Cailey The Libero

Cailey started Junior High this year and to our surprise announced she wanted to try out for the Volleyball team. Tryouts were the first week of school, and by the end of the week they would post who made the team. I had to work the day the teams were announced, but told her to call me as soon as she found out the results. I was nervous all day, hoping that Cailey wouldn't be too disappointed when she didn't make it. How could my daughter, who was usually the smallest in her class make the Volleyball team?

Here she is at tryouts. Notice the height difference.

The day of the results a friend of mine, who was picking up the girls to take them home, called me and told me Cailey wanted to tell me the results in person. I thought this could be bad. Another hour went by, when finally I met Cailey as she was getting out of the car with mascara running down her cheeks. I immediately wrapped her in my arms and told her as long as she did the best she could that was all that mattered. She said I know and I made it!!!! Apparently, on her way to tell me she used her water bottle to make it look like she had been crying. I was so happy for her!

She made it!

Ready for the serve!

Her serve!

Her bump!

The rules of Volleyball have changed since I was a kid. No longer do you have to be the team serving to receive a point. They also have what they call a Libero, which is the position Cailey plays. The libero is a player specialized in defensive skills: the libero must wear a contrasting jersey color from his or her teammates and cannot block or attack the ball when it is entirely above net height (which is not a problem for Cailey because she is nowhere close to being able to reach the top of the net). The libero is, generally, the most skilled defensive player on the team. When I talked to her coach, she said that Cailey is aggressive and not afraid of the ball, which is why she is a great Libero.

Making the Volleyball team has been a great experience for Cailey. She has learned to dedicate herself to something she committed to, she has learned to prioritize her time, and she has developed friendships along the way!!!