Waverly Makes 7th Grade Volleyball and XC Teams

One of the things that I've repeatedly told Waverly as we've run and have done other things is that those people that work hard, listen, give it their all and do what the coach asks you to do usually get opportunities that others don't even though they might not be the most talented athlete.

Waverly entered the school year wanting to try out for volleyball and basketball with no guarantee, obviously, that she would make either because she doesn't play either sport on a regular basis. And, granted, certainly not to diminish her achievement in any way, shape or form, but the very best in both of these sports play club volleyball and AAU or select basketball.

And that's perfectly OK, and I'm sure that some of these kids still also play middle school volleyball as well to play with their friends ... but even if they do, it still gives opportunities to more kids to experience the benefits of participating in athletics.

Last week, Waverly went through three days of 2-hour practices (from Tuesday to Thursday) and at the end of Thursday's practice, made the first cut down to 33 girls - for 22 spots on the two (2) teams. They had them come out Friday and then again yesterday, but still hadn't made a decision.

Waverly said that the coaches indicated that their level of play had improved and made their selection process a bit more difficult.

Well, I got the call this afternoon while I am here at work in Pasadena, California that she made the volleyball team -- and her first game is Wednesday afternoon next week!

You can't even imagine how proud I am of her about right now!

When I talked to her last night, I was concerned that with having the practices extended out that her trying out for the cross country team this morning (from 7 to 8 a.m.) might take away from her last practice to make the volleyball team ... but I left that decision up to her.

She still went to the cross country tryout and good for her that she did! And this is kind of sad, but there were only eight (8) young men and women who came out to fill teams in both grades.

There were five (5) eighth grade girls, two (2) seventh grade boys and Waverly - the 7th grade girls cross country team! She said they ran two miles and that she only walked a little bit as she's in the process of getting some new orthotics for her shoes. Without these she's getting a little knee pain and that's what she was experiencing today.

She said that there's a meet at one of the Klein middle schools and another out-of-town meet in Brenham. I told her that if they run it at Brenham State School that she isn't going to like it!