The varsity volleyball coach said, “you’re not starting anymore.” The words echoed in my head. This had to be a dream.
“You’re going to be a serving specialist.” A serving specialist? Seriously?
My heart sank. All I could think was, so much less playing time… what’s the point?
Those thoughts consumed me during my senior year. I had trained for years, believing this was my time to shine, to start as the starting varsity libero. But instead, I found myself subbing in, serving a few balls, then sitting back down.
I felt useless. Invisible.
Am I even helping? How can I make a difference when I barely get to play?
But that year – the year I thought was my worst – became one of the most valuable of my life. Because I learned something most athletes never fully grasp: it’s not about how much you play; it’s about how much you impact the team – regardless of court time. Everyone contributes.
Once I stopped sulking and started owning my role, everything changed.
I made my serves count. I practiced until I could hit nearly 100%. Harder. Faster. Smarter. And I never shied away from pressure. I wanted to serve when it mattered most.
Through that process – the countless mistakes, the extra reps, the mental grind – I became one of the most consistent, clutch serving specialists in the state. Coming in at crucial, game-changing moments to help my team advance past the Sectional Semi-finals & Finals to get to State (Chicago Tribune).
That was an incredible memory, but the real win wasn’t the title. It was realizing how much power you have to shape a team’s success, even if you’re not on the court for every point.
Because in sports, and in life, it’s not about your title. It’s about what you do with your moment. No matter your role, maximize it.
Every Role Has Purpose
In volleyball, and in any team sport, no role is too small. Every player matters. From the captain who sets the tone, to the substitute who comes in cold and changes the game, to the bench player who keeps spirits high – everyone contributes.
A great team isn’t built on one superstar. It’s built on a group of people who trust each other, push each other, and understand that success is shared. There’s no guarantee you’ll get the moment you want, but if you commit to the role you have, you’ll be ready when it comes.
It’s not about how much you play; it’s about how much you impact the team – regardless of court time. Everyone contributes.
Tweet
The Captain: Lead from the Front
Captains carry the heartbeat of the team. They’re the bridge between players and coaches; the ones who lead when things go right and when they don’t. True leadership isn’t barking orders or giving motivational speeches; it’s showing up early, working hard, staying composed under pressure, and keeping everyone locked in when things get tough.
The best captains don’t “call people out.” They “call them up.” They make everyone around them better.
The Starters: Set the Standard
Starters are the anchors. The ones who execute the game plan, bring energy from the first whistle, and keep the tempo high. But being a starter is more than just playing time or stats. It’s about setting the tone for how the team competes. Great starters connect with everyone, and they make sure the entire squad feels seen and valued.
Their job isn’t to prove they’re better than others. It’s to raise the bar and bring everyone with them. Because when the standard is high, everyone rises.
The Substitutes: Stay Ready, Stay Hungry
Substitutes might not start every match, but their role is just as critical. They’re the spark plugs. The ones ready to change momentum, bring energy, or step in when the team needs a lift. Coming off the bench requires mental toughness. You have to stay ready, stay focused, and stay positive even when your number isn’t called. But when it is, you seize it.
Substitutes remind everyone that preparation isn’t optional – it’s the foundation of greatness.
The Bench Players: The Soul of the Team
Bench players are the most underrated part of any team – but make no mistake, they’re the soul of it. They’re the ones pushing starters in practice, cheering when things get tough, keeping energy high when the scoreboard says otherwise. They bring life, perspective, and passion to every moment.
Being a bench player takes humility, patience, and a deep sense of purpose. Because it’s not about glory, it’s about giving to the team, even when the spotlight’s not on you. And when that opportunity finally comes? They’re ready, because they’ve been working for it all along.
Everyone Matters
Your role matters.
Great teams aren’t built on talent alone, they’re built on culture. A culture where every player feels valued and understands that contribution isn’t measured in minutes, but in mindset.
Your team matters.
When everyone buys in – when trust and respect replace ego – that’s when good teams become great ones. That’s when everyone plays with purpose, no matter their spot in the lineup.
You matter.
Whether you’re leading the huddle, serving match point, or cheering from the sideline, you matter.
So… Captains lead. Starters perform. Substitutes energize. Bench players uplift. And together you will create something unstoppable.
Because in the end, success doesn’t belong to one person. It belongs to the team.
