by Hannah Spain
Coach and English teacher Christine Suders introduced journaling to the girls varsity volleyball team this season. She said it is a way for students to write things down and hold themselves accountable for their actions.
“The players keep a journal where they reflect on their own skills and make goals for themselves and for the team.” Coach Suders said. “The journals help them learn the mental part of the game because a lot of the players have only been playing for one or two years, so this is to help them strengthen their mental knowledge.”
According to players, the journals have helped to unify the team in a variety of ways.
“In the beginning it got us to know each other really well and very fast to become comfortable with each other,” sophomore setter Deonna Logan said. “Also, it lets everybody know where you think the team stands or how you feel towards each other, so we’ve actually improved a lot because of it.”
Senior captain and outside hitter Meghan Grainer says that journaling builds team spirit and helps her teammates get to know each other during practice time.
“When we do a journal at practice, we’re all in a big circle and we’re all talking to each other. It’s almost like a bonding activity for us,” Meghan said.
The players also use the journals to evaluate the team.
“The journals really help us to see where we are as a team, and also to connect better, and to become closer,” Deonna said.
“They help me reflect on the games and see what I did wrong and see how to better myself for the next game,” sophomore weakside hitter Cierra Brooks said.
Coach Suders said that journaling aids her communication with players.
“It’s been a good way for me to communicate with every player because I write back to them,” Coach Suders said. “So if they reflect on some things that they think they are doing well or things they need to improve on, I can give them that in writing, and that way they can have it permanently so they can always go back and look at it.”
Recent Comments