Gratitude for Volleyball: How College Athletics Transformed My Life

Mia Thompson
May 13
3 min read

Hey Ballerz! Welcome back!

Guys... you know I LOVE volleyball. I want to take todays blog to talk about the benefits of college athletics, specifically volleyball! Let's get into it!

Playing college volleyball has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, not just because of the wins, the travel, or the memories on the court, but because of how much it has shaped me physically, emotionally, and mentally. When people ask why I’ve devoted so much time and energy to this sport, the answer goes far beyond my love of volleyball. It’s about how this journey has helped me grow as a person in every area of my life.

I’ve played middle since high school, and my college journey started at a junior college in Arizona, Eastern Arizona College, where I spent my freshman and sophomore years. It was there that I first experienced what it truly meant to be a student-athlete. I learned how to manage my time, how to push through mental blocks, and how to balance the pressures of school and sports. After JUCO, I transferred to Minot State University, a division II school, for my junior and senior years. The transition challenged me in new ways, but it also helped me reach a level I never thought possible, on and off the court.

Physical Benefits: Becoming Stronger and Smarter

Being a college middle isn’t easy, it takes explosive power, speed, and quick reactions. But more than that, it takes discipline. Through two different programs, I’ve experienced a range of training styles that have pushed me physically and made me a smarter athlete. I've learned how to fuel my body properly, prioritize recovery, and recognize what my body needs to perform at its best.

College volleyball has kept me in top physical condition, but even more importantly, it’s taught me how to take care of myself. These are lessons I’ll carry with me long after my playing days are over.

Emotional Benefits: A Built-In Support System

Emotionally, volleyball has given me more than I ever imagined. At Eastern Arizona, I found a second family in my teammates. We were far from home, figuring out life and college together, and that bond was something special. At Minot State, I was welcomed into a whole new team and culture. That experience taught me how to adapt, how to connect with new people quickly, and how to lead by example as an upperclassman.

Being a student-athlete can be emotionally intense, especially during rough games or hard practices, but the support system you gain is unmatched. You go through so much together, and those shared experiences create lifelong friendships.

Eastern Arizona College Volleyball Team 2022-2023

Mental Benefits: Discipline, Focus, and Confidence

One of the biggest things I’ve gained from college volleyball is mental toughness. Juggling classes, practices, travel, and a social life takes serious organization and grit. Especially when transferring schools, I had to adapt fast, academically, athletically, and socially. But through all of that, I built confidence in myself.

Volleyball has taught me how to handle pressure, how to lead, and how to stay grounded. Whether it’s showing up to early lifts or bouncing back after a tough loss, I’ve learned to keep going even when things are hard. That mindset will stick with me in everything I do.

Why I’m Thankful

I’m thankful for volleyball because it gave me a purpose, a path, and a family...twice. From my JUCO beginnings at Eastern Arizona to competing at Minot State, I’ve grown in every way imaginable. I’ve gained discipline, resilience, leadership skills, and so many memories I’ll never forget.

Volleyball has been more than a sport for me. It’s been a teacher, a motivator, and a huge part of my identity. College athletics has shaped me into someone I’m proud to be, and for that, I’ll always be thankful.

If you're considering college sports, know this: it’s not just about the games. It’s about the growth. And if you give it your all, it will give back even more.

Minot State University Volleyball- Media Day

So What?

At the end of the day, college volleyball is about so much more than the sport itself. It’s about learning who you are when things get tough, who you can count on, and how far you’re willing to push yourself to grow. My journey, from Eastern Arizona College to Minot State University, taught me life lessons I couldn’t have learned in a classroom. I’m walking away with more than just stats or wins, I’m leaving with resilience, confidence, lifelong friendships, and a version of myself I’m truly proud of. That’s the real gift of college athletics, and that’s why I’ll always be thankful I chose this path.