When Plans Are Altered

I’ve heard many times in my life that a team can have all the talent in the world, but if their players do not play well together, they will not do as well. I have seen this on teams who have some truly incredible talent, but it is easy to see that there is only a surface level connection amongst the players. It is clear that the relationships amongst those players and coaches does not extend past those lines on the volleyball court. Those shallow relationships affect their play through lack of trust, not giving the benefit of the doubt, and so much more. As I am sure most of you can tell, this is where my experience being a part of the Calvin College volleyball has made all the difference for me. 

As many of you know, during the national tournament my sophomore year in Virginia, I dislocated my knee. (I know what you’re all thinking: Yikes!) When this happened the first time about 7 years ago, I was back at 100% in about 3 weeks. However, this time was different. In the past, the doctor thought it was because I grew so fast and had very little muscle.  This time when it happened I was in great shape and had great muscle strength but my knee still dislocated.  My knee didn’t heal like it did before.  This time it still felt very unstable and I had a ton of pain when I walked up stairs, ran, or even walked at a fast pace. So, this past January I had surgery as it was my only chance to get the stability back and run pain free. Fast forward to this past summer and my knee did get the stability back but is currently in more pain than it was prior to surgery. With that being said, my doctor did not clear me to play.

For most people this would mean that being a part of the volleyball team would be out of the question. Just before pre-season this past year I met with Coach Warners to discuss my situation. Coach has done a phenomenal job keeping me involved and taking an interest in who I am besides what I can give in my volleyball skills. During the Calvin volleyball camps this past summer Coach Warners asked me how my knee was doing. I responded with “Not so great. I am not sure how this will play out with volleyball.” Her response is something that I will never forget. Coach said, “No no. How is your knee looking long term? Not in regards to volleyball- in regards to your everyday life.”

I cannot express to you how much I am loved and valued as a person, regardless of what I can or cannot bring on the volleyball court. I was not, in any way, less involved or appreciated because of my injury. Do you understand how good that feels? To be loved for who you are as a person and for people to take interest in other areas of your life besides volleyball is one of the best feelings. It is the sole reason that I was able to stay on this team. Never in my life had I experienced a team whose love and relationships extended so far beyond the court. We truly love to be around each other for each other- not our volleyball talent. This is seen daily within our team. From long talks on bus rides and eating countless meals together, we really enjoy each other’s presence. When I look at our team, I don’t see volleyball skills. I see someone who has a great sense of humor, another who loves endlessly, another who is so creative and artistic that it would blow your mind, and yet another who works hard in every aspect of their life. The relationships that I, and the rest of us, have formed on this team have been nothing short of amazing. When I see our team play, I see never ending trust. I see us giving the benefit of the doubt. I see us work hard, push each other, and encourage each other like there is no tomorrow.   I am not sure how many other programs have what we have but I am guessing not everyone who plays volleyball on their teams feel the same way I do.  I’m not sure how other players from different schools feel about their teammates when they walk out of their gym, but our relationships with one another grows exponentially.  

Love,

Kelly Bos #16

Sr. Captain