Bump, set, spike

Thanks to the lack of elementary level indoctrination, summer camps and off-season competitive travel teams, the 9th grader is playing JV volleyball at her UK based American high school. That's one of the things I appreciate most about her school, that she didn't have to start playing a sport before kindergarten in order to stand a chance of making the team. She gets to give things a try without the pressure of it being do or die, win at all costs and give 150% all the time in order to be considered successful in the eyes of the coaches.

It's a grainy picture taken from the bleachers with my phone because I never remember to bring along a *real* camera to document our lives with more clarity through a better lens, but it still captures her beautiful smile. They've won some and lost some. I believe she has shown improvement. They don't always get around to the bump, set and spike drill consistently. Plus I've seen some one armed efforts, as well as a foot shot or two, to get the ball back over the net, but it's all a part of the process.

That's the bottom line for me - having fun, learning some new skills and enjoying the overall experience of a team sport. Go Royals!