Part 2: Where I Am

Letter Home:

Dear Mom and Dad,

My second semester at TCU is truly flying by. I am really loving how much independence and control that I have over my schedule. I have recently gotten into the routine of waking up early to study and get coffee. This way, I am able to get all or most of my assignments done by the end of the day so that my afternoons and nights are clear for friends and extracurriculars. Volleyball has been something that I look forward to in my week and I am really having lots of fun getting to play with new people. While I miss my highschool team, I am excited for where TCU club volleyball will take me!

Miss you,

Stewart (Favorite child <3)

Scene:

I take a lunge forward, my arms swiftly fly backwards and then rocket up, my feet following not far behind. I’m suddenly flying- one hand in front of the other. My eyes glance There is a satisfying slap and my palm makes contact with the soft volleyball. The court that I am on may be unfamiliar and new, but the game that I play feels the same no matter where I go.

INTERVIEW

Quote from an interview with TCU Volleyball teammate about the volleyball community:

“Volleyball has definitely brought me into a smaller community within TCU. It is truly a great group of dedicated girls. We are all so involved within other aspects of campus like greek life, different majors so it has been great to connect with people you would not have gotten to before. I think it’s also important to be in a group of girls that are so supportive and encouraging.”

“Volleyball is also different because there are six people on the court and you really are depending on your teammates to cover you and have your back. There’s a connection and empowerment that comes from being on a team like this, and you really know that everybody wants to be here. Like they could have quit after high school but you know they have a passion if they are still in it here. I think I would be lost without my TCU volleyball friends. On and off the court, if you get that.”

SITE VISIT:

I went back to the volleyball courts at the rec for my site visit. It looks different here, with no girls running and yelling “here” or “mine” and everything in between. The silence was eerie.

Peer edit: Wesley Millet

Mentor editor: Peter Gaillard (Grad student, English major)