much heart and dedication into your dancing as I did into my own sport.

Some of you were just in beginners classes, but I still think you did phenomenal. Maybe I am wrong and the whole thing was a disaster, but let me tell you, you definitely have me fooled. And as far as the dances that were choreographed by students—I would not have any idea where to start when it comes to choreography, and you have my utmost respect.

I could feel the meaning behind each of the dances and I could see the emotion that was packed into each performance. For some of you, this is without a doubt your passion. And from an outsider looking in, you have chosen the right path. I know so many of you, and I was completely unaware of the talent that you possess outside of the classroom, and I need to apologize for that.

I am not going to lie, I was a little jealous that you had ten times the number of students show up to your performance of that which come support the athletic teams, but you women deserve it. Maybe I have just been living under a rock and you ladies already have an enormous amount of respect, but if you don’t, you deserve it.

I am so grateful that I have been able to step away from my job as an athlete because since then I have seen so many of you in a new light. You are incredibly talented and I now see why you chose Cottey to help you get to the places you aspire to be. Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me a reality check.

From one athlete to another, congratulations on your performance!