Last Thursday, I played my last game of volleyball. Although it was bittersweet, the accomplishments we made gave us a bright side to look at. We finished the season 46-6, which is the best record in DCHS history and 3rd in the state for the second time in a row. At the beginning of the season, we came up with team goals to achieve throughout the season. Going to state was our last goal. We first played Tuesday morning against Greeneville. We battled it out and won in 4 sets. However, we knew the journey would only get harder. Wednesday morning we played East Hamilton, who is usually one of the better teams in our division. We ended up losing in 4 sets. Although, I feel like if we were given the opportunity again, we could have beat them. 

     As a senior that was at the state tournament last year, I know how hard it is to make it out of the loser’s bracket. I knew we could do it, but we had to play our best game. Thursday, we won two amazing games to get to the semi-finals. As we started the game, we came off hot and won the first set. The second set we only lost by two. We then lost the rest of the game. As the 4th set was ending, I knew this would be the last time I played high school volleyball. As the sad emotions overwhelmed me, it was hard to see the good in what we had done. To see my teammates sad made it even worse. Our team is one of the most hardworking teams out there. We practice almost every day and most weekends we are playing in tournaments. As the season went by, I soon realized that all of this hard work would pay off. Being 3rd in the state might not have been our end goal, but it still makes for a great season. Playing volleyball at DCHS has made me grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. The friendships you make are like no other. If I had any advice to my younger teammates, it would be to never take your time for granted; it truly does go by fast. DCHS volleyball will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so glad to be a part of this team.