The reality is... both my kids are not physically built for volleyball... the one competitive sport they love.
NN has always been an overachiever. Not entirely gifted in anyone one thing, but just excelled due to natural talent. Whether it was academics, arts, sports... she never had trouble with anything. Joyce and I even had discussions of how we want her to trip over a hurdle or two... and be humbled in life. That not everything is smooth sailing... and how sometimes, hardwork itself won't be enough. How dare any parents wish that onto their children.
Slowly, her natural talents stalled while her friends moved onto the next level through training and hardwork... and being unequivocally tall. You can't train height. You just are.
After two years of stress and relief... NN opted to go the non-competitive route and not deal with the unknown. She had an offer in hand and she stuck with it. Her new coach kept glazing her at tryouts and she fell for it. Even though deep down... she wanted to tryout for the more coveted clubs and possibly make it as a DS or Lib... she thought otherwise. Not worth it. Regrets? Probably.
Then it came time for TKA tryouts... something she was suppose to make for sure, because last year, the coach saved a spot for her. But it's a new coach this year. All the old promises were forgotten and she had to start from scratch. Throughout summer... she was suppose to work on her legs and core. Did she?? Questionable. She keeps saying she has elevation and ups.... for her height, yes. But against naturally tall girls, she can barely keep up. And whatever bad habits she's built over the years... they're sticking out like a sore thumb.
First day of tryouts... those that are tall and put in the hard work got offers right away. NN had the whole weekend to sulk about it and hopefully buckle down and get locked in. Day two of tryouts roll around... we pick her up... hoping to see a big smile... all we got was her shaking her head. "I did so bad today." And the rest of the night... the whole family kept scrolling and updating our phones, waiting for the announcement. It wasn't until 10PM... we finally got the email.
The coach originally wanted 12 players... NN made it as player #14. She eek'ed by the skin of her teeth. Probably because she knew the assistant coach. Probably because she actually does have talent (despite the height). Probably because she's a Jr that will get to play next year as a a Sr. And probably because... divine intervention?
Who knows. But she has no where to go but up. She has to claw and scratch and do whatever it takes to earn playtime. Serving. Defense. Diving. Digging. Every moment you get... you have to show you deserve to be out there. Make it hard for the coach to bench you. And maybe.... this will be that hurdle you trip on... but eventually, leap over. With the culmination of bringing all glory and honor to our Lord and Savior....