Unapologetically Strong

Strength comes in so many forms but when I was asked by Degree to share a story of personal strength.  I started thinking about what I would talk about.  And then it hit me, like a volleyball to the head.  :)

Before I get into the details, I really do want to tell you about this great campaign from Degree.

 

Being “Unapologetically Strong” is not measured by the number of times you win or the number of people you beat, it is about having the will and the desire to go the extra mile. To celebrate these women, Degree® has teamed up with Erin Andrews – a renowned sports broadcaster who tests limits and pushes boundaries every day. Andrews will share her Unapologetically Strong story on Facebook and encourage others to accomplish their own personal triumphs.

Visit Facebook/DegreeWomen or Twitter.com/DegreeWomen and tell your story!
 
Ok so where were we.  I went to a super small high school.  Graduating class had a total of 98 or so.  We played a different sport every season.  Volleyball in fall, cheerleading in the winter and softball in the summer.  I loved all of it but I really loved volleyball.  I would have played it year round problem was, I wasn't very good.  Definitely not a stand out player by any stretch but it was my passion. 

I had always told my mom I'd love to play in college but wasn't sure I could.  I mean colleges weren't exactly beating down the door of a 5'3 girl from small town Illinois.  I ended up going to a local college on an academic scholarship and walking on to the volleyball team.  I was persistent and passionate and didn't care that I was one of the few on the team without a scholarship for sports.  I ended up getting quite a bit of playing time my freshman year and became the starting setter my sophomore year.  Then it was time to test the waters.

My goal was ALWAYS to play for a D-1 school.  My coaches helped me put a recruiting video together and we sent it out.  To my surprise, I got responses back...and lots of them.  My parents and I spent the next few months traveling to look at schools.

I'll never forget one trip my dad took me on to see a little college in Wake Forest, IL.  His driving in Chicago scared the crap out of me. The coach took us to this restaurant for lunch and I sat right behind Scottie Pippen.  Small brush with fame.  :)

Anyway, I digress...after many college visits, I loved and got an offer to play for a D-1 school in Kentucky. 

I was so proud of how far I had made it since high school.  All because I stopped worrying about what others thought and showed my true strength.

Do you have a story to tell?  Tell me all about it then head over to Facebook and tell it for a chance to win. 

By sharing your story of personal challenges, you'll be entered for a chance to win giveaways from Degree Women® to help on their Unapologetically Strong journey. One winner will also have the opportunity to win the grand prize of $5,000 to spend on achieving their goal.