MOM WHO USED TO PLAY VOLLEY

It goes without saying that many people take up sports under the influence of popularity and fame of some sports celebrities. But

personally I am exception to the rule. I was greatly impressed by the stories my mother told me when she would play volleyball

for the Youth team of Magnitogorsk. I was a very small boy then but her stories about

her team and volleyball competitions were really vivid!

HOW IT ALL STARTEDMaria, that’s my mother’s name, took up volley at the age of 7. At first when she joined a volleyball club she didn’t like it, as her coach was very strict and demanding. But after some days of training, she was told that she really had remarkable skills of playing. Since then, volleyball had become part and parcel of her life.

DAY IN DAY OUTMy mum’s school routine was always closely connected to her training schedule. She used to study at the English school where all students had a lot of preparation not only for common subjects, but also for English. After school she always went to a volleyball practice and then returned home to do her home work.

She says that it was extremely difficult because after 2 hours of volleyball practice she felt very exhausted to prepare for school. But she had strong motivation to be both a good student at school and a professional volleyball player. She never missed classes and if she had to participate in competitions, she never stayed behind with her studies.

COMPETITIONS TOURNAMENTS AND AWARDS

Needless to say, that my mom participated in many competitions and had the opportunity of travelling all over the former Soviet Union. She was the team leader for the Youth Team of Magnitogorsk in the 1990s. During her studies at Magnitogorsk Teachers Training University she played for the university team and was also the leader of it. In 1994 the Women University Team won the Cup of Russia among all high educational establishments of Russia. It was a real success because there were many professional teams there.

One of the most striking reminiscences was The International Tournament in Chelyabinsk. There my mum got acquainted with American volleyball players. This was her first experience of playing and communicating with foreigners. She said that all the girls of the American team were very friendly and amiable. All the people present at this great event were sharing the spirit of friendship and sports achievement. After the last game with the American team the American girls left their autographs with warm wishes written on the clothes of the Russian team. My mom still keeps the jeans with some nice words written on them.

I’d like to confess that my mother set a good example of strong will and persistence. Several years ago I started playing in a basketball team. I was truly excited because I felt just the same as my mom many years ago. Team spirit, competitiveness and the opportunity to meet new people were the strongest motivating factors for me to become a basketball player. However, it’s not always easy to combine sport with my studies. Nevertheless, my mom always helps me to deal with any problems. I know that she felt the same I do now but she never gave up and that makes me keep walking!

FOLLOWING IN HER FOOTSTEPS