With fall sports halfway through their seasons, the Bellefonte volleyball team continues to grow and improve.

One thing that the three volleyball seniors are improving on is mental health. They all agree that maintaining a positive attitude throughout the ups and downs helps improve their mental health and skills on the court.

 “I love volleyball because it gives me something to clear my mind and something to look forward to when my day is over,” Sadie Ripka, a defensive specialist, said.

When balancing school and a sport may be hard on your mental health, having something to look forward to like sports is a good way to deal with mental health.

“I balance volleyball and my school work by always putting school as a number one priority. I know if I have bad grades I won’t be able to play so I use that determination to keep up on everything,” Sadie said.

Being a student-athlete means being a student first. Being eligible for a sport means that school needs to come first. It is good to always maintain a positive attitude even when things aren’t going your way.

“One struggle that I have with volleyball is the strain it can put on me mentally, as well as how it can be a mental game more than a physical one,” Emma Haagen, a middle blocker, said. 

Being stressed on or off the court is tough, but can be dealt with. Even though athletes tend to get in their heads after a mistake it is important to learn something from your mistake.

Having people by your side to pick you up can make you feel good about yourself. Teammates are there to help and encourage you.

Sports can also impact your life. You can have a week’s schedule based on practice or games.

“Volleyball impacts how I manage everything. It has also created great friendships,”  Taryn Miller, a middle blocker and opposite hitter, said. 

It’s important to focus on your strengths off the court too. It is one of Emma’s main goals this season. Emma has been playing volleyball for four years and is ready to be on the court surrounded by friends.

Taryn agrees that volleyball has made her great friends. She says her friendships have impacted her life, and Sadie loves making memories with the team, like sweeping Central Mountain and going to Ice Shack afterward to celebrate. 

Each of these girls has experienced being on the volleyball team for four years. Being a part of a team has impacted their lives mentally and physically. It has brought them joy and friendships they will have for a long time. 

Volleyball gives these girls multiple forms of motivation. It allows them to focus on school work, prioritize self-care, and have something to look forward to and set goals for. Volleyball is not only a sport but a sanctuary for them.