Sarah’s Journey: Forged through Adversity and Perseverance
Unlike her older siblings, Sarah grew up in a single-parent home. Following a divorce when she was only two, she began to struggle with the reality of a father figure not being in the house. That void was heavy, and she didn’t always cope well with his absence. Those early years were a challenge; she repeated kindergarten and, by the end of elementary school, had more negative behavior reports than both her older siblings combined.
Everything changed in middle school when she found volleyball. She made the team, but her social skills were still a work in progress. It was a painful time; her natural intensity and guardedness were often misunderstood, leading to labels that made her feel as if no one liked her. She would tell me through tears that no one believed her side of the story—that she was “always the one in trouble.” It was heartbreaking to watch my baby girl cry just trying to get someone to believe in her, but I could see a spark forming. She was beginning to make a stand for herself, refusing to let other people’s labels define her.
As she matured and her athletic ability grew, the awards and recognitions began to heal those childhood frustrations. She wasn’t just “acting out” anymore; she was finally being heard.
But then came her true test as a teenager: club volleyball. Every year, no matter how many extra hours she poured into the gym or the brave decision she made to try a new position to help the team, she found herself placed on the bottom courts. For three years in a row, Sarah cried in my lap because the opportunity to play on the top court never came.
The weight became almost too much to bear. Her self-esteem plummeted, and she began to believe she just wasn’t “good enough.” She struggled with thoughts like, “Maybe they just don’t like me,” and even toyed with the idea that her skill wasn’t up to par—especially when the club director told her she was actually “digressing.” Hearing that she was getting worse while she was working her hardest made her feel like the world was closing doors, no matter how hard she knocked. She almost quit.
Instead of giving up, Sarah chose one last fight. She trusted in God’s plan and used that heartache as fuel. She took a courageous risk to leave that environment and seek a fresh start.
That decision changed everything. In a new environment where she was finally recognized, Sarah flourished. Today, she has interest from over 15 college programs and has accepted a scholarship to Oglethorpe University.
But looking back, those challenges were preparing her for a calling bigger than a game. Her journey through brokenness and low self-esteem led her to G.A.P (Girls Aspiring with a Purpose). Once a month, she mentors young Black girls, helping them build the mental toughness she fought so hard for. She teaches them to use their voices to self-advocate when disappointment or depression begins to rise.
Sarah found a love for the human mind and will study Psychology in college, focusing on mental health in athletes. She wants to be the person she needed when she was younger.
Sarah’s story isn’t just about how well she plays the game—it’s about the resilience, faith, and courage it took to get here. She is proof that when you persevere and fight for who you are, you don’t just survive; you become a champion for yourself and everyone following in your footsteps.
Do not give up—instead, keep going. Speak up! Someone sees you, and others will hear you!