Miah played her first year of AAU volleyball this winter. We were not prepared for how much this young lady would enjoy the game of volleyball! She had a great first time experience and much of that can be attributed to her coach! He cared so much about the girls, and his concern for them went far deeper than their game and/or the development of them as players. As far as wins and losses, the year started out slow. We had some really frustrating weekends, but as the season went along they continued to play good, fundamental volleyball and it paid off. The state AAU volleyball tournament was probably their best play of the year. They ended up making it into the Gold Tourney {which was somewhat of a surprise to all of us} and then went on to make it to the Elite 8. They lost to the team that ended up winning the whole tournament. So, they certainly made strides from some of their first tournaments, where two wins was an accomplishment!
The weekend of state, all of the girls and their families stayed together at a hotel in Cedar Falls. On Friday night, we all went out for pizza together. After we had finished eating, Coach Hoekstra had prepared a little awards ceremony for the girls and their families. He presented each of the girls with an award that he had chosen for them, and also spent 5-10 minutes talking to each girl about what they meant to him and the team. While listening to him address Miah, my eyes welled up with tears. I was listening to him describe and commend her for all the things that we, as her parents know to be true of her, and then to hear someone else discover, appreciate, and value those some traits is such a blessing. In six short weeks, he really figured Miah out…and that, my friends is not an easy task!
One of the things that Coach Hoekstra mentioned in his “talk” with Miah was that, “I asked you to be a setter for the best of our team. You did it so willingly, but I know in your heart…you’re a hitter!” They both smiled from ear to ear after that comment. She did set the entire year. She did a really nice job setting and enjoyed doing it, but when we stepped on the court at the Rec Center that girl was a hittin’! At the end of one of the games at state when we had a solid lead, Coach Hoekstra made one of the hitters set the last two points {and gave her strict instructions to set Miah}. It was so much fun to see her put a couple hits down!
Coach Hoekstra and Miah after a very long and exhausting day of volleyball! She was awarded the “Lighthouse” award and I am so proud of our Miah Brynn for being that constant encourager, who shined her light for her team and opponents to see.
2 comments:
Oh Miah, you have such a selfless heart and you embraced your role on the court. I'm so glad we could watch you a couple times and can't wait for more games! PS. Nate would think those colors look good on you ;)
Oh, Miah... your teammates are blessed to have you!
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