Phoebe Week 5:Bump. Set. Spike!

 Coming into sophomore year was more difficult than I expected. While I knew taking AP and honors classes would be difficult, I didn't realize how drained I would be until I found myself constantly stressed with tears in my eyes while studying for tests and doing so much work. On top of that, everyday I had volleyball practice after school which consumed even more of my time. However, volleyball happened to be the one thing that kept me going daily. This was my second year being on the high school volleyball team at RHS and my time on the team has impacted me so much. The 2 hours I spent on the court daily made school less of a burden and gave me something to look forward to during the day. While I'm not going to a D1 team or to any college for my volleyball skills, the sport and more importantly, my teammates, have helped me clear my mind on even the worst days. 

I truly think that team sports are so important. I've been a part of many throughout my life and whether I'm good at the sport or not, I have always felt a sense of love, family, and belonging while being a part of a team. This year I was able to get close with all the girls on the volleyball team and it made me forget about how draining school was. It was an escape from the reality of high school drama and countless hours of school work. While the season is over and I'm going to miss playing for the rest of the year, I know these teammates will continue to have my back on and off of the court. It's so special to be a part of a group and team sports really help encourage a balanced lifestyle. If I had to recommend something to someone who isn't enjoying school or is feeling consumed by school,  I would advise them to join a sports team. Whether you've played the sport or not, understanding what it means to be a part of a team is so important and can really change your life. Have you played on a team sport and has it affected you in the same way?