I have been a part of the ISSEA Volleyball team since I was in the 10th grade. Personally, I think it is the best thing that ISK has to offer. Not only do we get to learn about our geographical neighbors and their own unique culture, we get to make new friends and establish connections from almost all over the world. Participating in ISSEA also teaches you how to deal with extreme stress, how to pick yourself up after a mistake, and how to believe in yourself, even if everyone around you, may not be.
Our team was composed of a lot of new players, which had positive and negative repercussions. I remember my first ISSEA well, I was petrified. My hands shaking and knees wobbling at the net, I was a bit of a mess; but, all that goes away when you first touch the ball. That first hit, dig, serve, or set, whatever it may be, is like a sudden river of calm in your mind. You think to yourself "Oh right, I know how to play this." I was especially happy to see all of the friends I have made over my last 2 ISSEA's , from IST and ICS in particular. It was extremely emotional at the end, because ISSEA has been such a strong part of my high school experience, it coming to an end has only made me realize that soon, everything will be a memory.
I was/still am extremely proud of our team. We got in 3rd place, and although this is no improvement from last year, we played extremely well. Every team told us that we were their biggest competition, and the teams that beat us considered themselves to be lucky. When we noticed we were struggling, we picked ourselves back up, and we always supported each other. I think I am the most proud that every single one of us put 150% into the game when we were out there, we wanted to succeed for our coach, fellow players, and of course ourselves. We had so many moments of greatness, and of course moments of not so greatness, but at the end of the day, I am so happy. I was lucky enough to be picked as an all tournament player, a honor that I have always wanted to receive, and I am extremely touched my team and coach think of me as that kind of player. I had such a great time at ISSEA, I think I'm going to try out for ISSEA basketball; ISSEA should really be a week long, it went by so fast and it such an intense experience, 8 games in 3 days. ISSEA has made me a more cultured, stronger, and overall better player and person.
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