Rising Above: How I Overcame Adversity to Achieve Success as a Student-Athlete

When I first walked onto the volleyball court as a freshman in college, it felt like a miracle. Just a year prior, I had been lying in a hospital bed with a broken leg, wondering if my dream of playing college volleyball would ever come true. That injury, which occurred during my senior year of high school, was one of the many challenges I faced on my journey. But despite the obstacles, I didn’t give up—and I’m grateful for where those hardships have led me today.

Volleyball has been a central part of my life for as long as I can remember. The court was my sanctuary, the place where I could push myself, improve my skills, and feel a sense of accomplishment. In high school, I was a standout player, on track to earn a scholarship and continue playing in college. But during a routine game, everything changed. I leaped up to block a spike and landed wrong. The sharp pain was immediate, and I knew something was wrong. It turned out to be a broken leg—a devastating injury for any athlete, but especially for one in their senior year with college on the horizon.

The months that followed were tough. Rehabilitation was grueling, and I worried constantly that my chance to play in college was slipping away. On top of that, I experienced a loss that rocked my world: the death of a close relative who had been one of my biggest supporters. This person was always in the stands cheering me on, and their sudden absence left a void that was hard to fill. It felt like everything was falling apart at once.

While I was working through these losses, something even more difficult happened. A close friend of mine, who had been struggling with mental health for a while, took their own life. That loss hit me harder than anything I had ever experienced before. The weight of the grief, combined with my recovery from injury, left me feeling lost and unsure if I could ever return to the sport I loved.

There were days when I didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone think about playing volleyball again. But I knew I had two choices: I could let these experiences define me and stop me from moving forward, or I could find a way to honor my loved ones and keep pushing forward. I chose the latter.

I threw myself into rehab with a renewed determination. My family, coaches, and teammates supported me every step of the way. When I finally got back on the court, it wasn’t easy. I wasn’t the same player I had been before the injury, and I had to rebuild not just my physical strength but also my confidence. But I refused to give up, and by the time my freshman year of college rolled around, I was ready.

Playing volleyball in college wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a testament to my perseverance. I faced tough competition, demanding schedules, and moments of doubt, but I learned to take things one day at a time. Each game felt like a gift—an opportunity that I almost lost but fought to reclaim. I became more than just a volleyball player; I grew into a stronger, more resilient person.

Off the court, I focused on my academics, pursuing a degree in marketing. The discipline and teamwork I learned through volleyball helped me excel in the classroom. As I approached graduation, I began to think about what would come next. My time as a student-athlete taught me that I could overcome anything, but I still felt uncertain about entering the professional world.

That’s when I found BluChip, a platform dedicated to helping student-athletes transition from sports into their careers. BluChip gave me the guidance I needed to translate the skills I had learned through volleyball—leadership, time management, and perseverance—into qualities that employers are looking for. Through BluChip, I’ve been able to connect with several companies in the marketing field, and I’m currently interviewing with some amazing organizations. It’s an exciting time, and while it’s a little nerve-wracking to think about life after volleyball, I know I’m prepared.

Looking back, I can’t believe how far I’ve come. From lying in that hospital bed, thinking my athletic career was over, to preparing for a career in marketing, I’ve overcome more than I ever thought possible. The losses I’ve experienced have shaped me, but they haven’t defined me. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.

To anyone who’s going through their own challenges, whether it’s injury, grief, or mental health struggles, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel lost. It’s okay to struggle. But it’s also possible to find your way back. If I’ve learned anything, it’s that we’re stronger than we think. And with the right support, you can rise above even the toughest obstacles.