DEAR VOLLEYBALL BY TORI WOODS

Jo'Anna Davis

Volleyball | 12/15/2025 2:17:00 PM

Dear Volleyball,

As I reflect on my time with you, I am filled with joy, gratitude and appreciation for the opportunities you have given me and the relationships you have allowed me to build. I remember the first time I walked into the gym, crying because I was scared, nervous, and didn't know what I was doing. That 8 year old girl didn't know that facing her fears and picking up a volleyball would completely change her life. Through all the ups and downs of my life, you have remained constant and always gave me something to work towards. I knew I could always count on you to distract me from whatever was happening around me. When I started to get serious in pursuing you, you also became challenging and with those challenges also came lessons that I will carry with me the rest of my life. The first thing you taught me was that it is okay to fail, and that my response to failure is more important than the shortcoming itself. You taught me the power of community and friendship, and the importance of having people around me who love and support me. You taught me about grit and hard work and that nothing easy will be given to me. You taught me about leadership and how to use my voice and allowed me to grow more confident in leading others. The most important thing you taught me is that my worth is not in you, or my performance, or any award/achievement, but rather in God. You taught me that I can play you, but I am not you. I will carry this lesson in all aspects of my life and know my worth is in who He says I am, nothing else. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and the relationships you have allowed me to have and the lessons you have taught me. It is not an easy goodbye, but I know you have prepared me for my next chapter.

Thank you for everything.

#10 Tori Woods

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Players Mentioned

#10 Tori Woods: PIN; 6' 0"; Senior; Performance Point/Circle City

Players Mentioned

#10 Tori Woods
: 6' 0"; Senior; Performance Point/Circle City
: PIN