From Good to Great: Essential Mindset Shifts for Volleyball Success

Mia Thompson
Jun 9
4 min read

Hey Ballerz! Been a while!

Today I wanted to touch base on what separates a GOOD Player from a GREAT Player!

In the world of college volleyball, talent and athleticism can only take you so far. What truly separates the good players from the best isn’t always about stats or starting spots, it’s about mindset. It’s how you show up every day, how you treat your teammates, how you handle adversity, and how you carry yourself on and off the court. Whether you’re a starter or riding the bench, your mentality determines your impact and ultimately your growth.

Discipline: The Foundation of Greatness!

Let’s start with discipline. A good player shows up on time, follows directions, and puts in work when it’s required. But the best players? They live for the grind. They go the extra mile on their own time, getting reps in after practice, watching film, refining their nutrition, improving their mental game, and treating recovery as seriously as training. It’s not just about meeting the team standard; it’s about setting a new one.

Best players hold themselves accountable, even when no one’s watching. They don’t need a coach to remind them to hustle or stay locked in. They’re consistent. Even on off-days, they show up focused and give what they have, because they know every rep matters, and excellence isn’t something you turn on and off.

Teammate Energy: Playing or Not, You Matter!

Let’s be real, every athlete wants to play. But not everyone gets equal minutes, especially at the collegiate or competitive club level. The difference between a good player and a great one? How they handle the role they’re given.

A good player might stay positive when they’re in the rotation but grow quiet or withdrawn when they’re not. The best players, though, stay locked in whether they’re on the floor or on the bench. They celebrate every point, keep teammates hyped, and stay ready to go when their name is called. They don’t sulk, they support!

And here’s the thing: Coaches see that. Teammates feel that. Great players understand that team chemistry doesn’t start and stop with playing time. Energy is contagious, and the bench can be just as impactful as the court. The best players realize their voice matters, their attitude matters, and their presence matters... always!

Communication: Respectful, Real, and Necessary

Talking to your coach or any adult on your team, whether it’s about your role, playing time, or development, can feel intimidating. But it’s necessary. Great players don’t stay silent and stew; they learn to advocate for themselves appropriately and respectfully.

Here’s how: Ask for a meeting instead of cornering a coach post-practice. Approach the conversation with curiosity, not accusation. Instead of saying, “Why am I not playing?” try, “What can I do better to earn more playing time?” or “What areas should I focus on to help the team more?”

Coaches respect players who are open, honest, and coachable. The best players take feedback and actually apply it. They don’t just listen for compliments; they listen for what they can fix. They understand that hard conversations are part of growth, not a threat to their ego.

Emotional Maturity: Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind

The best players understand volleyball is a team sport, but it’s also a journey of personal development. They don’t make decisions based purely on emotion. They’re able to zoom out, look at the big picture, and respond instead of reacting.

That means keeping your composure during frustrating matches. It means staying locked in when a call doesn’t go your way. It means understanding that roles change, rotations shift, and setbacks are part of the sport, not personal attacks.

Good players might dwell on mistakes. The best ones? They adjust, recover, and move on quickly. They trust the process and keep investing in themselves, knowing the payoff doesn’t always come right away.

Leadership: It’s Not Just for Captains

You don’t need a title to be a leader. You lead by how you train. How you treat others. How you respond to challenges. The best players raise the standard for everyone, not just themselves.

They encourage younger players. They pick up teammates during tough drills. They hustle to shag balls, clean up gear, and stay engaged in film sessions. They do the little things, consistently, because they know excellence is built in the small moments.

My Final Thoughts:

A good player is talented, works hard, and shows up when expected.

The best players go deeper. They’re disciplined even when no one’s watching. They support their team no matter their role. They communicate maturely. They lead by example. And they do it all with humility, hunger, and heart.

If you want to rise from good to great, it starts with mindset. Not just how you play, cbut how you think, how you act, and how you respond. Because at the end of the day, being the best isn’t about being better than someone else, it’s about being better than you were yesterday!