Dear volleyball,

Thank you. Over the past 11 years, you have fully given yourself to me - and for that, I am so grateful.

You brought me sisters from all across the country.

You paved the way for me to receive my bachelor's degree, debt free.

You stretched me and pushed me farther than I ever thought I could go.

You taught me how to find more within myself, even when I thought I had given everything.

You brought out the best and worst in me.

You taught me how to face challenges head on.

You taught me more life lessons than I can even count on my hands.

You brought me to the Lord.

And most importantly, you shaped me into the woman I am today.

Someone recently asked me how you have challenged and grown me. There are plenty of different ways I can answer that question, but when I reflect on my four years of college volleyball, I think of where I started in comparison to where I am now. For years, I was unconsciously resistant to reaching my full potential as a leader. I prioritized outside relationships over my teammates, I valued my own opinions and feelings over others, and did not do things that were in the best interest of the people around me. I was living a very self-centered life and I was content with that. Although I was blind to all of this, these characteristics were holding me back from being the leader people knew I could be. Though it was a little late in my career, maybe later than some would have hoped, I finally stepped into that role. I saw how my actions were affecting others and decided it was time for change. I shifted my mentality off of myself and onto those around me and I made the priority of each day to love others well.

Leadership can take on different forms and styles, but by simply putting others first and being intentional in relationships, you earn the respect and trust of those around you. It took a while to reach this point, but it has been impactful on the way I view myself and the way I lead. I am sure that I would have learned this lesson at some point in my life, but I am thankful that you were the one to teach me.

So again, thank you for pouring all you had into me the past 11 years and thank you for encouraging me to realize and grow into my purpose. I would not change a moment of it.

All my love,
Motts