More Than A Correction by Roseanna

More Than A Correction by Roseanna - August 2026 Scholarship Essay

During my senior volleyball season, I competed with a senior teammate for the libero position on our team. At practice, we worked through drills like 6-on-6, serving specific zones, and making smart placements with the ball. I want to prove that I can earn the position, so I have been focused on showing my coach what I can do. However, my coach's feedback made me realize that playing well is not just about proving myself, but also about my willingness to listen, identify what I need to improve, and put in the work to get better.
My coach told me that if I want to earn the libero position instead of playing Defensive Specialist, I need to improve my serving and become more consistent when passing the ball to the setter. When I first heard this feedback, I took it into consideration, but I also had mixed feelings. I knew how much effort I was putting into practice, and I could see myself improving, even if my improvement was not always enough to earn the position I wanted. At times, I wondered if other factors were affecting her decision. However, I realized that I could not control how my coach evaluated me. What I could control was how I responded to her feedback.
Instead of letting the feedback discourage me, I decided to use it as something I could work on. I began spending more time practicing my serves. While serving drills at practice, I would slow down and focus on my technique instead of just trying to get the ball over the net. I also watched volleyball videos on TikTok and YouTube to learn more about serving and passing. When I passed, I paid closer attention to my platform and the angle of my arms so I could give the setter more consistent balls. I also asked my coach for specific advice. She explained that my toss was sometimes too far behind me or too far in front of me and that I needed to add more force to make my serve stronger. I started approaching each drill with a purpose, focusing not just on completing it, but on becoming more consistent.
This experience has taught me that it is never too late to get better, even during my senior year. The feedback from my coach has already helped me improve my serving and become more intentional about my passing. More importantly, it has changed the way I think about improvement. I have learned that I may not always see results immediately, but that does not mean my effort is wasted. When I put my mind toward something and consistently work at it, I can see and feel myself becoming better on the court. I am still working toward earning the libero position, but I have realized that feedback itself is part of the process. It has made me a better volleyball player, and it is still teaching me how to become a more patient, determined, and confident person.