Sports. Where sweat, strategy, and determination collide, igniting a passion through generations, and where people come together in peace, working together to create victory and excellence.

Obviously, I’m not the only person who finds peace in sports. But this is just my simple story. I’m the type of person who tries to overachieve everything as a student-athlete. In moments of uncertainty, I find solace in my sport, volleyball. Though I have only been playing for a couple years, I’ve undoubtedly seen a love and passion for this sport. For instance, stress on homework, or a test for the next day, volleyball is always there to stay.

One of life’s great truths is that, everyone has a way to escape reality, mine is my sport. As it brings me closer to people, and creates an environment for me I feel comfortable in. According to recent studies, it increases endorphins, dopamine, adrenaline, and endocannabinoids, which are all brain chemicals associated with feeling happy, capable, confident and just feeling like you belong.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the individuals who make our sports a reality, managers, program directors, and coaches. Not only my happiness is welcome because of these people, but many other people as well.