SPORTS VIDEO LIBRARY

Soccer.

Volleyball.

Starting volleyball in middle school was more of a casual hobby than a passion, but it gradually grew on me. Initially, I played as an opposite hitter, but now I play as a libero. Last year, as the captain of the JV volleyball team, I led our team to an undefeated season and placed first in the KAIAC tournament, competing against various international schools. This year, I am the varsity volleyball libero. Additionally, I am an active member of the AAV (All About Volleyball) club, participating in tournaments nationwide as a libero and defensive specialist.

One of the main reasons volleyball has become such a huge part of my life is because of the people I played it with. I have always played volleyball with my best friends, and after every practice, we would grab dinner together. Some of my fondest memories come from volleyball games and practices. Even if I were to leave these friends and potentially play at Groton, I know I will make new friends and create new traditions, such as grabbing dinner after practice.

Volleyball Highlight Reels.

I started playing soccer when I was a little girl, kicking the ball around with my dad in Boston. I joined the Natick soccer club as a defensive player. After moving to Korea, I continued playing on my elementary school team, still in defense. As I progressed to the middle school selective team, I transitioned to playing as a left wing. Now, as a high schooler, although I had to give up competitive soccer for speech and debate, I still practice with a soccer club twice a week and play games all over Korea.

I enjoy playing soccer because it's one of those sports that helps me relieve stress. But not only that, there have been multiple instances where I've felt frustrated and wanted to quit playing soccer. Deep down, I've realized that no matter how many times I lose a game or miss a shot, I could never quit soccer because I enjoy playing it that much. I remember during my time in the Natick soccer club, in the spring and summer, we would be given orange slices during halftime, and in the fall and winter, hot chocolate and munchkins - I could be losing 10-0 and still be smiling.

Figure Skating.

Figure skating was the first sport I ever committed to, and it has remained a constant in my life—whether I was attending the Fay School in the States or Seoul Foreign School in Korea. While it was a shame to say goodbye to a sport I once loved for academics, I quickly said hello to ice hockey.

I believe I was able to skate for so long because it's simply beautiful. Unlike the other sports I play, which are rough, aggressive, and require teamwork, figure skating is not just a sport but also an art. I loved skating to the music, refining my edges, and relishing its independent nature. This isn't to say I don't enjoy playing with friends and teammates, but figure skating was a sport I could truly call my own. From age six to now, those feelings have remained unchanged.

Now that I play ice hockey, many things have changed, and many have remained the same. However, it has become one of my new passions that I can enjoy with my sister. While I don't have much experience in hockey yet, every time I step onto the ice, it feels like a shame to get off. I have much to learn, but I am excited for what my future in hockey holds and cannot wait to make it my own as well.

Cheerleading.

Cheerleading was one of the newer sports I started once I entered high school. Although it has only been 6-7 months since I began, I have enjoyed it immensely. Our cheer coach, who runs the Black Eagles National Cheer Team for Korea, even scouted me to be their flyer.

Cheerleading has not been a sport I have played for that long, but looking back at the winter season, all I can remember is laughing. I remember a distinct moment of falling on my head, yet still laughing through it all. I recall not placing first in the KAIAC cheer tournament, yet not feeling bad at all, and I remember the 5:00 AM bus rides we weren't looking forward to, yet singing karaoke at the top of our lungs. But beyond these memories, the aspect of cheer that I loved the most was my eagerness to learn new skills, even when I feared falling. Cheerleading has taught me many things, but the most significant lessons have been about bravery and perseverance. Despite experiencing ups and downs, it was undeniably worth it in the end.