Volleyball players share words of wisdom

By Jyaveion Green

Reporter/Photographer

CMHS Volleyball player Dariyon Mickens stays ready right before a big game.

“Be confident, be ready for the next point,” said senior Dariyon Mickens.

Last year, one of the main players got hurt, and she had to step up and take the initiative. She has been player of the match twice recently for back-to-back games. Her biggest supporters are her family. Dariyon puts a lot into volleyball. If she’s not at practice, there’s a game she is at. She is getting home late, giving her minimum time to do homework and other tasks that need to be completed, but what you put in is what you get out.

Dariyon started playing volleyball in middle school. She prays before every game to get herself ready. Her love for the game has grown a lot as the game picks up at a faster pace every year. Club/ AAU ball is a totally different ball game, especially when playing at the next level. Dariyon’s favorite volleyball player is Alana Walker. She is a middle hitter and gets a lot of kills.

”Remember to have fun and not get in your head,” said Sukiya Jones.

In middle school, Sukiya wasn’t selected for the volleyball team, which motivated her to get in the gym and improve. Now, she has been thriving and is ranked in the top 10 in the conference for multiple categories.

Sukiya lets mistakes go and focuses on the next play. She dislikes dwelling on the past because it messes up her game and chance to get the next point. Sukiya remembers to have fun and not to get in her head during the game.

To beginners starting out with volleyball, she said,” It might seem hard at first, but it’s fun; work to be as good as the next or better.” She has been playing for three years.

While fighting for the next point, volleyball players come across obstacles.

“Look to your coach for advice,” said Alexandria Wright.

She has tunnel vision, looking to the coach or teammates for guidance and blocking out the crowd’s reaction. Before the game, she likes to get food and listen to music. Alexandria has been playing since 7th grade. Her biggest supporters are her parents and her coach. She advises beginners that it will not be easy, but do not give up.