Player Perspectives

Sept. 9, 2003

Looking back on the last month I've been up here at USF, I can't believe how fast it has gone by already. Everyone said it would go by fast, but I didn't realize how quick. It's seems like just yesterday I was packing up all my stuff on my way to college. It's amazing how close I've gotten with the girls on the team and how comfortable I am in the dorms. I remember how nervous I was the first day I came here and had our first dinner together as a team. I was so worried about being a freshman. I didn't know what to expect.

Getting ready for the first practice of the season I remember putting on the USF practice uniforms and thinking to myself... "What am I getting myself into?" I came here having no clue what to expect or what college will be like. That first week was a hard adjustment. Man, was I tired. I remember being so tired and sore that I could barely leave my room. The girls on the team were so nice and helpful, I'm glad I had them to turn to. They all told me their freshmen year experience and that helped to know they understood how I felt. Getting through double days was hard work, but I made it! Overall it was fun but exhausting.

The next major thing I had to look forward to was our Green vs. Gold match. My first (practically) real college match, I didn't know if I was ready to play in front of that many people. That night, as I was putting on my USF jersey, I couldn't help but smile. To think I was actually on the team and I was going to represent USF and play the sport I love was unbelievable. The first play of the match I was so nervous my hands were shaking. But once I got past the first few points, I wasn't nervous and I was actually starting to have fun. That was one of the most fun matches I've ever played. Showing all of USF how hard our team was working was great. All of the long days in the gym had paid off. We were ready to win.

Now, here we are, 8-0, just getting back from our second tournament. This team has unbelievable chemistry and work ethic. We all challenge each other everyday on the court to do our best. Everyone should expect great things this year from volleyball. I am so lucky to get an opportunity to play on a great team, with great teammates, at a great school. Being a freshman is not so bad, in fact, it rocks. Go Dons!