Teach Me!

For the past 4 months I've had the incredible privilege to coach a varsity high school team. What once was a path I never though I would take has become something I look forward to all day long and I can't get enough of! I love having the opportunity to share my passion and insights for the game of volleyball... I love seeing the progress of the girls and when the light bulb goes off... I love breaking skills down and helping them add new skills to their 'toolbox'... I love helping them understand the big strategic picture and ebbs and flows of the game... I love it when the girls pick my brain and want to know and do more to get better... I love knowing that I can make a difference in the girls' lives not only as a volleyball coach and player, but as a person... When it comes down to it, I love to teach!

My Regional Champions! (I guess they have learned something!)
Let's hope their development continues in the
State Quarterfinals tomorrow!

I can still remember my first practice with the girls and the discomfort I felt when our head coach threw me in to run a drill with a group of girls where I knew not one name! But once relationships were formed and I observed each girls' talents and skill-set, I was and am able to demand more out of them because I can see the potential that lies within. This is perfect for my observant, detail-oriented self as I have a knack for identifying what needs fixing or improving or refining and can give them the instruction and facilitate the drills necessary to change.

However, I've found the most frustrating part of teaching and coaching is that I have little control over the speed of development of my players. I can tell a girl over and over and over to "reach high" or "get your feet to the ball" or "press fast on the block" (hmm, maybe some things I myself heard as a player...!) but until they not only hear but also apply it - rather than just saying "I know, I know" - my words and wisdom seem somewhat futile! The delivery can be different, the drill to practice can be a little different, the demonstration can be different, the coach saying it can be different... but the skill itself that needs to be improved never changes. And until the knowledge and content that we as coaches are sharing takes root in the player, the result will also never change. From my experience as a coach, learning and improvement are just as dependent on the knowledge, preparedness, and patience of the teacher as they are on the adaptability and willingness to listen and apply by the student.

How true that is in my spiritual walk as well!

Now, I can blame not using my blog for the last 5 months on my new and different, busy lifestyle... or not having anything good to write about... or that I frankly became intimidated because it had been so long... But when it comes down to it, I wasn't really learning. At least I wasn't being intentional with my learning and applying - the very thing I proposed my blog would help me do! God can only remind me through church, bible class, songs on the radio, friends, or my own conscious so many times that HE is the only one who can satisfy and fill my heart... that HE is the One for whom and by whom all things I do and have can be... that HE desires to spend time with me in His word... that HE will provide all of my needs and I have no reason to worry about anything... that HE has me in this position in life for a special reason and purpose... that HE has a home for me prepared in heaven and wants me to prepare for it now while on earth. And how many times do I just nod and say, "I know, Lord, I know."? Sadly, too many times to count.

The beautiful thing is that He doesn't get impatient and frustrated like I do when my girls give me that response yet don't change. Rather, "you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness" (Psalm 86:15). Praise God that he is the Good Teacher - the BEST Teacher! So good and loving of a teacher, that He actually does all of the work for me! So patient of a teacher, that He knows every area of my life where I continually stumble and that needs improvement yet comes to the rescue and still loves me 100% of the time! So faithful of a teacher, that He laid down His life for mine, so that I never need to doubt his love or faithfulness or devotion to me despite my faults and failures. Instead I can humbly come before Him and confess that I'm not a good student but really do desire to learn. So, "Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees... You are my portion, O Lord... and Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path in life... May my body and life be a living sacrifice that his holy and pleasing to you as my act of worship and thanks."

I'm a Big Kid Now!

The month of May and beginning of June brought about incredible change and amazing, new experiences for me as I graduated college and have just recently started my new job. As it has all unfolded and I've done and cared for more and more 'grown-up' stuff than I ever thought possible, I can't help but sing the little jingle from when I was little: "Mommy, wow! I'm a big kid now!"

Haha… alright, my 'big kid' life certainly doesn't relate to Huggies and um, leak protection… but that got me thinking even further about how my life is protected. And it's protected by much more than a pair of pants, but rather by my Lord and Savior. With each new "real-world reality" experience that I've encountered this past month, I can't help but see God's hand through it all… giving me the upmost confidence and joy as I enter into this new stage of life.

Obviously the first step of moving on was graduating and leaving East Lansing. The last few days at State were filled with so much joy and celebration. I spent time with the people I love and was continually reminded of how faithful and gracious God has been to me throughout my college career. I can look back and see that the experiences I was able to take part in, the relationships that were formed, and the opportunities that were presented to me were only by His grace and culminated into one amazing collegiate career. One which has also prepared me for what is to come.

Last volleyball-family hoo-rah :)

After graduation, I planned a little vacation for myself to see my brother at school in New Ulm, MN, and my friends in Tijuana and LA. Now not only were all of these destinations new to me, but all very, very different - from what I know and from each other. Yet in each place I was able to see and be reminded of God and His omnipresence.

Visiting Josh at MLC and getting to see his school and the community in which he's surrounded was incredible. You can just feel God there because He has made His dwelling in all of the students and community. As jealous as I may have been of the fellowship and encouragement that Josh is engrossed and surrounded in everyday, I couldn't help but think that I, too, was blessed in an entirely different way at Michigan State, a very secular school - quite the opposite of MLC. Living in such rich community like at MLC could have easily become a stumbling block to me if I wasn't careful - depending on the 'righteous people' I'm surrounded by rather than God to fulfill and build me up in the ways only He can. But being surrounded by the secular views and examples of blatant disbelief and sin at State created a longing inside of me to get to know my Savior more and more. It was a subtle reminder that God's timing and placement is perfect and that He will sustain me regardless of the environment - I just have to be faithful and abide in Him.

I then went to visit my best friend Ashley, who's on a mission trip in Tijuana right now with an orphanage. Going to Mexico was a culture shock for me not only because I don't know a lick of Spanish except maybe gracias and hola, but I've never crossed the southern border or seen the slums. Despite my discomfort, I felt such love and joy overflow from the kids into me. It was incredible to see, as Ashley had shared with me, their utter dependence on God... and in a way that I cannot and will not ever know. These kids have come from broken homes, abusive relationships, drugs, prostitution, you name it... and are still able to find hope and love and joy in their Savior because He is literally all they have. It was so beautiful, and a great reminder and encouragement to me, that my dependence on God should not be circumstantial, but continual - because we all are nothing and have nothing without Jesus' loving sacrifice. 

Finally, Ashley and I went up to LA to visit one of our good friends, Emma. It was such a blessing to spend time with some of my best friends and sisters in Christ... to be encouraged and spurred on and talk about everything. Even more, being in LA surrounded by all the things - the glitz and glam and money and materialism... it was a culture shock all over again after being in two completely opposite places! How sad of a life would you have if you really thought that this was it... Seeing this materialism contrasted against MLC and Tijuana gave me great perspective which lead right into my next 'new' life experience.

The month between school and my job starting wasn't all vacations and fun and games, I also had some preparations to make. Getting Insurance in my name... Opening a New Bank Account... Car Titles... Apartment Furniture and Items to prep for being on my own... Utility Bills... Budgeting... Buying a Car... Getting a Paycheck. It's as though my parents had been counting down to this day when they could finally cut the strings or something! ;) Figuring all of this out was exciting as I really started gaining a sense of independence, but it was also a little overwhelming, especially when I kept seeing the amounts of money that needed to be forked out for each new venture! But I was reminded more than once that I'm really just God's steward taking care of all of His things. What an honor that He would trust me with His possessions! And when I honor Him through my tithes and responsibility, He will always make it work out... even if I don't understand how. This precious promise has given me even more excitement as I can responsibly enter into this new stage of independence... or really this stage of fuller dependence on Him. 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal." -Isaiah 26:3-4

Another part of being on my own that I've been praying about is finding community. Going from an environment where I had teammates and classmates and fellow athletes and roommates to an area where I only know my co-workers is quite an adjustment. But God continues to show up and remain faithful. Although I've only been here one weekend, I was immediately welcomed and felt uplifted by the church I went to that was suggested to me by my pastor in East Lansing. As I've grown and matured as a young Christian woman, it has been these Christian communities that have become the most important and impactful elements to my faith. It looks like God is already one step ahead of me in providing another young and Christ-centered community that I'll be able to call not only friends but also brothers and sisters. 

Furthermore, despite the distance between me and all of my friends from State, I have been continually uplifted by them, providing me even more comfort as I make my home in a new area. I'm reminded again and again after I talk with each of them how much God has blessed me through wonderful friends and that distance doesn't really matter when He is at the center of it all... I have friends who aren't afraid to ask me the tough questions about my walk with God... friends who encourage me to walk as a godly and loving woman with a servant heart... and friends who uplift me through their own walk and faithfulness to the Lord. I'm overwhelmed when I consider how God has and does continue to provide exactly what - and who - I need to keep me close to Him, despite distance or things I may consider as obstacles. So with God's past faithfulness as my source of peace and confidence, I'm excited to faithfully follow Him and be encouraged by the people He has and will place in my life in Rochester Hills. 

And finally, what would all this 'new' be without the job that has prompted it all?! I can't even describe how blessed I have been to start at a company that totally takes care of and cares for their employees, where everyone genuinely wants to see everyone else succeed. We have fun and work hard and it's (so far at least!) been a great place to work. And with Colossians 3:17 being my guide, "whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him," I know that I will be able to find fulfillment in whatever my job title or description is because it's all for and by God!

I don't think I can say enough how amazing it has been to witness God's faithfulness to me during this season of life. And because of it, I can joyfully and confidently proclaim that "I'm a big kid now!" with my Lord and Savior protecting me under His wing, allowing me to continue to walk by faith. 

"He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield
to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards
the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."
-Proverbs 2:7-8

The Sparty Not Top 10 Countdown

When I started The Sparty Countdown, I premised it saying how I was partly inspired by SportsCenter's Top 10 and that I actually enjoyed the Not Top 10 the most. I thought that concluding my Countdown of the top 10 things I will miss most from college with the top 10 things I will miss the least would be a fun and funny way to sign off (and probably make it a whole lot easier to bid farewell!). So here goes, my Sparty NOT Top 10:

10. The anxiety felt before a summer run when you can see the heat rising from the 100 degree turf and the sun is beating on your back. I came to love the competition of the runs... but that feeling before they started? Will not for a second miss that.

9. Getting around campus. If you're a driver, you hate walkers. If you're a walker, you hate drivers. If you're a biker, well, good luck. Doing any of this in the winter when the sidewalks haven't been shoveled and salt hasn't been thrown... ha, that's funny. Getting around on campus always provided either some comical relief if you were the observer or near-death experiences if you were caught in the crossfire.

8. Not always knowing what's going on for volleyball. Being a big time planner and overly organized, the fact that information was frequently never shared until the last minute drove me crazy! I'm not going to miss feeling like I'm not in the loop for events in my own life.

7. Homework and Exams and Textbooks. Woo-hoo! No more papers! No more studying! Hopefully no more homework-like deadlines that get the best of my procrastination out! No more having work to do after work!

6. "An Unwise Business Decision" - aka getting punished in the weight room after going to see the midnight show of Harry Potter. Come to find out, our strength coach thought that our being out till 3am meant we were up to some shenanigans, hence the harsh DF+3 on every single exercise. It was just a movie premiere during the summer!

5. The typical college students' disregard for others. Vandalization... Theft (of 3 of my locked up bikes!)... Filth... Thumping, annoying basses blaring during the week... This I can live without.

4. Those dreadful, hard volleyball-drills - particularly Key Drill and 2-Person Pit. For those of you who know what they are... you know the dread, the pain, the fear of those weekly days in practice or worse yet when they were a sneak attack and caught you off guard. Eeeeh, stomachs and faces always dropped upon hearing those words!

3. 2-a-days and not being able to move because I'm so sore. Those 2 weeks were always so painful... sports bra sweat burns, sore hips and legs and elbows and shoulders, having to waddle up stairs, forcing myself to wash my hair because of the tired and sore arms... Now I will only be sore when I feel like it! Of course I'll still work out, but no need to train that hard and get that unbearably sore!

2. Packing up and moving all the time, especially during preseason. I hate packing and moving enough as it is, but to inevitably have to do it during every single preseason was the worst. Especially since it needed to be done during our breaks (which were typically used for naps in between 2-a-days). Poor timing for one of the worst activities.

1. MSU PARKING. They could have easily taken up the Not Top 10 all by themselves. They're Nazi's. Good luck ever trying to fight an unjust ticket or run into a building for 2 minutes without getting one or parking for class or a meeting when any event is taking place on campus. MSU Parking... I will not miss you!

How lucky am I, that when I get to come back and visit MSU and the people I love, I won't have to worry about these things! Things that I may be able look back on and laugh at... and things that may have helped me get tougher and stronger... but things that always filled me with a little dread and were never enjoyable in the moment. :)

The Sparty Countdown... #2 & #1

This is it! The best of the best! Here are the top 2 things I have come to love and will miss the most from college:





#2 - Competing on the Big Stage
Big Life. Big Stage. Big 10. We've all seen the commercials and heard the slogan, and wow, is it ever true. I have been so blessed to have competed for MSU in the Big 10 - the best volleyball conference in the nation - where every single night is a battle, most likely against a Top-25 team. Cathy would always give us the analogy that we were performers - actors you could say - and the court was our stage. We were putting on a performance for the crowd and in order for it to be a successful production, we had to get all of our 'lines' or 'acts' right and work together. Boy, am I going to miss that stage.

I'm especially going to miss that stage because I am a competitor through and through. And I don't think I ever felt more exhilaration and excitement competing than when I did on the big stage donning my green and white. It may have taken me most of my career to let go of any inhibitions and of the fear of making mistakes or not pleasing coach; but once I finally did let go, the complete freedom and joy that I felt and played with was indescribable. I loved playing volleyball and I loved competing! And I think the best part was knowing that all the while I was able to give God the glory because I finally figured out that it wasn't about me, or the stats, or coach, or even the wins (as hard as that is to say!). It was about using my gifts to their fullest and just having fun glorifying Him. And that is where my joy and excitement and competitiveness were able to flow from so purely.

Even more than missing the joy and freedom and excitement I felt competing will be all of the little things that went into game-day and my competition. Competing with my teammates and working through the struggles to have great team dynamics and chemistry... thinking through and practicing the game plan and strategy... the adrenaline rushing through me during a game and especially during the critical moments... the determination, the intensity, and the look of being in the zone and seeing it my teammates as well... the awesome physical and mental feeling of getting that huge block... the stare-downs... the overpass fisty 5-foot-line kills... being one step ahead of the competition and just smiling knowing that we're going to win and can't be stopped... and celebrating after a huge point (or even the little ones, in my case). Oh, what I wouldn't give for another 'jump spin-fist pump-stomp' combo celebration! I wish competing and playing could last forever (and I'm sure to many people it seemed like it did with my redshirt year!) but my achey-breaky-grandma body has had enough, and I think the NCAA has a few rules about my eligibility being up as well.... But competing for Michigan State University has definitely been one of my favorite things and something I will always cherish and carry with me.

#1 - My Christian Communities 

As if the rest of my countdown wasn't enough to prove God's goodness to me throughout my time at MSU, he richly blessed me with amazing Christian fellowship and communities: my church - Shepherd of the Hills, Athletes in Action, and our team bible study. These 3 communities in conjunction with most of my best friends - who are also fellow brothers and sisters in Christ - have been the most important people to me throughout my career because of the foundation we share on Christ and the way they have spurred me on in my faith. It's so obvious that there was something so right about all of these people, because after saying goodbye to each 'group' after my final meeting or service, I cried... a lot. It was hard and sad to say goodbye to the communities that have helped mold me and support me in my walk with the Lord. And I don't think I fully appreciated the ease and simplicity with which I was able to walk into these uplifting and sound communities. Being on a team, having an athlete campus ministry, finding a wonderful church... it was all just there. Now I know and pray I will always be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, but nothing will ever quite compare to walking and living daily life with teammates and fellow Christian athletes in a similar environment.

Throughout college the importance of Christian fellowship has been made so apparent to me. God showed up in a BIG way and showed me that despite my resolve and stubbornness and firm convictions, I couldn't maintain true devotion with Him alone. I was weekly and daily fed the truth at church and encouraged and loved on by my congregation. I was able to be supported, poured into, and uplifted by fellow believers at AIA. And I was able to live daily life in fellowship and learn how to honor God in volleyball with some of my believing teammates. I was presented with differing beliefs and views which challenged me and made me turn to God, I was surrounded by friends that had the same convictions as me, I was held accountable in word, actions, and love by fellow believers, and I was poured into and challenged to have an outward-centered faith that didn't keep my salvation to myself. Although, again, it is painful to say goodbye to all of the amazing people that have impacted me and helped me stay on the straight and narrow path, I first of all know that my goodbye is simply a "see you later," and second I know God will continue to show up in my life and surround me people that will help me stay close to Him in the future.


In case you haven't been able to tell, I have loved and been incredibly blessed during my 5 years at Michigan State. These Top 10 moments and things are what I have come to love most and will always cherish. And I think the greatest part about all of this is that because the best of the best consist of all people and relationships, I can actually carry this part of MSU on with me into the future. I praise God for opening up the door for me to attend State in the first place and seeing me through safely and beautifully to my graduation today.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances."

The Sparty Countdown... #4 & #3

What would my time here be without relationships? It was quite the toss-up to pick the rankings for my top 4; but I'm keeping it moving. At numbers 4 and 3 are some of the most important and impactful people I've had the privilege of meeting and sharing life with:


#4 - My 'Mates
No, I'm not Australian, but I needed a way to sneak more people into my blog :) By 'mates, I of course mean my roommates and teammates, both of which I'll miss terribly!

My first roommate off-campus of two years was Natalie. We not only went to the same high school, but we also both competed for MSU. Natalie was a golfer at State so we completely understood one another's schedules and time demands. Plus since we were on different teams, we were each other's perfect sounding boards. Although we may not have been together all the time because of our sport schedules, the time we did share together will always be cherished - especially our talks about everything under the sun - life, sports, MSU, class, teammates, religion, even politics! We had a great time together and I was bummed when she graduated and I had to leave our 'home'!

Having 1 year left at State after Natalie graduated opened up the opportunity for me to live with two of my best friends and teammates - Amy and Becca. At times this was a challenge because we were together so often (especially in the fall!) but it was well with any troubles - which inevitably only served to strengthen our relationship. Although our most meaningful and deep conversations always seemed to be away from the apartment when we went on walks, I will always laugh thinking of the random times we would get talking standing around the kitchen counters and Amy's chair and make it last for hours... all of us holding on to the time because they were few and far between. I only wish there would be more of these moments to come!

Expecto Patronum!

Spice up your life!

Aloha!

My teammates and being part of a team is something that I will also terribly miss about my 5 years at State. The commradarie, the changing dynamics, the support, the tears, the learning, the laughs, the inside jokes, the frustrations, the friendships.. the TEAM. With everything that we went through together - both on the court and off - there is no way that the relationships formed won't last a lifetime... for that I am incredibly blessed. Thinking back to freshman year - our Sweet 16 run, learning (after the intimidation phase) from the seniors, the Spice Girls freshmen Halloween costumes and dance, the Lip Sync (that we should have won!)... To sophomore year - all of us living in the dorms and hanging out together, playing at Breslin (and dropping chocolate at Cathy's feet!), going to the midnight show of Harry Potter and dying the next day at weights... To my redshirt Sophomore year - upsetting USC at home in 5, sledding in Muskegon... To my Junior year - going to Hawaii... To my senior year - going through The Program, doing the military warm-ups, getting the Jenison renovation, and undoubtedly leaving a footprint. The blood, sweat, tears, laughs, and smiles that we shared will forever be imprinted in me and provide warm and loving memories. And even greater than the memories are the relationships that were formed and refined from our countless experiences.

Seniors 2012

#3 - My Mentors
My life has been touched not only by my peers but also very greatly by elders and coaches. I have been impacted and learned an incredible amount from all of these people and am so incredibly thankful for their personal investment and commitment to me as an individual. My experiences at MSU would never be the same and I would not be as prepared for the next step had it not been for my loving, caring mentors who have also become trusted friends and confidants:

Red my strength coach. He taught me the importance of taking a risk. He helped me develop as a leader. He pushed and challenged the inner competitor in me. And most meaningful to me, he got to know me - really know me and my personality so that he could best connect with and coach me.

Lianna my athletic trainer. My mom away from home! I already shared how I frequented the training room, but Lili did so much more than just help with my aches and pains. She cared wholeheartedly about me and my entire well-being. She loved me and the whole team with a tough yet motherly love.

Mandy my academic coordinator. She was always there when I needed someone to talk to, she helped me figure out my school plans (and helped me graduate with 2 degrees in 5 years!), and provided sound, trusting, and much needed guidance. She was my trusted sounding board for all things MSU, boy, friend, anything related.

Cathy my head coach. She obviously pushed and pushed me to be my best on the court, but she also pushed me to be the best me. The lengths to which she would go to help prepare me as a player and young woman are enormous. I know she would go through a wall for me and any of my teammates (and with her determination and energy, probably really could) because she cares.



Emma my discipler and friend. Even though she was only at State for 3 years, I know my spiritual walk and boldness would not be the same without her presence, probing, and encouragement. She is so outgoing and loving and spontaneous... and practically the opposite of me. But it was her deep love and care and heart for me that allowed her to cross those personality barriers and help me grow in my walk with the Lord.

Clearly immeasurably more people than just 5 have impacted my growth, maturity, and life through college, but were I to list them all, I would be up writing all night long! I pray that I have had just a fraction of the amount of influence and impact on all of these people (and those not mentioned) that they have had on me. So many people have touched my life and made my career here one that has been truly extraordinary and incredibly difficult to leave. "I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy..."

The Sparty Countdown... #6 & #5

Continuing to move up and on in The Sparty Countdown, here are numbers 6 and 5. And let me say, it's getting harder and harder to write these... wow, have I been blessed!




#6 - The Red Cedar River

We all know how it goes, "On the banks of the Red Cedar, there's a school that's known to all!" I do love that fight song, but I'll get there in just a minute. Before that on my list is the famous river itself that runs through campus. When asked by John Kreger, our radio announcer for volleyball, what my favorite spot on campus was, I couldn't pick one specific location. Instead, I said this, the Red Cedar. Now I know that it has a pretty bad rap for its filth and supposed diseases; but don't worry, I never actually went in it. Instead I loved the river and paths along it that I would walk so frequently through campus. The beauty and serenity of the campus, in my opinion, is epitomized by it... the Beal Botanical Gardens run right along it, countless trees hang over the river (which are gorgeous in fall... and spring... and winter... ok all the time!), the ducks are always around the paths and river being their cute little duck-selves, and the rapids by Wells and the Administration Building offer a soothing peace found no where else. I only wish I would have had more free time during the days I took classes to just sit or walk alongside it and soak up the beauty of campus even more! But,  I will say that I enjoyed plenty of walks along the river and it definitely made our summer runs just that much more enjoyable!

#5 - Spartan Nation
What can compare?? I mean, we did get a movie made just for us (300 was produced specifically for MSU, right??), and Gerard Butler even came to State to address us Spartans personally (but I regret to say we couldn't see him because of volleyball)! Now, I've always been a sucker and enthusiast for team spirit - in high school I headed up multiple spirit activities and game events. So it should come as no surprise that I felt an equal - no - a greater connection and sense of belonging to "the school that's known to all!"

I love being a Spartan. I love everything about it! It didn't take long for the affection of going to the best school in the state of Michigan to set in for me, that's for sure. To put it simply, I'm pretttty sure that if you accidentally (or purposefully for that matter) cut me, I would bleed green. I actually heard from a few people that they were shocked I was leaving East Lansing and MSU for my new job, because they knew how much I've come to love being a part of it all. And here are some of the things I love most about my Spartan Nation:

• The MSU fight song, obviously. "Fight! Fight! Rah team Fight! Victory for MSU!" I may or may not get overly excited every time I hear it. 
• Being a part of something bigger than myself...  Now I can't lie, sometimes I was selfishly upset that there wasn't this seeminly worldwide love for the volleyball team like there was for football or basketball... but when it comes down to it, Spartan fans are Spartan fans. Period. It doesn't matter their major or profession (well, technically that's all the same, right? haha) or background... Spartans are there for each other and made me and those of us who were current students feel important and as though we were part of something big and exciting... because we are! 
• This is similar to being a part of something big and important... but the commradarie associated with my fellow Spartans is awesome. The equal and substantial hatred for the School Down the Road, the cheering, the loyal support, the pride. Un-matched. This was especially true in my experience among the athletic department and various teams. We were all there for each other and in each others' corners fighting for one another to pull out the win and do our best. 
• Sparty!!! The best mascot in the nation. Seriously! A) Who doesn't love the crazy, smelly, acrobatic, enthusiastic, tough guy? B) We have TWO statues honoring the fierce and brave Spartan warrior... Hands down the best. 

• Michigan State in general. Let's be real, we really are one of the best... to have one of the top Medical School, Veterinary School, Business School and Study Abroad Programs in the nation? Yea, can't really argue with that. Plus, as I've been finding out as I look at and attempt some things from this 101 Item Bucket List for MSU, we have so much to offer that is unique and extraordinary. Being the first land grant college in the nation. The Cyclotron. Beaumont Tower. Adams Planetarium. The Observatory. The Wharton Center. The Izzone. Yes, even the cows and farmland. Clearly the list can go on and on. 

MSU is awesome. And even if I might not feel the same commradarie as I did while I competed, I will always bleed green and be proud to be a Spartan!

The Sparty Countdown... #8 & #7

Continuing on with The Sparty Countdown of the things I will miss most about college, East Lansing, and Michigan State; here are numbers 8 and 7: 

#8 - Grand River & the EL Community

I didn't start to truly appreciate East Lansing until I moved off campus - and I guess I shouldn't expect anything different. Living in the heart of downtown EL and in the neighborhoods for 2 years (and kind of this year, though my apartment complex this year is not quite 'community' material) was such a treat. The part of East Lansing I lived in with Natalie was awesome - it was just far enough away from campus so that it wasn't crazy, but close enough to walk to classes and hear the band and stadium cheers during football games; it was in the middle of neighborhoods that were quaint and great to walk through; and it was right outside of Valley Court Park. And this park and its East Lansing activities... equally as awesome as the neighborhood area itself! Weekly Farmer's Market on Sunday's, 'Midnight Movies' on a big screen during the summer, open areas to read, suntan, or play. It's no wonder I still call it home :)

Grand River Avenue is also something I've come to love about East Lansing and my time at State. Seems a little weird that what, a road would make the list... but coming from a town that isn't conducive to getting around by foot, I loved being able to walk around and go into all the shops and restaurants or just walk the street on a nice day. And the places that were my favorite on Grand River: Noodles and Company, Chipotle, Urban Outfitters, Beggar's Banquet, SBS (because that's where I got my free books and Christmas presents for family), Bubble Island, Splash of Color (where I got my nose pierced, which was unfortunately short-lived), Barnes & Noble (until it closed!), my favorite bar -PT O'Malley's, Conrads (of course, haha), Insomnia Cookies, and the Douglas J Aveda Institute (where I got many a quality haircut and pampered for cheap). It's not that I won't have any of these places elsewhere, but they've worked their way into many memories I have at State and have provided many smiles and laughs along the way!

#7 - Jenison 
With all the blood, sweat, and tears (no joke) that I have shed at Jenison Fieldhouse, there's no way that it couldn't make the list! Jenison is so much more than just a Fieldhouse and the place I played volleyball. In fact, the Fieldhouse itself is probably one of the least nostalgic parts compared to all of my other memories in the building.


First is the Training Room. Ohhhh, the training room. I think I could probably challenge any student-athlete to most time spent in there and come close to winning any battle; and I joke that I could be an athletic trainer simply based on my own experiences. Now obviously the injuries and ailments  that had me in the training room for most of my career - from a torn ACL and a bulged disc, to stress fractures and pulled muscles, of course the hurt shoulders, and even now as an alumni a microfracture knee surgery - these were not part of my wonderful memories. But the time spent in there with Lianna, our athletic trainer, before practices, on game-day, and for rehab because of these problems certainly was. I'll talk about Lianna more in an upcoming post, but the Training Room oddly enough felt like a second home and was a place where the team got filled in on the latest gossip, just hung out to avoid pre-practice drills, or went for a respite from the stress. It actually became a joke among our team about how comfortable and frequently we went in there, especially on road trips - we all loved treatment and hangout time so much at home that we would literally overtake the Training Room on the road... to the point of head trainers sending out 'Warning Texts' to other head trainers if we were coming the next day! Also another visiting team's Training Room, Ohio State I think, had a sign in theirs saying that the Training Room was "not to become a place of social hangouts." HA. Jenison couldn't pass that rule if they tried! Oh, how I'll miss the laughs and good times spent there!

Second in Jenison: the Weight Room, mainly because of our strength coach, Red (again, later in the countdown), but also because of the control and competence that I always felt up there. I may be in the minority here, but I really do genuinely enjoy lifting. There was no greater feeling than being challenged and completing a good workout (well, some I'd prefer not to remember, say the "Unwise Business Decision" or No-Card workouts) away from the volleyball environment. So I'm going to miss not only the weight room and staff, but also being pushed and having workouts created for me all the time (my body is already regretting not being pushed hard every day!). The place that I started off dreading because of the "Freshman Lift" (100 bench presses, anyone?) and horror stories I made up in my head became yet another place of relief and respite. I knew I would rarely leave there feeling unaccomplished or burdened because of the relationships I have developed with the strength staff and the way in which they challenged me to get better both physically and mentally.

Next is of course the Locker Room. So much of my time has been spent climbing the 3 flights of stairs to get to the locker room. Although at the time I detested those stairs (especially after a hard workout or during pre-season), I'm going to miss climbing them because I know where they lead: My team's home. No matter what happened to us in the outside world, we were always able to come together and be as one through volleyball, and that transformation and unity among us always started in here. Watching TV or movies (or coming in to cartoons being on?!)... playing games... blowing out the speakers a gazillion times... listening to visualization tapes... talking and hanging out... trying to recover after a killer workout... getting the renovation and 'kitchen cupboards?!'... helping each other cope and get through difficult times... Gatorade... "shotty first shower"... preparing for an upcoming game or season... countless hours worth of team meetings and film sessions... having our pre-game dance parties and 'Photoshoots'... celebrating a big win... even wallowing in the frustration of defeat... and inevitably crying as we bid farewell to the seniors every year... it all happened in the locker room. And no matter who comes in and decides to replace my locker and #5, that corner will always be my home!

Finally is of course the Fieldhouse itself. Even if the smell does make me a little sick to my stomach,  I know it will always fill me with the anticipation, excitement, and anxiousness of game-day. Although I think we can all admit that it isn't the most up-to-date arena out there (but it did get some nice updates this past year!), having the opportunity to play for a Big 10 institution in a facility with such rich history and community support was an incredible honor and blessing. The Fieldhouse = Game-Day! And I don't think words can even describe the emotions and feelings associated the place in which I competed for past 5 years. So with that... GO GREEN!

The Sparty Countdown... #10 & #9

It's hard to believe that this is my final week in East Lansing and as a college student. I still vividly remember packing my room up at home the night before preseason, crying, being upset because our dog Lacey got sprayed by a skunk so no one was helping me (hahaha, yes, true story), and scared of what was to come at college. And now, here I am, 5 years later crying because I have to leave what has become my new home and life! Is this what they mean by the circle of life?!

Lacey getting a tomato juice bath
post skunk encounter

Because it has been difficult to come to grips with this chapter coming to a close, I've been inspired by both SportsCenter's Top 10 (and let's be honest - the Not Top 10 - which is far better) and another blog (a former opponent's, actually!) to create my own top 10 countdown... it's The Sparty Countdown (yes, please read with The Final Countdown song in mind)! I'll be documenting 2 of my favorite things and what I will miss most from MSU a day, finishing with 'the best of the best' on Friday, my final day here. I figure that making my Top 10 will not only serve as a good farewell and goodbye, but will also be a good coping tool for me as I try to embrace my last few days at State. 

My only regret for the countdown? I don't have videos of everything I'm about to share to really make it like SportsCenter! And (I know my mom will say "I told you so!") I barely have pictures of some of my favorite things because they were just me living life! Who would've thought I needed a picture of me in the dorms or studying at my favorite spots... it's so ordinary! And that's what makes this all so great... yes, I may have been named an All-American, and I may have gotten to travel to a countless number of states with volleyball, and I may have gotten a ton of sweet gear, etc.... but the things I'll miss most are the things that made up my daily routines and relationships. I have been so incredibly blessed throughout my career at State that I can barely put it into words - the overflow of my heart in praise to God will have to suffice (and of course my Top 10 Sparty Countdown)! So here goes...

#10 - Eating in the Cafe

Yumm... dessert station at Brody!

I never thought I would ever be saying that! Isn't the stereotype that dorm food is horrible?? But I tell you what, living in the dorms for 2 years with unlimited food always available at my fingertips and then having to be on my own was quite the adjustment. So much so that I actually got a meal plan and then once it ran out, I just started asking the underclassmen if I could swipe with their ID to get in :) And I guess I have to premise this one by letting you all know that we don't have just any old college cafes - 3 of the main cafes on campus have recently been redone, one of which (Brody) offers 9 different food stations and is the largest cafeteria in the U.S. behind military bases! Snyder Phillips was the big hit when I was still in the dorms, and now they've redone and upgraded the Case cafeteria, which was in my dorm's neighborhood.

How I feel when I'm at the dorms -
so much to sample, so little time (and stomach space!)

The dorm cafeteria's didn't make my Top 10 just because they've been redone, spruced up, and have amazing food, but I have a ton of memories in the dorms with my closest friends and teammates. After a hard morning workout or afternoon practice - cafe, hanging out all day studying - cafe, just grabbing dinner to catch up - cafe, watching the big game - cafe, having bible study - cafe, being with all the camp coaches during summer camps (and planning our flash mob)- cafe. I read somewhere that being around food boosts your endorphine levels so that your encounters are more enjoyable and remembered. Well, MSU Cafeterias... you have won me over and made not only your yummy food but also my memories there some that will sorely missed!

#9 - My Study Spots 

Getting 2 degrees while being a varsity athlete certainly wasn't a walk in the park. But I did find some amazing places to study that made doing all the hours of homework and studying a little bit better. To start off though, I will tell you what surprisingly did NOT make my list for study spots - my room (which never allowed for more than 30 minutes of productivity) and the Library (which is for muggles, aka the non-athlete... sorry for the stereotype!). A shame, I know, that I can't cross pulling an all-nighter on the 4th floor of the library off my MSU Bucket List, but the other 51 or so items that I've done on the list will have to make up for it. And now onto what the study spots that I will miss the most:

• Grand River Coffee... best place ever! a) good food and drinks b) best study atmosphere around - comfy chairs and waterfall in the middle for some background noise and serenity c) connected to an old book shop if I need a break d) has a patio e) walking distance from campus and my apartments f) I think you get the picture... Not only was GR Coffee a great place to spend the whole day at studying, but it is also filled with many wonderful memories with friends and mentors - catching up, reading God's word, and just being together. As I've had more free time, it's also become a place for me to go and spend time with God which has been a wonderful blessing as well. 
• Speaking of reading God's word - this wasn't one of the places I originally thought of, and I rarely studied here, but Grand Traverse Pie Company will always be near and dear to my heart for a different reason. It was the first place that my best friend Ashley and I read our bibles together in public! It seems silly looking back that it was such a big deal, but it just goes to show that there is always room for spiritual growth in the smallest of places!
• The Smith Center... Club Smith... The Clara Bell... Smith... I spent many-a-night at our academic support services building in lock-down getting papers done and studying for finals. Not only did I get a ton of homework and paper writing/printing done at Smith, but it will also be a place I miss dearly because of my academic coordinator, Mandy (who will be discussed later in the week). Her office always provided warmth and comfort as I was able to talk my worries and stresses of life away!

That's all for Day 1... 8 more 'things' that have made my time at MSU truly incredible and 4 more days left to enjoy them to the fullest and make it count. "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Make it Count

It finally really hit me. When I was on my way home from church I realized that I will only share 2 more worship services with what has become my church home in East Lansing. I don't know if it was out of fear or love or excitement or nostalgia or the fact that EL has become home or what... but I (despite priding myself in rarely crying) started crying in my car. I have less than 3 weeks where I can still call myself a college student and then I'll be an alumni and on my own! What was once a far off and silly thought about my being almost done finally became a reality and it was honestly a little scary. And it still seems pretty bizarre even as I write it again.

Tebow knows what's up!
Philippians 4:13

Through my tears and the somewhat harsh dose of reality, the devil started feeding me lies that I wasn't ready for the next stage of life... that I wasn't ready to move on... that I needed to stay close to what has become my family here. Praise God that our sermon this morning was all about how we can believe in Christ and the power of Easter through God's Word and Means of Grace - I don't have to doubt like Thomas. In the short car ride home, God's word powered through the devil's lies and reminded me that I don't need to doubt my preparedness, but that I am beyond ready for the next chapter with Christ's strength as my cornerstone: "For I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." 

Furthermore in Jeremiah God reminds me: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  The experiences, hardships, successes, relationships, and time I have spent at State have been purposefully crafted by God to prepare me for the next stage of life. Who am I to doubt and fear that He won't continue to craft my future plans just as beautifully and purposefully? 

Finally, one of my favorite verses that I often turned to during my volleyball career that also provided comfort to me today was Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord God will be with you wherever you go."  Having studied Joshua a little further on my own, it is comforting to see that he was able to have such confidence in God because of his preparedness before he became leader. Joshua was about to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land after Moses passed away. No easy feat if you ask me. But He was receiving godly wisdom and mentorship well before he was asked to lead - just look at the Tent of Meeting for one example. I, too, can have confidence moving forward because I have been purposeful in growing my relationship with God. I am confident of where He is leading me and like Joshua have been poured into by wonderful Christians leaders and believers. I am able to "walk by faith, not by sight."

As I have further thought about one chapter closing and another beginning, I was reminded of Ecclesiastes 3 and how there is a Time for Everything: 

           "There is a time for everything,
           and a season for every activity under heaven:
           a time to be born and a time to die,
           a time to plant and a time to uproot,
           a time to kill and a time to heal,
           a time to tear down and a time to build,
           a time to weep and a time to laugh,
           a time to mourn and a time to dance,
           a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
           a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
           a time to search and a time to give up,
           a time to keep and a time to throw away,
           a time to tear and a time to mend,
           a time to be silent and a time to speak,
           a time to love and a time to hate,
           a time for war and a time for peace."

I'm not meant to stay put in a single season or feeling of life. It's God's will for me to continue to grow in knowledge and in truth of Him and His Word - and that requires me to continue to work and toil and in most instances, move on to new opportunities and experiences. This is actually a gift from God, to be able to work hard. And plus if I read further in this chapter, I see that God has set eternal life in the heart's of men - my ultimate 'time' or 'season' or 'chapter of life' is in heaven with Him!

It's clear that I have no reasons to fear or be apprehensive about my future or even about my time closing in at State. Rather, I can (as I've been reminded from my FINAL {ever!} project for school) by God's grace MAKE IT COUNT. I am able to make it count right now: I can enjoy, laugh, dance, love, and embrace my time and relationships here because my Lord Jesus gives me the ultimate purpose and reason to live life to the fullest everyday. I will be able to make it count in the future: I can look forward with eager expectation to the next season of life God has prepared for me because I know He is walking beside me and guiding me. And because Jesus made his life count - I, too, can make my life count for eternity in heavenly glory with Him forever.

As athletically related as the Nike+ campaign may be, it
could not be any more true for our walk with God. We should strive
to make every day - every moment - every movement
 count for Him and His Kingdom!