Winning/Losing

Winning/Losing

Winning by Losing
In the 7th grade, I started to play competitive volleyball for my school. The coach had seen me play during P.E. and recruited me on the team. Eager to learn, I was ready to put effort at all costs. Training was rough and the drills were pure torture. Coach Mata worked me like a dog, only because she knew I had raw talent. I came home frustrated and exhausted, sometimes with bruises and scratches from falling and diving. But no matter what happened, I was determined as a presidential candidate to succeed and win for the team.
After weeks of practice, the day of my first game arrived. My body shivered with fear, my stomach was in knots, and my legs were jelly. The experienced players on my team planned on winning this game, so if I did anything wrong, all the blame would be on me. The coach showed us her roster, and eventually I saw my name, to much of my dismay. In no time, the game had begun and I played middle blocker, one of the most important positions. As the other team began to serve; I intensely watched the ball pass the net, coming towards me like a bullet. While I extended my arms to reach, my feet were firmly planted to the floor. This continuously happened, point after point, meanwhile the opposing team scored. Discouraged and upset, I ended up on the bench, watching the other girls play and warming the seats.
After the first set ended, with 8 to 25, the umpire called for a break. My coach pulled me aside and said, “You have the ability to play, though your wits are getting the most of you. Do your best and think positive. ” To my surprise, she put me back in the game to give me another chance. Ball after ball, my teammates stepped in and took it from me, like I wasn’t even there. In my mind, I kept thinking and wondering. What could I do in this situation? What was I doing wrong? Suddenly, I got the big picture. I reminded myself the goal I had set before playing- becoming an accomplished volleyball player....

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