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Why is beach volleyball meaningful? It all started with my loathe for swimming. Though I was a strong swimmer and an anchor for my local club’s relay team, I dreaded each practice. Swimming, despite being on a “team,” felt solitary—I was essentially competing against myself for time. When my parents allowed me to quit, they required that I choose another sport. My mother found a recreational volleyball team nearby, and at age 10, my passion for volleyball was ignited. As I transitioned from swim to volleyball, I found a sense of belonging that I had never experienced before. I became a key pin (hitter) for my various indoor teams and discovered the genuine team environment I had been longing for. Cross-training indoor volleyball with beach volleyball led to my next passion: beach. As a freshman, I was welcomed into my high school’s varsity beach volleyball team, where the sisterhood we formed became my second family. I was honored to be one of the first of five pairs to earn the final four at our inaugural year at states, and again last year when we secured a 2nd place finish. Now, in my final year, my teammates and I are determined to give it our all and achieve that elusive state win. As I look ahead, I’ll carry with me the wonderful memories of my volleyball family that welcomed me with open arms, and the joy of shared success learned on the sand.