High school and volleyball?

Question

Here's the deal. Volleyball is my favorite sport, and I am going into high school next year. I played on my school's "varsity"(was a smaller private school- grades 8-12 could try out) team last year. I was a starter- I played outside/sometimes power hitter. Well, I am going into a special program in my high school(all AP classes), and am contemplating on whether or not to try out for JV ball. Academics are the #1 priority for me- My GPA has been a 4.0 for 8 years and I am not planning on letting that change. I remember that I couldn't wait for last volleyball season to be over, due to the fact that our coach was the most hated and feared woman in school. Opinions? I know I can handle the AP classes. But would all AP's and freshman or JV volleyball be too much? How strict are practices? (My coach last season made us come to practice on SATURDAYS!) I can manage my time well, but I like to have some time to myself. Thanks, and sorry for the long and out of order question!

Answer 1

you can do both!

its good to do a sport you love

school can be stressful and its good

to have something for yourself

although time to yourself will be very

little, I think you will feel good about

your accomplishments after high

school

Answer 2

I'm taking all AP's next year as well and plan on being on the JV volleyball team rather than the varsity. The JV should be less demanding but will still require practice time, as you already know. Also, since you have been on the varsity team for a while you won't need any extra help like a lot of the other JV girls so you'll probably have less stress on the JV team. If you think that you'll need to miss some games or practices because of studying or homework you should probably choose another position (your position was impressive though!). But it is good that people like you and I put academics first! Also, if you need to remind your coach of what is more important, I wouldn't think twice about saying something to her.

Answer 3

I played high school volleyball for four years, and found that it didn't interfere with school at all. It actually made me do better in school because I had to budget my time. I love volleyball and now play for college, so I think it is definitely worth it to play in high school. Also, it looks good on applications for college. If you are good enough (and it sounds like you might be), it can also open up scholarship opportunities.

So, I definitely think you should give it a try, if you don't like it, you can always quit or play club ball. Good luck, I hope this helped!

Answer 4

It really depends on your school and the coaches.  Some programs have long practices and will practice 6 days a week.  Some programs will have shorter practices and only practice 5 days a week.  

It really sound to me that you have already decided that you are not going to play.  Your question about the strictness of practices and Saturday practices makes me "feel" like you have already decided on not playing.  I have been wrong before, but that is my feeling.  If you are going to commit to playing volleyball, you need to commit.  You are making a commitment to a team full of players and coaches and will be representing your school.  You need to commit to that as well.  If you decide that you need to study one day rather than go to practice, you should probably not commit to volleyball. Congratulations on your commitment to studying.  You either need to make that level of commitment to volleyball or not commit at all.  Too many people today commit only if it is convenient for them.  

Most colleges look for a well rounded person.  They do not want a person that just has good grades.  You need to do other outside activities like volleyball.  Or the math club or some other activity.  If you do not play volleyball, please look for another activity to help you get into the college of your choice.  With your grades, every college will look at you.  However, they may not want you if you do not have any other activity.  

Good luck.

Answer 5

I play volleyball, and take courses in the Cambridge program at my school, and I'm in highschool.  It might be overwhelming at first, but as long as you prioritize you can do it.

Answer 6

I think that  if you organize yourself youll be fine. I think that the practicing depends on the coach!!! I really think you should try out becasue if u make it and you play a sport in high school colleges will like that. That shows that you are a well rounded person that you dont jsut focus on academics but sports too

Answer 7

Please read on as I got you some insider information, and probably a resolution.

So "here is the deal"... go to the tryout, and get to know your new coach. There is a strong chance that you will love your new JV coach, and you could be in varsity next year or the following year. All coaches are different, so don't let "the most hated and feared woman" stop you from pursuing your "favorite sport".

If you are getting into a public school from a private school, it should be really easy for you to get bored by those routine tasks/homework, and the only thing (at least for me) that could be a little more exciting would be volleyball practice and tournaments. You should still be able to get 4.0 and even higher GPA when AP classes are offered.

When you are on a school's team, you don't have to go to PE, which should justify your time spent with your team.

You will be more popular!!

As a secret here, which I learned from other parents, you can get excused from time to time if you don't want to go to a certain practice or even tournaments. Just turn to your parents for help with "too much homework" or "tests next week" as your reasoning (Gordon, please forgive for saying this, but I have seen so many kids dealing with this because they have to get good grade in school). If they could support your idea of quitting volleyball now, they should support you to get always for a few games or practice.

Volleyball is NOT "everything" for everyone, and you sure should have your own priority. As long as you are still in volleyball, and commit to the team when it needs you "the most" (like conference finals), and you are keeping academic study instead of video game on top of your priority list, I would be on your side :)

...sorry for the long and out of order answer :))