Dear Sunspots Volleyball Club:

                On April 7, 2009, I signed a letter of intent for a full ride scholarship to play at New Mexico Military Institute, and be part of the Lady Bronco volleyball program for two years. I would like to let you know that competing at the next level for volleyball would not have been possible if I was not part of the #1 club volleyball organization in El Paso! I have been part of this organization for six years, and I have grown so much as a volleyball player and as a person. I have met so many people, and at the same time, I have made so many friends. Also, I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to be coached by such influential people who have changed me in some way or form.

Coach Jimmy Hill (14-2’s) I has Coach Hill for my second year of club. I will never forget how much fun I had that year. Coach Hill has taught me to be competitive yet to still have fun because it will make it more enjoyable. For that, no more am I afraid to cheer in the middle after every point earned, or make a fool of myself while doing a cheer before warm up. I knew that I wanted to continue playing with Sunspots after that year. J

Coach Eddie Portillo (16-2’s) The moment I heard that Coach Portillo was going to be the coach for the 16-2’s, it didn’t really matter to me if I made the 16-1’s or not because I knew that if I was on the 16-2’s, I would be receiving some of the best coaching the club had to offer. Boy, was I right? This was the foundation of the type of volleyball player that I am today. Coach Portillo has taught me so much, and even still today, he provides me guidance like a father figure. He has given me wise words both on and off the court. This was the year when I was taught to always give your 110% and to “Begin with the End in Mind”.

Coach Frank Ayala (16-1’s) The following year, I was one the 16-1’s, and Coach Frank Ayala was the coach. This year was an adjustment for me because I have had coaches, before, who would be screaming on the sideline if someone on the court would make a mistake, but Coach Frank never would yell. Instead, he would always stay calm. It was during timeouts and practices when he would fix what we were during wrong to help us learn from our errors. He has taught to not swing hard at the ball every single time, but play smart and tip or roll shot it if there is an opening, and to also control the ball, and not be spastic with it.

Coach Holly McWatters (17-1’s) Last year, I played on the 17-1’s for Coach Holly McWatters.  This was the year when I was ready to play at the collegiate level. Coach Holly gave me the confidence to believe that I could play in college, and though I am not the tallest outside hitter, she still had faith in me to get us out of a rotation when needed. Coach Holly is someone you can talk: whether it be about volleyball, or if you just need someone to listen. Whenever I had a problem, I talk to Coach Holly to hear her wise advice, which practically makes me feel better 100% of the time.

Coach Angela Mooney (18-1’s) Now, for my last year in club, I am on the Sunspots 18-1’s, coached by Angela Mooney. This has been a great year for me. I have learned new techniques that Division 1 volleyball players are being taught, which does not happen every so often. Both offensively and defensively, my skills have gotten better. My defense has gotten so much better, and I see myself improving, going for digs that I thought were nearly impossible to get, and I remember that one time Coach Mooney said, “we may not have the tallest hitters, but we have hitters who can put the ball down“, which shows that she has confidence in our abilities. Though I still have old techniques that need to be worked on, I try very hard to fix them, and to listen to Coach Mooney because she is trying to make us better players.

I decided to write this letter myself because it is I who experienced and learned from the different types of coaching. I sometimes ask myself and wonder if I would still be the volleyball player that I am today if I did not join Sunspots, but I know that I would not be. There is not a moment in my life where I regret dedicating time to this outstanding organization. There are also not enough words to describe my appreciation towards all of my coaches, fellow teammates, parents, and to the club. I hope that all of my current teammates will meet success in their future, and I wish them the best of luck. I am also hoping that Sunspots Volleyball Club will remain the top club team in El Paso, and that it continues to grow. It is sad to say that this is my last year playing, so I leave you with this poem for those who feel like this is their last year playing for Sunspots:

“ When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

   When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill,

   When the  funds are low and the debts are high,

   And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

   When care is pressing you down a bit,

   Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.

   Life is queer  with its twists and turns,

   As everyone of us sometimes learns,

   And many a failure turns about

   When he might have won had he stuck it out;

   Don’t give up though the pace seems slow--

   You may succeed with another blow,

   Success if failure turned inside out--

   The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

   And you can never tell how close you are,

   It may be near when it seems so far;

   So stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit--

   Its when things seem worst that you must not quit!”

   -Edgar A. Guest

                                                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                Stephanie Brown #14

P.S. Mr. and Mrs. Farmer, thank you so much for your support and for taking care of me. It has been an honor to play for your club, and to represent Sunspots at an out of town tournament. I am going to miss playing, but it is the club I owe my success to. Thank you , and love you very much!