Locker Room Talk

I compare myself to other players all the time. Whether it’s a teammate getting more playing time, someone making big plays during games, or even watching highlight reels on social media, it’s easy to start questioning myself. I’ll catch myself thinking, Why am I not like them? Why can’t I do that? And honestly, that kind of comparison can really mess with your confidence. Volleyball is such a mental game, once you start doubting yourself, it shows in your performance. You might hesitate on a play, second-guess a decision, or let frustration take over.

Over time, I’ve learned that everyone’s journey is different. Some players develop faster, some take longer to find their rhythm, and some are quietly putting in work that no one sees yet. Being a DIII athlete comes with its own set of challenges, balancing practices, lifts, games, travel, and academics is exhausting. Comparing yourself to someone else just distracts you from focusing on your own growth.

Now, I try to focus on getting a little better every single day, trusting the process, and remembering why I started playing in the first place. I remind myself that my value isn’t measured by playing time, stats, or highlight reels, it’s measured by the effort I put in, my mindset, and how I support my teammates. Confidence doesn’t come from being better than someone else, it comes from trusting yourself, embracing your own journey, and celebrating your progress, no matter how small. At the end of the day, everyone wearing a jersey earned their spot, and my path is my own. Comparison doesn’t help, trusting yourself does, and that’s where real confidence starts.