My journey into the world of volleyball began way back in my early high school days, around Senior Two. At first, I joined the game out of curiosity and passion, though I was faced with a challenge that almost made me give up — my height. I was very short, and in volleyball, where height often seems like an advantage, it was easy to feel limited and overlooked.
However, this never buried my hope. I drew inspiration from my close friend Nowamani Taremwa James, popularly known as Sketcher, who had also started small just like me. His resilience and steady improvement pushed me to believe that success in volleyball isn’t measured by height, but by heart, discipline, and persistence.
I kept training tirelessly through my high school years, working on my ball control, speed, and court awareness. When I joined Kabale University, I was thrilled to find Sketcher again — this time as the team captain. His presence reignited my determination to keep growing in the game.
At that time, my reception was still very poor, and I struggled to keep up with the team’s defensive rhythm. Seeing my potential, Sketcher advised me to start training as a libero— the defensive backbone of the team. At first, I wasn’t happy with the idea because I thought it meant giving up on other roles. But as time went on, I came to appreciate that being a libero was not only a vital position but also the best way to refine my reception, coverage, and defensive skills.
Through continuous training, teamwork, and a willingness to learn, I gradually improved. My hard work finally paid off when I was awarded the Best Libero Medal at the Kab Open Tournament— a moment that filled me with pride and gratitude. That medal wasn’t just an award; it was a symbol of the sweat, bruises, and injuries that shaped me into a better player.
The sport hasn’t been without challenges — injuries, bruises, and broken joints have become part of the journey. But volleyball, to me, is more than just a sport. It is my life,my therapy, and my stress reliever. Whenever I step onto the court, all my worries fade away, replaced by the rhythm of teamwork and the joy of play.
Beyond the game, volleyball has given me incredible friendships, unforgettable memories, and a strong sense of community at the university. It has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, humility, and resilience— lessons that extend far beyond the court.
If there’s one message I’d love to share with anyone who dreams of becoming a better volleyball player, it’s this:
In volleyball, training, determination, a readiness to learn from your friends, and teamwork are the true keys to success.
Today, I stand proud not only as a libero but as a testimony that passion and perseverance can lift you higher than any jump ever could.
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