Senior Volleyball 2013-2014
Although volleyball is something that I have not experienced before in my life, this is something new as well as something challenging. It requires hand-eye coordination and agility. I have no idea how it will turn out. However, since I am new to SSIS, I shall demonstrate my potential ability to improve and strive for greatness. I am looking forward to play and even compete with other school teams if possible. Hopefully, I will stay healthy. I am just looking forward to see new friends and I am honored to be a party of SSIS Varsity volleyball team.
Currently, I really need to focus on my spiking skill and receiving skills because I am still afraid of contacting a volleyball with my fingers. But, I am confident that I would get rid of my inner fear by simply playing more and getting better each practice. Our team will practice 3 times a week and each practice will take probably about 2 hours. There are currently 5 seniors who have been playing volleyball for more than 3 years. I am just lucky to join and play with them together and learn what volleyball is and how to excel in this sport. I just can't wait what's coming next!!!
Currently, I really need to focus on my spiking skill and receiving skills because I am still afraid of contacting a volleyball with my fingers. But, I am confident that I would get rid of my inner fear by simply playing more and getting better each practice. Our team will practice 3 times a week and each practice will take probably about 2 hours. There are currently 5 seniors who have been playing volleyball for more than 3 years. I am just lucky to join and play with them together and learn what volleyball is and how to excel in this sport. I just can't wait what's coming next!!!
After deliberately practicing for one month, we fought with 4 other international schools in Ho Chi Minh City. The result proved that we have won all the games. I feel more confident in myself in terms of playing the game of volleyball because I know that I have improved. I also believe that correct practices lead to sucess. I am honored to be the starting 6 of Volleyball, and hopefully I will strive for greatness with a humble mind.
Although I sound really confident, I understand and clearly know my weakness. Therefore, I should maintain my excitement a bit low because I am not at the point where I would like to be. My senior friends, including Maui, Reuben, Karl, and others basically led the entire games. I would also like to a part of the leading members so that I can contribute for the team. If I were to specifically mention my weaknesses, I still talk self-confidence during the game. I have a hard time hitting and spiking a volleyball hard on the ground although I have the height. It's primarily due to the fact that I am afraid of making mistakes and losing points because of my mistake. I just need to come up a bit stronger and faster with a confident mindset that I can hit the ball and spike on the ground. It will be a bit tough to improve drastically in one month, but I would still try and keep hitting the ball as hard as can with control.
Well, going back to the initial topic, we, as a team, are really excited for having the 1st tournament championship this year. I feel lucky to be around with amazing and athletic volleyball players, whom I call, "Bros". We have about a month to go to MRSIA and I am really looking forward to perform and be able to contribute for the team. Again, I am just excited and willing to focus on volleyball more and more.
Although I sound really confident, I understand and clearly know my weakness. Therefore, I should maintain my excitement a bit low because I am not at the point where I would like to be. My senior friends, including Maui, Reuben, Karl, and others basically led the entire games. I would also like to a part of the leading members so that I can contribute for the team. If I were to specifically mention my weaknesses, I still talk self-confidence during the game. I have a hard time hitting and spiking a volleyball hard on the ground although I have the height. It's primarily due to the fact that I am afraid of making mistakes and losing points because of my mistake. I just need to come up a bit stronger and faster with a confident mindset that I can hit the ball and spike on the ground. It will be a bit tough to improve drastically in one month, but I would still try and keep hitting the ball as hard as can with control.
Well, going back to the initial topic, we, as a team, are really excited for having the 1st tournament championship this year. I feel lucky to be around with amazing and athletic volleyball players, whom I call, "Bros". We have about a month to go to MRSIA and I am really looking forward to perform and be able to contribute for the team. Again, I am just excited and willing to focus on volleyball more and more.
FINALLY!!!
After riding a bus for approximately 10 hours, we finally arrived at ISPP (International School in Phnom Penh) to participate in the MRISA volleyball tournament! Compared to Phu My Hung, a city where I live, this city seemed quite empty because there are not as many motorcycles and cars as in Vietnam
Currently, I am now sitting on my host's room after two days of hard and tough battles. I have decided to reflect on everything that I have gone through for the last 2 days of my journey.
To being with, for the last two days, I stayed in Tommy (Grade 11)'s house as he is my host. Instead of playing games at the school, we rather played games at a huge stadium where the tournament was taken place. When we enter the stadium ,there were three volleyball courts welcoming us. We began to feel a bit of excitement as well as pressure because last year's SSIS volleyball team had won the champion title. Therefore, people in my school expected us to win again and get the title. The moment we talked into the stadium, my heart began to pump vigorously and feeling like I just wanted to jump around just to clam myself down. I knew that the journey was going to happen and it would end up really well.
We fought hard and defended hard. Coach Mac encouraged everyone to spike as hard as possible to make us feel intense and confident. Compared to how I played games back then, I started to understand the mechanism of hitting a volleyball and began to jump higher than ever before. I just didn't know why I was just so hyped up. It's probably because of my excitement and willingness to win. Also, to be honest, I just hate losing because I always feel regretful for not giving all I could. I breathed the air in the stadium and began to calm myself down.
We won all other games as my senior friends stood up and led most of the games. Finally, it was the Championship game against ISPP. There were about a couple of hundreds of people cheering for ISPP. I felt something special within myself. I felt proud to become the part of the team because I was not only honoured to be in the stadium with so many people, but also I was thankful for representing Saigon South International School. We fought really hard... However, we began to choke as we could not receive serves from the other team. We gave too many easy points to them which could have been ours. I made mistakes and I began to feel embarrassed although I tried to act normal and focus on the game. Yet, I just played really bad. Eventually we lost to ISSP. As I mentioned earlier, I hate loosing as much as feeling embarrassed. However, if I were to take away something from the experience, I would say this. I have learned to accept failures. I understand that we got the 2nd place and it really sucks to be the 2nd because we have taken such a long journey to get there where we wanted to be. However, I also understand that I have one more year to go. Although all my awesome senior players will graduate by the time, I am willing to join the team one more year and get to the point where we wanted to be through playing.
It was really a valuable life experience for me. I have learned to challenge myself to something new and create a product. This is the reason why I just love sports because we can always improve as a team and as an individual.
I just would like to say that thank you Coach Mac. Also for all the last year of seniors. Thank you Seniors for encouraging me when I was down. Thank you everyone. Also, thank you my parents for allowing me to travel various places.
After riding a bus for approximately 10 hours, we finally arrived at ISPP (International School in Phnom Penh) to participate in the MRISA volleyball tournament! Compared to Phu My Hung, a city where I live, this city seemed quite empty because there are not as many motorcycles and cars as in Vietnam
Currently, I am now sitting on my host's room after two days of hard and tough battles. I have decided to reflect on everything that I have gone through for the last 2 days of my journey.
To being with, for the last two days, I stayed in Tommy (Grade 11)'s house as he is my host. Instead of playing games at the school, we rather played games at a huge stadium where the tournament was taken place. When we enter the stadium ,there were three volleyball courts welcoming us. We began to feel a bit of excitement as well as pressure because last year's SSIS volleyball team had won the champion title. Therefore, people in my school expected us to win again and get the title. The moment we talked into the stadium, my heart began to pump vigorously and feeling like I just wanted to jump around just to clam myself down. I knew that the journey was going to happen and it would end up really well.
We fought hard and defended hard. Coach Mac encouraged everyone to spike as hard as possible to make us feel intense and confident. Compared to how I played games back then, I started to understand the mechanism of hitting a volleyball and began to jump higher than ever before. I just didn't know why I was just so hyped up. It's probably because of my excitement and willingness to win. Also, to be honest, I just hate losing because I always feel regretful for not giving all I could. I breathed the air in the stadium and began to calm myself down.
We won all other games as my senior friends stood up and led most of the games. Finally, it was the Championship game against ISPP. There were about a couple of hundreds of people cheering for ISPP. I felt something special within myself. I felt proud to become the part of the team because I was not only honoured to be in the stadium with so many people, but also I was thankful for representing Saigon South International School. We fought really hard... However, we began to choke as we could not receive serves from the other team. We gave too many easy points to them which could have been ours. I made mistakes and I began to feel embarrassed although I tried to act normal and focus on the game. Yet, I just played really bad. Eventually we lost to ISSP. As I mentioned earlier, I hate loosing as much as feeling embarrassed. However, if I were to take away something from the experience, I would say this. I have learned to accept failures. I understand that we got the 2nd place and it really sucks to be the 2nd because we have taken such a long journey to get there where we wanted to be. However, I also understand that I have one more year to go. Although all my awesome senior players will graduate by the time, I am willing to join the team one more year and get to the point where we wanted to be through playing.
It was really a valuable life experience for me. I have learned to challenge myself to something new and create a product. This is the reason why I just love sports because we can always improve as a team and as an individual.
I just would like to say that thank you Coach Mac. Also for all the last year of seniors. Thank you Seniors for encouraging me when I was down. Thank you everyone. Also, thank you my parents for allowing me to travel various places.
Senior Volleyball 2014-2015
This is my second year playing volleyball at SSIS. Our team has totally changed because 7 seniors have graduated and only 3 players have joined volleyball last year. Since it is a new team, it was really tough in terms of building chemistry together and building personal relationship each other. In the beginning, I felt I really wanted to quit because our team kept losing to many schools that we easily could deal with last year. I was immature that I didn't see we could bring a tremendous improvement over the course of hard work together.
At one point, I just could't take the fact that the team level is much weaker than that of the last year. I just saw no hope in the team. I just decided to quit the team so that I could focus on my studies. However, it was one day I talked to my friend, Ben. He told me and encouraged me that I shall not quit the team because the teammates really need me and depend on me. He also reminded me that quitting is for a loser. After I heard what he said, my heart began to pump as I being to feel embarrassed for such a though in my mind. I felt selfish and arrogant to my team for thinking of leaving the team.
Since then, my attitude towards this year's volleyball team has changed. I began to change my perspective from being hopeless to hopeful. Although tough, I realised that the team needs one person to stand up and lead the group. The person could be anyone in the team. I began to find ways which I could really bring the team together.
With our new awesome coach, whose name is Mr.Sylbester, our team began to evolve into a completely a new team. He played volleyball during in his university and apparently he knew the game of volleyball. He understood that our team needed a clear setter who would pass a nice and high ball for spikier. The coach chose, Mizuki, who played last year with me. He began to learn how to set and play really good defence. I understood that we must have really good chemistry together so that we can pass and spike a volleyball in games. In order to achieve that level of chemistry, bond, and trust, we begin to share time together not only during the volleyball practices but also in other areas such as fitness room, restaurants, and classrooms.
It was about a few weeks later. We begin to see a bright future. We could pass and spike. We had the ability to communicate even without saying words but with eye contacts. Of course there are times when we made mistakes and led to points off but most of the time we could really excel and perform well not only during practices but also during games.
As we spend more time together, I felt like we are one step closer to the championship games and even winning some games in the future.
At one point, I just could't take the fact that the team level is much weaker than that of the last year. I just saw no hope in the team. I just decided to quit the team so that I could focus on my studies. However, it was one day I talked to my friend, Ben. He told me and encouraged me that I shall not quit the team because the teammates really need me and depend on me. He also reminded me that quitting is for a loser. After I heard what he said, my heart began to pump as I being to feel embarrassed for such a though in my mind. I felt selfish and arrogant to my team for thinking of leaving the team.
Since then, my attitude towards this year's volleyball team has changed. I began to change my perspective from being hopeless to hopeful. Although tough, I realised that the team needs one person to stand up and lead the group. The person could be anyone in the team. I began to find ways which I could really bring the team together.
With our new awesome coach, whose name is Mr.Sylbester, our team began to evolve into a completely a new team. He played volleyball during in his university and apparently he knew the game of volleyball. He understood that our team needed a clear setter who would pass a nice and high ball for spikier. The coach chose, Mizuki, who played last year with me. He began to learn how to set and play really good defence. I understood that we must have really good chemistry together so that we can pass and spike a volleyball in games. In order to achieve that level of chemistry, bond, and trust, we begin to share time together not only during the volleyball practices but also in other areas such as fitness room, restaurants, and classrooms.
It was about a few weeks later. We begin to see a bright future. We could pass and spike. We had the ability to communicate even without saying words but with eye contacts. Of course there are times when we made mistakes and led to points off but most of the time we could really excel and perform well not only during practices but also during games.
As we spend more time together, I felt like we are one step closer to the championship games and even winning some games in the future.
Oct30 - Nov2
MRISA!!!
A.K.A. Mekong river International School Association Here we come!
Finally, the time has come. We bros have spend more than 40 hours together hitting, setting, and blocking thousands of volleyballs to get to the point where we want to be.
After an hour flight, we finally have arrived in United Nations International School in Hanoi to compete with seven other international schools. The feeling of entering the gym was different from the last year's. I felt extremely calm and relaxed for no reason. I think it's probably because of my thought that I can now really spike volleyballs really hard and I am the main spiker and a leading player in the team. Apparently, it was different of me compared to last year. I have become a much better player and confident player who must stand up and lead the team for wins. The reason I could improve was due to the fact that I had one thought in my mind. It was, "What's next"?. Yes, I make numerous mistakes and even those are critical to the winning. However, I kept saying, "What's next?", "What can I do now?". These reminders allowed me to broaden my perspective and think about the future. What I mean by the future is that the ability to see what I can do now for the team and forgetting about the mistake.
In the gym, where about hundreds of people were sitting, the SSIS Volleyball team played hard through every match. It was the semi final game against ISPP, a team which we lost last year. I felt a great urge to destroy the other team because I just did not want to lose again. However, we lost again. We fought during the game due to miscommunication. We argued and we complained, and shouted against our teammates. We discouraged each other by saying such phrases such as, "Get your mind right", "Focus", and other hurtful phrases to the teammates. After the game, our coach led a conversation and wanted us to talk while we gathered up in a circle. He asked a question, "What is one lesson you can take away from this experience?". I volunteered said that I think we always played the best when we encourage each other, rather than pointing mistakes of others. Of course teammates know their mistakes without having us to say how they made mistakes. Then, I realised that the principle not only applies in the game of volleyball, but also in our lives whether it's a relationship between friends, teachers, and family and so on. I have learned to building a chemistry and tight bond requires endless encouragement as well as compliments so that we can build confidence of others.
Having the mindset of encouraging teammates and support each other, we played really well against HIS in the 3rd and 4th place match. Throughout the game, Ben, our captain, and Mizuki, our setter, all began to communicate and encouraged in spite of making mistakes. We played like a team. We rocked and played the ball really hard. Fortunately, we got the 3rd place overall. Although not so satisfied, I am really happy and proud for my team for the fact that we started off from the ground and now here we are winning games and enjoying the moment of having a team together.
MRISA!!!
A.K.A. Mekong river International School Association Here we come!
Finally, the time has come. We bros have spend more than 40 hours together hitting, setting, and blocking thousands of volleyballs to get to the point where we want to be.
After an hour flight, we finally have arrived in United Nations International School in Hanoi to compete with seven other international schools. The feeling of entering the gym was different from the last year's. I felt extremely calm and relaxed for no reason. I think it's probably because of my thought that I can now really spike volleyballs really hard and I am the main spiker and a leading player in the team. Apparently, it was different of me compared to last year. I have become a much better player and confident player who must stand up and lead the team for wins. The reason I could improve was due to the fact that I had one thought in my mind. It was, "What's next"?. Yes, I make numerous mistakes and even those are critical to the winning. However, I kept saying, "What's next?", "What can I do now?". These reminders allowed me to broaden my perspective and think about the future. What I mean by the future is that the ability to see what I can do now for the team and forgetting about the mistake.
In the gym, where about hundreds of people were sitting, the SSIS Volleyball team played hard through every match. It was the semi final game against ISPP, a team which we lost last year. I felt a great urge to destroy the other team because I just did not want to lose again. However, we lost again. We fought during the game due to miscommunication. We argued and we complained, and shouted against our teammates. We discouraged each other by saying such phrases such as, "Get your mind right", "Focus", and other hurtful phrases to the teammates. After the game, our coach led a conversation and wanted us to talk while we gathered up in a circle. He asked a question, "What is one lesson you can take away from this experience?". I volunteered said that I think we always played the best when we encourage each other, rather than pointing mistakes of others. Of course teammates know their mistakes without having us to say how they made mistakes. Then, I realised that the principle not only applies in the game of volleyball, but also in our lives whether it's a relationship between friends, teachers, and family and so on. I have learned to building a chemistry and tight bond requires endless encouragement as well as compliments so that we can build confidence of others.
Having the mindset of encouraging teammates and support each other, we played really well against HIS in the 3rd and 4th place match. Throughout the game, Ben, our captain, and Mizuki, our setter, all began to communicate and encouraged in spite of making mistakes. We played like a team. We rocked and played the ball really hard. Fortunately, we got the 3rd place overall. Although not so satisfied, I am really happy and proud for my team for the fact that we started off from the ground and now here we are winning games and enjoying the moment of having a team together.
During the award ceremony, I was selected as an "All Tournament Team" as I was appointed by my Coach. Well, I was not that happy because our team could not receive the outcome which we wanted. Not only that, I did not want to be the only one who is recognized because volleyball is a team sport of all 10 members. On the other hand, I felt really honored and thankful for my teammates and my Coach supporting each other. It was the best MRISA trip ever and I will remember... really much.
I can't express much how much I love my teammates and the team. We have such a tight and great bond together which can't be broken no matter what. Hey, bros, and Coach, thank you so much for making me who I am today.
I can't express much how much I love my teammates and the team. We have such a tight and great bond together which can't be broken no matter what. Hey, bros, and Coach, thank you so much for making me who I am today.
Self-Reflection
Q1. Would you propose this project to your fellow students as a valuable CAS experience? Why or why not?
To be honest, I would definitely ask all my friends to join Volleyball even if they feel incapable of doing it. I mean, giving a shot and trying is what really matters. If you make into the team, that is just awesome and good for you! Playing volleyball is definitely something we can always draw something upon. To give some examples, we can learn to respect calls from referees, collaborate with your teammates and communicate what kinds of sets you want, and winning as well. Your body will not only get fitter but also you can jump higher than ever before for those you are interested. You will make the most memorable trip to various countries and places in Ho Chi Minh City to compete with other schools and meeting new friends is also just another fun part of joining the team. Therefore, I would strongly recommend all of you to join!
Q2. How does this project fit into the “Spirit of CAS?”
Participating in sports activity fits into the “Action” category. Action activities are primarily physical and involve “challenge by demanding endurance” and coordination. Playing volleyball mainly fits into this category because it requires a certain ability to join the team. The abilities include:
All these followings present new challenges for me as a new player, and sometimes these are risk taking because when I spike or dig, every point is depended on me including coches, crowd, and players. Whether to get a point or to lose a point is all by myself, so it requires confidence. In games, there are times when opinions and arguments occur due to lack of communication. In this case, an effective communication to solve the problem between teammates is the key to settle down and to focus on the game of volleyball.
To be honest, I would definitely ask all my friends to join Volleyball even if they feel incapable of doing it. I mean, giving a shot and trying is what really matters. If you make into the team, that is just awesome and good for you! Playing volleyball is definitely something we can always draw something upon. To give some examples, we can learn to respect calls from referees, collaborate with your teammates and communicate what kinds of sets you want, and winning as well. Your body will not only get fitter but also you can jump higher than ever before for those you are interested. You will make the most memorable trip to various countries and places in Ho Chi Minh City to compete with other schools and meeting new friends is also just another fun part of joining the team. Therefore, I would strongly recommend all of you to join!
Q2. How does this project fit into the “Spirit of CAS?”
Participating in sports activity fits into the “Action” category. Action activities are primarily physical and involve “challenge by demanding endurance” and coordination. Playing volleyball mainly fits into this category because it requires a certain ability to join the team. The abilities include:
- high vertical for spiking as a middle hitter
- endurance for jumping constantly in games for blocking
- explosiveness for change in direction to put the ball in the air
- sophisticated digging and creating a perfect arc for other teammates
All these followings present new challenges for me as a new player, and sometimes these are risk taking because when I spike or dig, every point is depended on me including coches, crowd, and players. Whether to get a point or to lose a point is all by myself, so it requires confidence. In games, there are times when opinions and arguments occur due to lack of communication. In this case, an effective communication to solve the problem between teammates is the key to settle down and to focus on the game of volleyball.