Seward
County
Community College
sophomore volleyball players Katy Troutman and Alex Droogsma are giving SCCC volleyball fans an all-access look into what is happening this season with the Lady Saints Volleyball Team. Troutman and Droogsma, both record setting performers as freshmen, will be writing journal entries giving fans an idea of what life is like, for SCCC volleyball student-athletes, both on and off the court.
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Katy Troutman
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K.T. The past two weeks were heavy in traveling. We drove all the way to
Sterling
,
Colo.
, where we surprised even our coaches with some of the wins we pulled off. This tournament was a turning point for our team and set a new standard for what we are capable of. Last year, our team would get so close to winning, but never finish, losing games by two or three points. Our team has the same mind set this year: get to nationals. Part of getting to nationals is beating ranked teams, and we’re getting it done.
After a rough night in
Dodge City
last week we were in need of focus. We buckled down in practices and got our heads straight. We drove up to
Torrington
,
Wyo.
, for a ten hour drive, a trip for which we appreciated the big bus. Don’t get me wrong, we love one another, but it’s not fun being pressed for space on long drives
Volleyball trips don’t leave for much free time. We’re either on the court or sleeping. We got pretty good rest in Wyoming due to a couple of late games, but the 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. train running alongside the hotel was unforgiving and none of the girls want to hear another train again. Our last couple of tournaments we have played very well, our only two loses in the past two tournaments being to No. 1 Western Nebraska.
Our season doesn’t slow down now. This week we’ll be hosting Garden City for a revenge match and when the weekend gets here we’re on the road, yet again, to
Midland
,
Texas
. Fortunately, we’ll get a much needed break from the road during the next few days.
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Alex Droogsma
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A.D. My family is my biggest support system in every aspect of life, especially volleyball. When I decided to come to Seward my parents were very supportive and trusted that I was making the best decision for me. They've never been the type of parents to force me into anything or try to guilt me into doing things because it's what they wanted for me. They've always given me the freedom to choose what I choose. I appreciate them so much because I've heard of, and known many other athletes' parents who are controlling and try to live their life through their kids. My mom and dad could have easily tried to guilt me into staying closer to home and going to school
in
Texas
, but they never did. They've never once held me back from pursuing my desire to play.
They've been able to make it to a couple tournaments so far, even to
Sterling
,
Colo.
, which is about an 11-12 hour drive. I don't think they really understand how much it means to me that they're willing to drive that far just for a couple days of volleyball. This weekend we're going to be down in
Midland
,
Texas
, and I'm so excited because it's only about 1 1/2 hours from home. Some of my friends, which I consider part of my family, will be able to come as well.
My brother and sister also play a huge role in my life and getting through some of the frustrating/tiring aspects of being a student-athlete. Abby is my best friend, and I can always talk to her about when I'm struggling or having a hard time with volleyball, trying to keep up with class, or anything else. She's always understands, and I can go to her to vent or just update on what's been going on in my life. My brother, Amory, played golf all 4 years in college, and he likes to check up and ask about how I'm doing and how I'm playing. He gives the best advice and knows so much about sports and the mental aspect of being an athlete. I love our conversations and cherish what little time I get to spend with them when we're all home together.
I think it's so important for people to be surrounded by others that constantly encourage and build them up, and that's what my family/friends are for me. I hope that I can do the same for them.
