Letters From Home: Erin Williams

Dear Omaha, 

It’s been a crazy few weeks, to say the least. It was mid-March and spring volleyball was just about to kick off. We were finally in full swing of workouts and three-hour practices until fear of the virus began to take over and lead the conversation before practice each day. For a short time, we carried on with our jam-packed schedules from morning workouts, to classes, studying and practice. Suddenly, we received a message from Coach about practice being cancelled and shortly after that we were all moving home. It was chaotic and we all had so many questions, but nobody knew the answers. 

In this time of complete uncertainty I have been able to reflect on how things were and where things are going. Our team was really focusing on building stronger relationships with one another – on and off the court this spring. Although we no longer had the chance to do this in person we continued to do this through group Face Time calls. During our time on the court, we evaluated the little things that are much bigger than they seem like eye contact, communication and body language, etc. We were also challenged every practice to earn a puzzle piece. In order to gain the puzzle piece for the day, we had to evaluate our practice and come to a conclusion as a team that we earned it. The ultimate goal was to win the puzzle piece each day so that we would create the NCAA logo by the end of our spring season. This reminded us to challenge ourselves to be the best that we can be and get to where we want to be this fall: The NCAA Tournament. Although a lot of time has been taken away, I have no doubt that when we get back to the gym we will pick up right where we left off. 

Although the situation has not been ideal, there is a lot to take away from it. There are many things that I will never take for granted again. I miss the screaming conversations in the locker room, studying with my teammates, stopping in the coaches offices to say hi, that feeling of success once we survived Laura’s workouts, playing volleyball and so much more. On behalf of the volleyball team, I would like to say thank you. Thank you to the coaches, trainers, advisors, professors and fans, we appreciate everything that you have all done for us. I am looking forward to when we can all be together again, doing what we love and to be surrounded by the people we love. In the meantime, stay healthy and as always-  Go Mavs!

Erin Williams
DS • Sophomore • Lincoln, Neb.
Omaha Volleyball