ESPNHS Volleyball: La Costa Canyon
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how to manage crazy volleyball parents.
Cosy Burnett“The score is wrong!”
All it takes is one parent to yell out that simple phrase and an avalanche of shouts, whistles, yells and arms frantically waving at the scorekeeper begins. And once it starts, they won’t give up until the score is checked and re-checked. The scorekeeper has 3.2 seconds to flip the plastic number before “Score!” is yelled. If she flips too fast and they don’t see it, that’s also a problem. And if she accidentally flips the wrong side, parents work themselves into a rabid frenzy.
We’ve all seen it; we’ve all experienced it -- the crazy volleyball parent.
Now, I consider myself lucky because my parents have to share their attention with my four other siblings, which has kept them in a certain state of sanity. Most of the time.
Usually parent “over-involvement” is humorous and harmless, but it can also cause problems with team chemistry and individual performance. Sports can bring out your best and worst. The same goes for parents. This week I thought I would write a blog on how to manage the crazy volleyball parent.
Stop negative cheering
The game from the parent’s perspective is always interesting.
-- Parent of the defensive player: “Why can’t we get a block? Girls, close the gap!”
-- Parent of the setter: “Come on, pass the ball. Let’s get a pass this time!”
-- Parent of the hitter: “Higher sets! Push it up!” Or my favorite, “SET! THE! MIDDLE!”
Guess what? We hear it, and it’s not helpful. We all need each other to make a play and we need support, not blame.
Make a contract
I was once on a club team that had some overzealous parents. During our team bonding night, we decided to make our parents sign a contract. We wanted to start things off right, so we came up with a list of rules. At the parent meeting, we had them agree to the following:
-- No talking to coaches about playing time -- that’s our job.
-- No coaching from the sidelines.
-- No trashing on teammates or coaches.
-- Only positive cheering allowed.
-- No yelling at the referees or line judges when they make a tough call.
-- No lectures in the car ride home on how we can improve.
The parents laughed, but we made our point and the stage was set for the season.
Communicate
Let your parents know how you feel. It’s great that they’re passionate and involved, but you don’t want volleyball to be the core of your relationship. I always enjoyed a close relationship with my mom, but sometimes I just didn’t want to talk volleyball. She was so excited to talk about everything (the recruiting, the games, the plays), but once I let her know how I felt, she gave me my space. I need to “process” after a long tournament, and the only thing I want to discuss on the way home is which In-N-Out Burger we should stop at. I like to have “volleyball free” dinners at home and focus on other topics with my parents. It helps keep a well-balanced relationship, which I value.
Parents want us to be successful and reach our goals. They mean well; they love us. But sometimes we just have to lay down the law.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to prepare for nationals – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how to manage crazy volleyball parents.
Cosy BurnettAll it takes is one parent to yell out that simple phrase and an avalanche of shouts, whistles, yells and arms frantically waving at the scorekeeper begins. And once it starts, they won’t give up until the score is checked and re-checked. The scorekeeper has 3.2 seconds to flip the plastic number before “Score!” is yelled. If she flips too fast and they don’t see it, that’s also a problem. And if she accidentally flips the wrong side, parents work themselves into a rabid frenzy.
We’ve all seen it; we’ve all experienced it -- the crazy volleyball parent.
Now, I consider myself lucky because my parents have to share their attention with my four other siblings, which has kept them in a certain state of sanity. Most of the time.
Usually parent “over-involvement” is humorous and harmless, but it can also cause problems with team chemistry and individual performance. Sports can bring out your best and worst. The same goes for parents. This week I thought I would write a blog on how to manage the crazy volleyball parent.
Stop negative cheering
The game from the parent’s perspective is always interesting.
-- Parent of the defensive player: “Why can’t we get a block? Girls, close the gap!”
-- Parent of the setter: “Come on, pass the ball. Let’s get a pass this time!”
-- Parent of the hitter: “Higher sets! Push it up!” Or my favorite, “SET! THE! MIDDLE!”
Guess what? We hear it, and it’s not helpful. We all need each other to make a play and we need support, not blame.
Make a contract
I was once on a club team that had some overzealous parents. During our team bonding night, we decided to make our parents sign a contract. We wanted to start things off right, so we came up with a list of rules. At the parent meeting, we had them agree to the following:
-- No talking to coaches about playing time -- that’s our job.
-- No coaching from the sidelines.
-- No trashing on teammates or coaches.
-- Only positive cheering allowed.
-- No yelling at the referees or line judges when they make a tough call.
-- No lectures in the car ride home on how we can improve.
The parents laughed, but we made our point and the stage was set for the season.
Communicate
Let your parents know how you feel. It’s great that they’re passionate and involved, but you don’t want volleyball to be the core of your relationship. I always enjoyed a close relationship with my mom, but sometimes I just didn’t want to talk volleyball. She was so excited to talk about everything (the recruiting, the games, the plays), but once I let her know how I felt, she gave me my space. I need to “process” after a long tournament, and the only thing I want to discuss on the way home is which In-N-Out Burger we should stop at. I like to have “volleyball free” dinners at home and focus on other topics with my parents. It helps keep a well-balanced relationship, which I value.
Parents want us to be successful and reach our goals. They mean well; they love us. But sometimes we just have to lay down the law.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to prepare for nationals – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares five tips to prepare for nationals.
Cosy BurnettClub volleyball season is winding down. Those 14-hour tournament days of florescent lights, deafening noise, lost water bottles and fleece blankets are coming to an end. We may have a regional tournament left and then we have a whole month or so before nationals. Whether you’re headed to Columbus, Florida or Phoenix, it’s time to step up your game so you will perform at your peak during your season finale. This week I thought I would blog on how to prepare to get the most out of your experience on the national stage.
Refocus
It’s normal to feel a little tired at this point of the season. Now is the time to refocus, make new goals and get excited about excelling. Talk to your coach about where she would like to see you at nationals and make specific goals to get there.
Be strong
Don’t get injured this last month -- you owe it to your team to be careful. Protect your ankles during long tournaments and avoid activities that could cause injuries, such as four-wheeling, skateboarding, or, in my case, riding a bike. Save it for your summer vacation. It’s also a great time to focus on your fitness routine. You’ll see results in your performance after a month of weight training … great timing! Stronger, fitter athletes perform better and are less likely to be injured.
Have fun
Team chemistry seems to be either at an all-time high or an all-time low at this point in the season. Either way, it’s important to reconnect with your teammates in a fun way. Have a team party, eat pizza and ice cream, and do anything that produces gut-splitting laughter. You will need good vibes going into nationals. Be positive and avoid negative talk about teammates or coaches. Don’t even listen to it. Spend your energy building up your teammates and supporting your coaches.
Keep organized
My volleyball shoes always seem to wear out exactly the week before nationals. I’m always rushing at the last minute to buy new shoes and then don’t have time to break them in. Evaluate your equipment needs early. I put my uniforms, good socks, extra spandex and everything else I intend to take in my backpack weeks before I leave so I won’t be crazy trying to find them an hour before the flight. My friend’s mom cleaned her closet and accidentally gave her jersey to Goodwill, and my friend had to scramble to borrow one from another team at the same club hours before her flight left.
Contact schools
Make sure to call or email your top 5-10 schools and let them know where you are playing. Find out if they will be there and invite them to watch your court. You’ve worked hard to get here; let them see how far you’ve come.
Playing at nationals is an amazing experience. It’s the highlight of the club season and it’s what your team has been working toward all year. Your efforts this last month can play a huge part in your personal performance and the success of your team.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog -- a Mother's Day special -- here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares five tips to prepare for nationals.
Cosy BurnettRefocus
It’s normal to feel a little tired at this point of the season. Now is the time to refocus, make new goals and get excited about excelling. Talk to your coach about where she would like to see you at nationals and make specific goals to get there.
Be strong
Don’t get injured this last month -- you owe it to your team to be careful. Protect your ankles during long tournaments and avoid activities that could cause injuries, such as four-wheeling, skateboarding, or, in my case, riding a bike. Save it for your summer vacation. It’s also a great time to focus on your fitness routine. You’ll see results in your performance after a month of weight training … great timing! Stronger, fitter athletes perform better and are less likely to be injured.
Have fun
Team chemistry seems to be either at an all-time high or an all-time low at this point in the season. Either way, it’s important to reconnect with your teammates in a fun way. Have a team party, eat pizza and ice cream, and do anything that produces gut-splitting laughter. You will need good vibes going into nationals. Be positive and avoid negative talk about teammates or coaches. Don’t even listen to it. Spend your energy building up your teammates and supporting your coaches.
Keep organized
My volleyball shoes always seem to wear out exactly the week before nationals. I’m always rushing at the last minute to buy new shoes and then don’t have time to break them in. Evaluate your equipment needs early. I put my uniforms, good socks, extra spandex and everything else I intend to take in my backpack weeks before I leave so I won’t be crazy trying to find them an hour before the flight. My friend’s mom cleaned her closet and accidentally gave her jersey to Goodwill, and my friend had to scramble to borrow one from another team at the same club hours before her flight left.
Contact schools
Make sure to call or email your top 5-10 schools and let them know where you are playing. Find out if they will be there and invite them to watch your court. You’ve worked hard to get here; let them see how far you’ve come.
Playing at nationals is an amazing experience. It’s the highlight of the club season and it’s what your team has been working toward all year. Your efforts this last month can play a huge part in your personal performance and the success of your team.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog -- a Mother's Day special -- here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, her fellow players wish their moms a Happy Mother's Day.
Cosy BurnettVolleyball moms are the best. They are special women who sacrifice so much. They are working moms who use their precious vacation days to go to tournaments. They are stay-at-home moms with multiple kids balancing it all. They are single moms. They are all supermoms.
Last year during AP testing, finals and preparing for nationals, prom decided to come along. I had a date, but no dress, and was in a state of serious panic to find one. I did not have a single hour to search for that perfect dress. So I did what any girl would do -- I put my head down and cried, thinking, “I guess I could just wear jeans.”
The next day I stumbled into my room at 8 p.m., exhausted and spent. I flipped on my light and was shocked. I looked around my room and jumped up and down. Hanging on anything that would hold a hanger were over a dozen beautiful dresses! Each one was different and had a pair of shoes to go with it. My mom had brought the store to me when I couldn't go myself. Needless to say, I found the perfect dress and didn't have to wear jeans. It wouldn't have happened without my amazing mom.
At a SoCal tournament over the weekend, I asked my teammates and some other volleyball girls to share their thoughts on their volleyball moms. This is what I got:
“My mom cheers for me, makes sure I’m well rested, and I know she loves me when she wakes up before 5 a.m. to go to my tournaments -- so lucky to call her mom.” -- Krissy Witous, Coast 17-1
“As a little girl whenever someone asked me who my role model was, it was never a famous baseball player or scientist, it was always my mom. There is no one in the world I could give more credit to as a caretaker, a role model and my best friend. I love you, Mom.” -- Caterina Rosander, Coast 17-1
“My mom is my best friend. I love her with all my heart. She is always there for me through thick and thin and has always been my No. 1 advocate when it comes to volleyball and life. I don't know what I would do without her. She's the first person I go to when I'm sad and she is my favorite person in the world. I love you, Mom!” -- Sydney Francis, Coast 17-1
“My mom is always there for me no matter what. She cheers for me and makes sure I’m wide awake before I play. She’s my biggest supporter.” -- Marin Longfellow, Coast 17-1
“Having a mom like mine means the world. She is always there when I need her. Waking up early for tournaments isn’t easy, but she is always ready to go. We have a good time together and she picks me up when I’m down. I love her so much." -- Victoria Dennis, Club West 18-1
“My mom has been a great volleyball mom for eight years now. She has sacrificed so much for me and supports me no matter what. She is the first one to comfort me after a good or bad game. I appreciate and love her so much.” -- Lauren Miller, Coast 17-1
“Having a mom like mine is hard to come by. She’s a firefighter’s wife and mother of three athletes. She makes so many sacrifices, like driving me to practice two hours each way 3-4 times per week, on top of working. ... She is a supermom.” -- Morgan Collet, TCA 18-Black
“My mommy has been the best mom ever and I am so fortunate to be given her by God. (I don’t know if she feels the same way.) She is my hero. Being a single mom is an arduous task and she makes it look easy.” -- Erika Conners, Coast 17-1
“My mom has woken up early to take me to tournaments, drove me to practice and even got a job to help pay for all the fees for me and my sister. Even with four kids, she makes it a priority to come to everything she can and support me. I love her and would not be the same without her.” -- Karly Shockey, Club West 18-1
“My mommy is always there to support me through my experiences. It’s amazing to know I have a special person in my life who will always be by my side whether it’s at the volleyball court or hanging out at home. Being a stay-at-home mom, she is with me 24/7. She is the best friend and best mom I could ever ask for.” -- Breanna Barksdale, Coast 17-1
“My mom is always there for me, sacrificing her time and money so I can play. She is my No. 1 fan.” -- Rachel Seals, Club West 18-1
“My mom makes volleyball fun by supporting me and watching me play. She always makes sure I have everything for practice and tournaments. Love you, Mom!” -- Lexi Reddick, Coast 17-1
“I can’t thank my mom enough for the countless hours she has spent in gyms, the long drives and the best salads. She is always there, the loudest fan for the team. She may not know the game well, but she pushes us to win. I don’t know what I would do without her.” -- Missy Pittard, Solana Beach 18-1
“My mom is here always cheering me on. She wakes up early, even on her days off from work, makes me food and comes to every tournament.” -- Jené Lee, Club West 17-1
“My mom makes my volleyball experience fun by always being the loudest person on the sidelines cheering for me and my team. She makes sure I have all my stuff, including food and water. She is the best mom ever and I love her to death.” -- Raena Borcuk, Club West 17-1
“My mom constantly cheers for and supports me. She never complains about getting up early and supplies me with endless amounts of food and drink. Love you, Mom!” -- Claire Manhard, Coast 17-1
We notice all you do, moms. We appreciate and love you!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to prepare for junior year – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, her fellow players wish their moms a Happy Mother's Day.
Cosy BurnettLast year during AP testing, finals and preparing for nationals, prom decided to come along. I had a date, but no dress, and was in a state of serious panic to find one. I did not have a single hour to search for that perfect dress. So I did what any girl would do -- I put my head down and cried, thinking, “I guess I could just wear jeans.”
The next day I stumbled into my room at 8 p.m., exhausted and spent. I flipped on my light and was shocked. I looked around my room and jumped up and down. Hanging on anything that would hold a hanger were over a dozen beautiful dresses! Each one was different and had a pair of shoes to go with it. My mom had brought the store to me when I couldn't go myself. Needless to say, I found the perfect dress and didn't have to wear jeans. It wouldn't have happened without my amazing mom.
At a SoCal tournament over the weekend, I asked my teammates and some other volleyball girls to share their thoughts on their volleyball moms. This is what I got:
“My mom cheers for me, makes sure I’m well rested, and I know she loves me when she wakes up before 5 a.m. to go to my tournaments -- so lucky to call her mom.” -- Krissy Witous, Coast 17-1
“As a little girl whenever someone asked me who my role model was, it was never a famous baseball player or scientist, it was always my mom. There is no one in the world I could give more credit to as a caretaker, a role model and my best friend. I love you, Mom.” -- Caterina Rosander, Coast 17-1
“My mom is my best friend. I love her with all my heart. She is always there for me through thick and thin and has always been my No. 1 advocate when it comes to volleyball and life. I don't know what I would do without her. She's the first person I go to when I'm sad and she is my favorite person in the world. I love you, Mom!” -- Sydney Francis, Coast 17-1
“My mom is always there for me no matter what. She cheers for me and makes sure I’m wide awake before I play. She’s my biggest supporter.” -- Marin Longfellow, Coast 17-1
“Having a mom like mine means the world. She is always there when I need her. Waking up early for tournaments isn’t easy, but she is always ready to go. We have a good time together and she picks me up when I’m down. I love her so much." -- Victoria Dennis, Club West 18-1
“My mom has been a great volleyball mom for eight years now. She has sacrificed so much for me and supports me no matter what. She is the first one to comfort me after a good or bad game. I appreciate and love her so much.” -- Lauren Miller, Coast 17-1
“Having a mom like mine is hard to come by. She’s a firefighter’s wife and mother of three athletes. She makes so many sacrifices, like driving me to practice two hours each way 3-4 times per week, on top of working. ... She is a supermom.” -- Morgan Collet, TCA 18-Black
“My mommy has been the best mom ever and I am so fortunate to be given her by God. (I don’t know if she feels the same way.) She is my hero. Being a single mom is an arduous task and she makes it look easy.” -- Erika Conners, Coast 17-1
“My mom has woken up early to take me to tournaments, drove me to practice and even got a job to help pay for all the fees for me and my sister. Even with four kids, she makes it a priority to come to everything she can and support me. I love her and would not be the same without her.” -- Karly Shockey, Club West 18-1
“My mommy is always there to support me through my experiences. It’s amazing to know I have a special person in my life who will always be by my side whether it’s at the volleyball court or hanging out at home. Being a stay-at-home mom, she is with me 24/7. She is the best friend and best mom I could ever ask for.” -- Breanna Barksdale, Coast 17-1
“My mom is always there for me, sacrificing her time and money so I can play. She is my No. 1 fan.” -- Rachel Seals, Club West 18-1
“My mom makes volleyball fun by supporting me and watching me play. She always makes sure I have everything for practice and tournaments. Love you, Mom!” -- Lexi Reddick, Coast 17-1
“I can’t thank my mom enough for the countless hours she has spent in gyms, the long drives and the best salads. She is always there, the loudest fan for the team. She may not know the game well, but she pushes us to win. I don’t know what I would do without her.” -- Missy Pittard, Solana Beach 18-1
“My mom is here always cheering me on. She wakes up early, even on her days off from work, makes me food and comes to every tournament.” -- Jené Lee, Club West 17-1
“My mom makes my volleyball experience fun by always being the loudest person on the sidelines cheering for me and my team. She makes sure I have all my stuff, including food and water. She is the best mom ever and I love her to death.” -- Raena Borcuk, Club West 17-1
“My mom constantly cheers for and supports me. She never complains about getting up early and supplies me with endless amounts of food and drink. Love you, Mom!” -- Claire Manhard, Coast 17-1
We notice all you do, moms. We appreciate and love you!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to prepare for junior year – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how to prepare for your junior year.
Cosy BurnettI had no idea how crazy junior year would be. It’s a tough year for academics, you’re busy with community service, weight training, practices, tournaments and, oh yes, recruiting!
Making a decision on college is, for many of us, our biggest decision yet. I was buried one week last month, taking my math final, studying for the SAT that Saturday, preparing for a tournament that weekend while still fitting in two recruiting trips. AAHHHHHH!!
I thought it would be great to write a blog on the things I wish I had known prior to my junior year. You can do so many things as a freshman or sophomore to maximize your options and reduce stress as a junior. As volleyball recruits, we need to do things on a different timeline from our peers, so get educated and get started.
Make academics a priority
You start high school with a clean slate, so why not go ahead and decide your freshman year to be a 4.0 student and see how close you get? We learn to manage our time with practices and training, so it’s natural to fit in time to study as well. It’s sad when academics keep an athlete out of her dream school, so be sure to keep your options open. Start taking the SAT/ACT early and take it as many times as you can. Scores should improve each time, and your top college choice as a junior may require high scores. Register with the NCAA clearinghouse as a freshman and talk to your counselor so she knows you need to meet the NCAA requirements. I know a girl who played for a junior college because she didn’t take the courses she needed in high school to qualify for a Division I scholarship.
Contact schools early
Start calling and emailing colleges your freshman year. Don’t pester them, but let them know you are interested in their school and fill out their questionnaires so they have your information on file. If it’s a school with high academic standards, the assistant coach is happy to talk to you about what grades/scores you need to get into the school. It’s good to know this early before you have blown it.
Visit colleges
I started making unofficial visits as a freshman. It seemed so early at the time, but it proved to be a great idea. By the time you are a junior, finding free weekends for school visits is challenging. It helped me to catch a vision of what’s possible and motivated me to work hard in school and practice.
Market yourself
Schools need to see you play. Make sure you let them know when your team is headed to a big tournament. If your team doesn’t play nationally, try out for a USA Volleyball High Performance team. The tryout alone is great exposure, and many college coaches are there.
You want to be the “full package” by the time you are a junior. Work hard now and you’ll get there!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how she chose BYU – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how to prepare for your junior year.
Cosy BurnettMaking a decision on college is, for many of us, our biggest decision yet. I was buried one week last month, taking my math final, studying for the SAT that Saturday, preparing for a tournament that weekend while still fitting in two recruiting trips. AAHHHHHH!!
I thought it would be great to write a blog on the things I wish I had known prior to my junior year. You can do so many things as a freshman or sophomore to maximize your options and reduce stress as a junior. As volleyball recruits, we need to do things on a different timeline from our peers, so get educated and get started.
Make academics a priority
You start high school with a clean slate, so why not go ahead and decide your freshman year to be a 4.0 student and see how close you get? We learn to manage our time with practices and training, so it’s natural to fit in time to study as well. It’s sad when academics keep an athlete out of her dream school, so be sure to keep your options open. Start taking the SAT/ACT early and take it as many times as you can. Scores should improve each time, and your top college choice as a junior may require high scores. Register with the NCAA clearinghouse as a freshman and talk to your counselor so she knows you need to meet the NCAA requirements. I know a girl who played for a junior college because she didn’t take the courses she needed in high school to qualify for a Division I scholarship.
Contact schools early
Start calling and emailing colleges your freshman year. Don’t pester them, but let them know you are interested in their school and fill out their questionnaires so they have your information on file. If it’s a school with high academic standards, the assistant coach is happy to talk to you about what grades/scores you need to get into the school. It’s good to know this early before you have blown it.
Visit colleges
I started making unofficial visits as a freshman. It seemed so early at the time, but it proved to be a great idea. By the time you are a junior, finding free weekends for school visits is challenging. It helped me to catch a vision of what’s possible and motivated me to work hard in school and practice.
Market yourself
Schools need to see you play. Make sure you let them know when your team is headed to a big tournament. If your team doesn’t play nationally, try out for a USA Volleyball High Performance team. The tryout alone is great exposure, and many college coaches are there.
You want to be the “full package” by the time you are a junior. Work hard now and you’ll get there!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how she chose BYU – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how she decided to go to Brigham Young University.
When I was 12 years old, I decided it was time to make my entree into college recruiting. I looked up the phone number of the head coach of BYU (my dream school) on the Internet and called her and left a message.
It went something like this ...
Courtesy of Cosy BurnettCosy Burnett poses next to the BYU logo on the back of her car.“Hi, my name is Cosy Burnett, I’m 12, I’m 6-foot tall and play middle blocker for Wave 13-1s in San Diego. You don’t know me, but I’m going to go to BYU and play for you some day, so I thought it would be a great idea if we met. I’ll be at Junior Olympics in Dallas next week, so come by our court and watch our team win the gold.”
She didn’t come, as far as I know, but when I went to camp later that summer with hundreds of girls, the coach paused when she called my name and looked up and said, “So YOU are Cosy.”
Choices
As time progressed and other schools became interested in me, I opened my mind to a lot of different options and experiences. I was really lucky to have some great choices and flattered to have offers from the best schools and programs in the country -- schools that I would have never dreamed I could go to.
I had a coach from a top program give me some great advice my freshman year. He said to keep a list of my top five schools, and only five. If I liked a new school, I needed to evaluate it compared to my top five, and if I brought it up, I would need to drop one down. This helped me keep things simple and organized when recruiting got crazy. It takes a lot of time to investigate whether a school is a good fit, so make sure you spend that time on your top five.
Questions to ask yourself
-- Where would I want to be if I were injured and couldn’t play?
-- Does the school have the major I want, and will my practice schedule/coaches allow me to follow it?
-- Will a degree from this school help me reach my life goals?
-- What kind of support does the school give its athletes?
-- How do I fit with the team/coaches?
-- What will be my role on the team?
-- Can I see myself thrive and be happy there?
Time to commit
It’s hard to know when the time is right to commit. I tried to take my time and enjoy the process, but the pressure does heat up quickly. After one particular tournament, I was discussing the pros and cons of my top two schools with my parents. In the end, the deciding factor was going to a school where I would be the happiest. There are so many people who want to define success, but to me success equals happiness. In volleyball, in school and in life. I told my parents that I really wasn’t waiting for a better offer.
It was BYU … and apparently had always been.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – what to expect on your campus visits – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she explains how she decided to go to Brigham Young University.
When I was 12 years old, I decided it was time to make my entree into college recruiting. I looked up the phone number of the head coach of BYU (my dream school) on the Internet and called her and left a message.
It went something like this ...
Courtesy of Cosy BurnettCosy Burnett poses next to the BYU logo on the back of her car.She didn’t come, as far as I know, but when I went to camp later that summer with hundreds of girls, the coach paused when she called my name and looked up and said, “So YOU are Cosy.”
Choices
As time progressed and other schools became interested in me, I opened my mind to a lot of different options and experiences. I was really lucky to have some great choices and flattered to have offers from the best schools and programs in the country -- schools that I would have never dreamed I could go to.
I had a coach from a top program give me some great advice my freshman year. He said to keep a list of my top five schools, and only five. If I liked a new school, I needed to evaluate it compared to my top five, and if I brought it up, I would need to drop one down. This helped me keep things simple and organized when recruiting got crazy. It takes a lot of time to investigate whether a school is a good fit, so make sure you spend that time on your top five.
Questions to ask yourself
-- Where would I want to be if I were injured and couldn’t play?
-- Does the school have the major I want, and will my practice schedule/coaches allow me to follow it?
-- Will a degree from this school help me reach my life goals?
-- What kind of support does the school give its athletes?
-- How do I fit with the team/coaches?
-- What will be my role on the team?
-- Can I see myself thrive and be happy there?
Time to commit
It’s hard to know when the time is right to commit. I tried to take my time and enjoy the process, but the pressure does heat up quickly. After one particular tournament, I was discussing the pros and cons of my top two schools with my parents. In the end, the deciding factor was going to a school where I would be the happiest. There are so many people who want to define success, but to me success equals happiness. In volleyball, in school and in life. I told my parents that I really wasn’t waiting for a better offer.
It was BYU … and apparently had always been.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – what to expect on your campus visits – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her secrets for a successful campus visit.
Cosy BurnettAn important and fun part of the recruiting process is the unofficial visit. This is an exciting time and a great look into the school and program. I started visiting schools my freshman year, and I highly recommend starting the process early. By the time you’re a junior, you are slammed with time and there are literally about three weekends when you don’t have a tournament or midterms that you can actually see a school.
Here’s my advice on what to expect and how to prepare for recruiting trips.
A typical agenda
-- Meeting with the coaches
-- Attending a practice (either in season or preseason)
-- Spending time with the team -- may stay overnight
-- Attending either a volleyball game (if in season) or another sports game (if out of season)
-- Meeting with an academic counselor
-- Touring the training facility and campus
-- Doing something fun with the team
The overnight stay
If you are a junior or older, schools often set up an overnight stay with a player. If they don’t offer, go ahead and ask. If they are interested in you, they should set one up. The overnight experience is a great peek into college life and a unique time to talk to the players away from the coaches. You will be surprised by how honest they are when you ask about the coaches … it’s amazing! One great question to ask: “How does the head coach act when the team is losing or not playing well?” You can really get an idea of the coach’s character by finding out how he or she treats the team when it is down or when things are tense. And here’s another great question: “Do you have fun playing for this coach?” I love the game and if I can’t have fun, why am I there? I want to play for a coach who encourages a fun, positive and competitive environment. It’s also a great time to ask about academic load, social opportunities, campus activities and other things that are important to you.
The meeting with the coaches
Most likely you will sit down with the coaches and your parents. If you don’t have a formal offer from the school, this is when it happens. If you don’t get an offer, don’t leave the meeting without finding out exactly where you stand and what you need to do to be a contender. They will be honest at this point in the recruiting process. Some coaches use this time to tell you how great the school and program is, and others ask you questions so they can get to know you better. Be prepared for both. Tell your parents that you want to do the talking. Your parents should be there for support and can ask their own questions, but they should not answer for you. Ask questions about things you really care about. As for me, I always ask questions about what kind of service the team does together. I like the idea of a program that gives back to the community. Another question I ask is how the coach determines playing time. Coaches always have a lot to say about this, so you will learn a lot about their coaching style from their answers.
What to bring
Something cute, but comfortable. Also, it never hurts to be taller, so I recommend wearing “tall” shoes. I like to wear my Nikes because they give me an extra inch. You will be walking a lot, so the Nikes come in handy for more than being tall. Dress in layers to prepare for any kind of weather. If you are staying overnight, I recommend bringing extra clothes for that first day because you will often go out to dinner or do something fun with the team, so feel free to look cute. Oh, and bring some cash. Remember that they can't pay for anything unless you are a senior and it's an official visit. So if you want to eat, bring some money
Be yourself
Whether you are quiet, calm, outgoing or goofy, this is the time to be yourself. You want to make sure the school is a fit so you don’t spend the next four years trying to act like the person they thought you were. There is a place for everyone. Find yours!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – on all the great things about being tall – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her secrets for a successful campus visit.
Cosy BurnettHere’s my advice on what to expect and how to prepare for recruiting trips.
A typical agenda
-- Meeting with the coaches
-- Attending a practice (either in season or preseason)
-- Spending time with the team -- may stay overnight
-- Attending either a volleyball game (if in season) or another sports game (if out of season)
-- Meeting with an academic counselor
-- Touring the training facility and campus
-- Doing something fun with the team
The overnight stay
If you are a junior or older, schools often set up an overnight stay with a player. If they don’t offer, go ahead and ask. If they are interested in you, they should set one up. The overnight experience is a great peek into college life and a unique time to talk to the players away from the coaches. You will be surprised by how honest they are when you ask about the coaches … it’s amazing! One great question to ask: “How does the head coach act when the team is losing or not playing well?” You can really get an idea of the coach’s character by finding out how he or she treats the team when it is down or when things are tense. And here’s another great question: “Do you have fun playing for this coach?” I love the game and if I can’t have fun, why am I there? I want to play for a coach who encourages a fun, positive and competitive environment. It’s also a great time to ask about academic load, social opportunities, campus activities and other things that are important to you.
The meeting with the coaches
Most likely you will sit down with the coaches and your parents. If you don’t have a formal offer from the school, this is when it happens. If you don’t get an offer, don’t leave the meeting without finding out exactly where you stand and what you need to do to be a contender. They will be honest at this point in the recruiting process. Some coaches use this time to tell you how great the school and program is, and others ask you questions so they can get to know you better. Be prepared for both. Tell your parents that you want to do the talking. Your parents should be there for support and can ask their own questions, but they should not answer for you. Ask questions about things you really care about. As for me, I always ask questions about what kind of service the team does together. I like the idea of a program that gives back to the community. Another question I ask is how the coach determines playing time. Coaches always have a lot to say about this, so you will learn a lot about their coaching style from their answers.
What to bring
Something cute, but comfortable. Also, it never hurts to be taller, so I recommend wearing “tall” shoes. I like to wear my Nikes because they give me an extra inch. You will be walking a lot, so the Nikes come in handy for more than being tall. Dress in layers to prepare for any kind of weather. If you are staying overnight, I recommend bringing extra clothes for that first day because you will often go out to dinner or do something fun with the team, so feel free to look cute. Oh, and bring some cash. Remember that they can't pay for anything unless you are a senior and it's an official visit. So if you want to eat, bring some money
Be yourself
Whether you are quiet, calm, outgoing or goofy, this is the time to be yourself. You want to make sure the school is a fit so you don’t spend the next four years trying to act like the person they thought you were. There is a place for everyone. Find yours!
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – on all the great things about being tall – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her tips on how to make the most of your time on the bench.
Cosy BurnettMy first three years of playing club were spent on the bench. I once asked a high school coach whom I respected if it was better to play for a great team and sit on the bench or play for a lesser team and get the playing time. He thought for a while and said he was asked that question a lot. His answer was “Be the best player on the best team.” OK, thanks. I think.
No doubt it’s a very frustrating time. I learned a lot from my time on the bench and I want to share some hope to all you who may find yourselves warming the sidelines.
1. Remember, you are part of the team
You can contribute to your team’s success from the sidelines, and every award and victory the team achieves is also 100 percent yours. You work just as hard as everyone else and maybe even a little harder. Those reps you contribute at practice help make the team better as a whole.
2. Let recruiters know your situation
Before a big tournament, call the schools you are interested in and let them know to come and watch you during warm-ups. This may sound funny, but I did this and was surprised how many showed up. The warm-ups are your shot, so play hard.
3. Stand up and cheer
There is no need to sit on the sidelines with a long face. Go with it ... have fun! Teams feed off each other’s energy, and this is something you can do. If there is a big point, go crazy. Your teammates will feel your support and they will know you have their backs.
4. Communicate with your coach
Talk to your coach privately and make goals and benchmarks to earn more playing time. Find out how playing time is determined and make it clear that you are hungry. Then follow up with your coach to keep him or her honest. Your coach really does want you to play and to reach your potential – that’s why you are on the team.
5. Be positive
I can’t stress this enough. Just as you can be an asset to a team as a bencher, you can also be destructive. Do not talk badly about the coaches to other teammates. If your parents are supportive, great. If they overreact, be careful; it’s hard on them, too. It’s helpful to have a friend to vent to who knows nothing about volleyball. During the season, stay committed and positive to your team. When the season is over, it’s time to evaluate your goals. Be honest with yourself and move forward. If it’s club, you can always make a change. If it’s school, use club opportunities to improve for next season.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to stage a comeback – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her tips on how to make the most of your time on the bench.
Cosy BurnettNo doubt it’s a very frustrating time. I learned a lot from my time on the bench and I want to share some hope to all you who may find yourselves warming the sidelines.
1. Remember, you are part of the team
You can contribute to your team’s success from the sidelines, and every award and victory the team achieves is also 100 percent yours. You work just as hard as everyone else and maybe even a little harder. Those reps you contribute at practice help make the team better as a whole.
2. Let recruiters know your situation
Before a big tournament, call the schools you are interested in and let them know to come and watch you during warm-ups. This may sound funny, but I did this and was surprised how many showed up. The warm-ups are your shot, so play hard.
3. Stand up and cheer
There is no need to sit on the sidelines with a long face. Go with it ... have fun! Teams feed off each other’s energy, and this is something you can do. If there is a big point, go crazy. Your teammates will feel your support and they will know you have their backs.
4. Communicate with your coach
Talk to your coach privately and make goals and benchmarks to earn more playing time. Find out how playing time is determined and make it clear that you are hungry. Then follow up with your coach to keep him or her honest. Your coach really does want you to play and to reach your potential – that’s why you are on the team.
5. Be positive
I can’t stress this enough. Just as you can be an asset to a team as a bencher, you can also be destructive. Do not talk badly about the coaches to other teammates. If your parents are supportive, great. If they overreact, be careful; it’s hard on them, too. It’s helpful to have a friend to vent to who knows nothing about volleyball. During the season, stay committed and positive to your team. When the season is over, it’s time to evaluate your goals. Be honest with yourself and move forward. If it’s club, you can always make a change. If it’s school, use club opportunities to improve for next season.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to stage a comeback – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shared her tips on how to stage a comeback.
Cosy BurnettI want to write this week’s blog on how to be a “comeback team” when you find yourselves in a hole. At a recent tournament, we were playing the No. 1 seed and the first set was a battle. We won 26-24. In set No. 2, we were behind 11-22. Wow, so what’s the plan now? It’s tempting just to think “OK, let’s get the pain over ... we just need a new game.”
Never!
We ended up pulling off a 25-23 victory, and as I thought about how we did it, the following came to mind:
1. Be positive on the court
A positive attitude is a powerful thing. When you are positive, it not only makes playing the game more fun, but it also encourages play at the highest level. So especially when you are behind, it is vital to stay positive. When you tell your libero to “shake it off” when she missed that crucial pass or your hitter that she made a good swing even though it sailed out of bounds, you are sending a vibe to your team that says, “I know you’ll get the next one.” It’s when teams start to doubt themselves, blame each other and roll their eyes that their teammates begin to lose confidence and make silly errors that come from nerves and anxiety.
2. Change it up
Our setter changed up the momentum with two immediate dumps, which threw the other side off. It’s the time to throw in a daring play to make that amazing kill, huge block or a bullet ace. The momentum shifts, and then it’s “rally time.” More often than not, teams begin to relax and lose their focus when they have a huge lead, and it’s the perfect time to step up your game, take a risk, attack with full force and get a run of points.
3. Keep your head
My teammate was able to make 11 bombing serves in a row. In order to make a comeback, you need to make your serves. Just relax, smile, focus and enjoy. This is why you have spent all those hours in the gym. You can do it.
4. Play to win
No matter the score, don’t play “not to lose.” Keep hitting those balls as hard as you can and go for the kill every time. Don’t be timid. I would rather have my teammate bomb a daring line shot than have her hit scared in order to not make a mistake. You won't be earning your team any points by giving free balls. “Going for it” is respecting yourself. You are telling yourself and everyone else in the gym that you won't give up without a fight.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to eat like a champion – here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shared her tips on how to stage a comeback.
Cosy BurnettNever!
We ended up pulling off a 25-23 victory, and as I thought about how we did it, the following came to mind:
1. Be positive on the court
A positive attitude is a powerful thing. When you are positive, it not only makes playing the game more fun, but it also encourages play at the highest level. So especially when you are behind, it is vital to stay positive. When you tell your libero to “shake it off” when she missed that crucial pass or your hitter that she made a good swing even though it sailed out of bounds, you are sending a vibe to your team that says, “I know you’ll get the next one.” It’s when teams start to doubt themselves, blame each other and roll their eyes that their teammates begin to lose confidence and make silly errors that come from nerves and anxiety.
2. Change it up
Our setter changed up the momentum with two immediate dumps, which threw the other side off. It’s the time to throw in a daring play to make that amazing kill, huge block or a bullet ace. The momentum shifts, and then it’s “rally time.” More often than not, teams begin to relax and lose their focus when they have a huge lead, and it’s the perfect time to step up your game, take a risk, attack with full force and get a run of points.
3. Keep your head
My teammate was able to make 11 bombing serves in a row. In order to make a comeback, you need to make your serves. Just relax, smile, focus and enjoy. This is why you have spent all those hours in the gym. You can do it.
4. Play to win
No matter the score, don’t play “not to lose.” Keep hitting those balls as hard as you can and go for the kill every time. Don’t be timid. I would rather have my teammate bomb a daring line shot than have her hit scared in order to not make a mistake. You won't be earning your team any points by giving free balls. “Going for it” is respecting yourself. You are telling yourself and everyone else in the gym that you won't give up without a fight.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – how to eat like a champion – here.
By Cosy Burnett
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her tips for snacking smart on game day.
Cosy Burnett
It’s tournament day, which means you will get up at about 5:30 a.m., caravan to your mega volleyball industrial center, walk around wrapped in your polar fleece blanket in the early cold and navigate your way through a bunch of fired-up moms holding Starbucks cups to find your makeshift campsite for the day. The big question is what to eat all day so that you'll perform at your peak level. It's going to be a long day, and volleyball players eat A LOT. So here are my food ideas for the big day:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water is the best possible drink, and it’s great to start hydrating one or two days before your tournament. Start by doubling your normal water intake; your body will need that extra liquid come game day. Some athletes love sports drinks or electrolyte powders; just make sure you take in whatever you'll need to stay hydrated. Always have a full, clean bottle nearby -- and drink, drink, drink!
Start with a healthy breakfast
My favorite thing to eat when I first arrive at the tournament site is a carton of greek yogurt mixed with blueberries and a little granola crisp. I like to eat protein and good carbs to keep my sugar level even. I try to eat something that is light and easy to digest. You don’t want to feel it on the court.
Build a great sandwich
After my team's first match, I start to “build” my sandwich. I start with hearty whole-grain bread (my fired-up mom actually makes it) a good seeded mustard, sliced turkey, cogswald cheese, jicama slices, sliced tomatoes, shaved carrots and a whole pile of fresh spinach. The sandwich is so huge and crunchy and sweet. I cut it in quarters and eat it throughout the day.
Avoid the sugar lows
Pass on the cookies, donuts and mini brownie muffins. Try not to eat anything high in sugar, which will cause spikes and lows. Mix your high sugar fruits with fats and protein.
Recovery Drink
During my freshman year, I went on a recruiting trip to a top volleyball program and the team's trainer told me that after significant research, she discovered that chocolate milk was the best recovery drink. It has the right amount of fat, protein and carbs. I don’t know if that’s true or not but it sounded good to me! So, since then, chocolate milk has been my favorite drink at the end of a long day.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog -- about her favorite “pregame pump-ups” -- here.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she shares her tips for snacking smart on game day.
Cosy BurnettIt’s tournament day, which means you will get up at about 5:30 a.m., caravan to your mega volleyball industrial center, walk around wrapped in your polar fleece blanket in the early cold and navigate your way through a bunch of fired-up moms holding Starbucks cups to find your makeshift campsite for the day. The big question is what to eat all day so that you'll perform at your peak level. It's going to be a long day, and volleyball players eat A LOT. So here are my food ideas for the big day:
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Water is the best possible drink, and it’s great to start hydrating one or two days before your tournament. Start by doubling your normal water intake; your body will need that extra liquid come game day. Some athletes love sports drinks or electrolyte powders; just make sure you take in whatever you'll need to stay hydrated. Always have a full, clean bottle nearby -- and drink, drink, drink!
Start with a healthy breakfast
My favorite thing to eat when I first arrive at the tournament site is a carton of greek yogurt mixed with blueberries and a little granola crisp. I like to eat protein and good carbs to keep my sugar level even. I try to eat something that is light and easy to digest. You don’t want to feel it on the court.
Build a great sandwich
After my team's first match, I start to “build” my sandwich. I start with hearty whole-grain bread (my fired-up mom actually makes it) a good seeded mustard, sliced turkey, cogswald cheese, jicama slices, sliced tomatoes, shaved carrots and a whole pile of fresh spinach. The sandwich is so huge and crunchy and sweet. I cut it in quarters and eat it throughout the day.
Avoid the sugar lows
Pass on the cookies, donuts and mini brownie muffins. Try not to eat anything high in sugar, which will cause spikes and lows. Mix your high sugar fruits with fats and protein.
Recovery Drink
During my freshman year, I went on a recruiting trip to a top volleyball program and the team's trainer told me that after significant research, she discovered that chocolate milk was the best recovery drink. It has the right amount of fat, protein and carbs. I don’t know if that’s true or not but it sounded good to me! So, since then, chocolate milk has been my favorite drink at the end of a long day.
Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog -- about her favorite “pregame pump-ups” -- here.
Courtesy of Dana LoveCosy Burnett says she looked forward to joining in the La Costa Canyon pregame cheer since she was in eighth grade. "We have fun, connect with each other and experience that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves."Cosy BurnettTeam cheers: Our ‘Shabooya’
Everyone wants to know about our “Shabooya.” It’s our team cheer. We do it before every match no matter how intense. When I was in the eighth grade, I came to my first match at La Costa Canyon High School. I remember the girls gathering in a big circle, clapping and kicking to a practiced rhythm. Each girl would switch off being in the middle, screaming their practiced four lines, which highlight their strengths in a humorous way. Then they would all mosh together to shout out the chorus. They would all be smiling and laughing. I couldn’t wait to be a part of it! Now being in the program, I get to experience the magic in this simple pregame tradition. We have fun, connect with each other and experience that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. The last thing we hear before taking our positions on the court are our teammates’ encouraging words.
Put on the war paint
Whatever you need to go into battle -- your favorite headband, your signature braid or even painting one fingernail a crazy color. I have a friend who tapes her fingers before each game for blocking, and her eyes intensify as she rips the tape with her teeth and prepares for battle.
Connect with your inner passion
Music seems to be the weapon of choice. It’s a common sight at tournaments to see girls rocking out with their headphones before a game. Especially when you play multiple matches in a day, it’s great to have a consistent song to listen to before a game. Your mind is telling your body, “OK, you’re up!” I listen to Queen, and their song “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the one for me. Its speed, complex lyrics and passion define the game for me and get me mentally where I need to be.
Get in the zone
Each team takes a turn on the court for the pregame warm-ups. It’s a great opportunity to watch the opposing team hit and just imagine yourself blocking or digging their biggest hitters. See how they swing and plan your defense -- take down their biggest strength right from the start. Visualization is a powerful thing, and before you know it, you are in the match doing just what you had visualized moments before.
Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams.
I’m super stoked to be blogging for ESPNHS.com!
Cosy BurnettMy club team (Coast 17-1s) played in the MLK Speakeasy tournament this past weekend, and we won the championship! I thought I would write my first blog about things I have learned about playing in front of college recruiters.
For those of you starting the recruiting process, you may be a bit overwhelmed walking into a venue and seeing all those coaches walking around with their clipboards and silky polo shirts proudly displaying the school name. You may even see a recruiter from your “dream school.” Your eyes may even dart around the perimeter of the court to see if he saw you make that amazing kill.
It’s exciting and fun when the game gets to this level because now it’s really about your future, and the possibilities seem endless.
These are some tips that I have learned when playing in front of college recruiters that help me “stay in the game.”
1. Do not look for coaches at the venue. Send an email or call them in advance to let them know you will be playing. If they are there, great. If not, there is nothing you can do anyway, and it’s just distracting. Just focus on the tournament, your team and the game.
2. Remember you are there because you love the game. You are not there to showcase yourself. Be a team player, don’t worry about looking good, just contribute to your team any way you are needed.
3. Be yourself! Don’t try to be someone else. You would never want to be recruited to a school and have it not be a fit. For example, I get really energetic on the court. I jump around a lot after we make a point and get really excited. It’s just me. Some coaches may think I need to calm down and others may love the energy. I want to be with a program who values who I am.
4. Don’t worry if you make a mistake. I had a coach tell me that they are mainly looking at whether you are A.) teachable and B.) can bring it to the next level. They are looking at your athleticism and how you move. They don’t expect you to be able to play on their team right now. Just keep a good attitude after a mistake and move on.
5. Don’t be a sore loser. I really don’t think recruiters even remember or care what the score is. They will remember how you reacted or if you had poor sportsmanship. If you lose, that does not mean that they are no longer interested. I'm sure that as a coach they have had quite a few losses in their careers, too.
I’m super stoked to be blogging for ESPNHS.com!
Cosy BurnettFor those of you starting the recruiting process, you may be a bit overwhelmed walking into a venue and seeing all those coaches walking around with their clipboards and silky polo shirts proudly displaying the school name. You may even see a recruiter from your “dream school.” Your eyes may even dart around the perimeter of the court to see if he saw you make that amazing kill.
It’s exciting and fun when the game gets to this level because now it’s really about your future, and the possibilities seem endless.
These are some tips that I have learned when playing in front of college recruiters that help me “stay in the game.”
1. Do not look for coaches at the venue. Send an email or call them in advance to let them know you will be playing. If they are there, great. If not, there is nothing you can do anyway, and it’s just distracting. Just focus on the tournament, your team and the game.
2. Remember you are there because you love the game. You are not there to showcase yourself. Be a team player, don’t worry about looking good, just contribute to your team any way you are needed.
3. Be yourself! Don’t try to be someone else. You would never want to be recruited to a school and have it not be a fit. For example, I get really energetic on the court. I jump around a lot after we make a point and get really excited. It’s just me. Some coaches may think I need to calm down and others may love the energy. I want to be with a program who values who I am.
4. Don’t worry if you make a mistake. I had a coach tell me that they are mainly looking at whether you are A.) teachable and B.) can bring it to the next level. They are looking at your athleticism and how you move. They don’t expect you to be able to play on their team right now. Just keep a good attitude after a mistake and move on.
5. Don’t be a sore loser. I really don’t think recruiters even remember or care what the score is. They will remember how you reacted or if you had poor sportsmanship. If you lose, that does not mean that they are no longer interested. I'm sure that as a coach they have had quite a few losses in their careers, too.
By Kirstin Olsen
Kirstin Olsen/ESPNHSIt was anything but easy, but Presentation won its first ever volleyball state title.
The final two games of the 2011 season were both decided in dramatic five-set fashion. Before closing the book on the season, these two classics deserve a second look.
What: Division II California Interscholastic Federation final
Who: No. 15 Presentation (San Jose) vs. No. 42 La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad)
Score: Presentation 3, La Costa Canyon 2
Game 1 highlights: With a plethora of offensive weapons, including six players over 6-feet, La Costa Canyon came out swinging. Cosy Burnett came up with key kills, and although the Mavericks struggled a bit on defense and with their passing, they took the first game 25-20.
Game 2 highlights: Presentation played great defense and libero Kathleen Bozzo served tough and got LCC in passing trouble, but the Mavericks still prevailed 25-20 to take a 2-0 lead. “We were kind of a deer in the headlights," coach Sue Dvorak said.
Game 3 highlights: With their backs against the wall, the Panthers fought for every ball and didn’t give up, even surviving a match point. Junior outside hitter Alex Sheredy and setter Veronica Blither stepped up their games, and momentum shifted with a 26-24 Presentation win. "As soon as we calmed down and figured out we could play with them, we got a little more confidence," Dvorak said. "Their shoulders relaxed a little it and they started digging balls better and blocking better, and it was a fun match.”
Game 4 highlights: With ninja-like defense and steady all-around play, Presentation dominated the fourth game and won 25-15. Setter/hitter Madison Cooper was a key contributor with her left-handed craftiness and great court sense.
Game 5 highlights: The Panthers got on a roll and never looked back. Cooper served tough, and Emily Sklar closed out the match with one of her 22 kills as Presentation prevailed 15-9.
They said it: “For me it just meant that I could end my high school career on a good note and finish with no regrets. We made school history as the first team to ever win state, and MVP is pretty good.” -- Sklar
Notes: The win marked the first CIF state championship for Presentation. ... The Panthers finish with a 39-2 record.
What: Division I California Interscholastic Federation final
Who: No. 9 Palo Alto vs. No. 12 Marymount (Los Angeles)
Score: Palo Alto 3, Marymount 2
Game 1 highlights: Melanie Wade was a threat in the front and back rows for Palo Alto, and the Vikings cruised to a routine opening-game win, 25-17.
Game 2 highlights: Marymount put up a good fight, but Palo Alto libero Shelby Knowles came up huge and had key digs forthe Vikings. Marymount's Lauren Greskovics-Fuller struggled a bit to connect with Kaitlyn Edwards on the slide, and the Palo Alto defense and passing proved to be too much. Palo Alto put itself on the brink of a repeat title with a 25-23 win.
Game 3 highlights: Greskovics-Fuller moved the ball around beautifully and got all her hitters involved. Ashlie Williams was unstoppable in the middle and Lanti Moye-McLaren was a threat in the front and back rows, hitting a variety of angles. It could have gone either way, but the Sailors rallied at key points to win the game 25-22 and keep their season alive.
Game 4 highlights: Marymount came out on fire, holding the lead almost the whole game. Greskovics-Fuller spread the ball around, and Renee Meyer-Whalley came in and served tough to close out the game 25-20 and force a fifth game.
Game 5 highlights: Outside hitter Manon Greskovics-Fuller got hot offensively for Marymount, and the Sailors would not let a ball drop. At 13-7, all signs were pointing to a Marymount win. But then the momentum shifted. Maddie Kuppe went back to serve. “When we sided out and I got back to the end line I was like 'Wait ... we can do this," Kuppe said. "It was like a second switch for me.” Palo Alto roared back, and at 12-13 the fans started to chant “I believe my team can win.” Wade answered with two of her 27 kills. After Marymount hit a ball out, Palo Alto found itself with a 17-15 win. “I am just super proud of our team, the way we came back,” Wade said.
They said it: “I am waiting for the ref to say, 'Oops we made a mistake. You guys actually lost. It’s going to take me a couple of days to figure out how the heck we did that. I’m proud that the seniors got this experience, though, because they worked their butts off all year. It would have been a big dud if we had a wipeout in the fifth set after being up 2-0. So I’m really happy that their efforts were rewarded with this." -- coach Dave Winn
Notes: Palo Alto (36-3) became the first team in school history to win back-to-back state titles. ... Wade, a senior, was named MVP.
Kirstin Olsen/ESPNHSIt was anything but easy, but Presentation won its first ever volleyball state title.The final two games of the 2011 season were both decided in dramatic five-set fashion. Before closing the book on the season, these two classics deserve a second look.
What: Division II California Interscholastic Federation final
Who: No. 15 Presentation (San Jose) vs. No. 42 La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad)
Score: Presentation 3, La Costa Canyon 2
Game 1 highlights: With a plethora of offensive weapons, including six players over 6-feet, La Costa Canyon came out swinging. Cosy Burnett came up with key kills, and although the Mavericks struggled a bit on defense and with their passing, they took the first game 25-20.
Game 2 highlights: Presentation played great defense and libero Kathleen Bozzo served tough and got LCC in passing trouble, but the Mavericks still prevailed 25-20 to take a 2-0 lead. “We were kind of a deer in the headlights," coach Sue Dvorak said.
Game 3 highlights: With their backs against the wall, the Panthers fought for every ball and didn’t give up, even surviving a match point. Junior outside hitter Alex Sheredy and setter Veronica Blither stepped up their games, and momentum shifted with a 26-24 Presentation win. "As soon as we calmed down and figured out we could play with them, we got a little more confidence," Dvorak said. "Their shoulders relaxed a little it and they started digging balls better and blocking better, and it was a fun match.”
Game 4 highlights: With ninja-like defense and steady all-around play, Presentation dominated the fourth game and won 25-15. Setter/hitter Madison Cooper was a key contributor with her left-handed craftiness and great court sense.
Game 5 highlights: The Panthers got on a roll and never looked back. Cooper served tough, and Emily Sklar closed out the match with one of her 22 kills as Presentation prevailed 15-9.
They said it: “For me it just meant that I could end my high school career on a good note and finish with no regrets. We made school history as the first team to ever win state, and MVP is pretty good.” -- Sklar
Notes: The win marked the first CIF state championship for Presentation. ... The Panthers finish with a 39-2 record.
What: Division I California Interscholastic Federation final
Who: No. 9 Palo Alto vs. No. 12 Marymount (Los Angeles)
Score: Palo Alto 3, Marymount 2
Game 1 highlights: Melanie Wade was a threat in the front and back rows for Palo Alto, and the Vikings cruised to a routine opening-game win, 25-17.
Game 2 highlights: Marymount put up a good fight, but Palo Alto libero Shelby Knowles came up huge and had key digs forthe Vikings. Marymount's Lauren Greskovics-Fuller struggled a bit to connect with Kaitlyn Edwards on the slide, and the Palo Alto defense and passing proved to be too much. Palo Alto put itself on the brink of a repeat title with a 25-23 win.
Game 3 highlights: Greskovics-Fuller moved the ball around beautifully and got all her hitters involved. Ashlie Williams was unstoppable in the middle and Lanti Moye-McLaren was a threat in the front and back rows, hitting a variety of angles. It could have gone either way, but the Sailors rallied at key points to win the game 25-22 and keep their season alive.
Game 4 highlights: Marymount came out on fire, holding the lead almost the whole game. Greskovics-Fuller spread the ball around, and Renee Meyer-Whalley came in and served tough to close out the game 25-20 and force a fifth game.
Game 5 highlights: Outside hitter Manon Greskovics-Fuller got hot offensively for Marymount, and the Sailors would not let a ball drop. At 13-7, all signs were pointing to a Marymount win. But then the momentum shifted. Maddie Kuppe went back to serve. “When we sided out and I got back to the end line I was like 'Wait ... we can do this," Kuppe said. "It was like a second switch for me.” Palo Alto roared back, and at 12-13 the fans started to chant “I believe my team can win.” Wade answered with two of her 27 kills. After Marymount hit a ball out, Palo Alto found itself with a 17-15 win. “I am just super proud of our team, the way we came back,” Wade said.
They said it: “I am waiting for the ref to say, 'Oops we made a mistake. You guys actually lost. It’s going to take me a couple of days to figure out how the heck we did that. I’m proud that the seniors got this experience, though, because they worked their butts off all year. It would have been a big dud if we had a wipeout in the fifth set after being up 2-0. So I’m really happy that their efforts were rewarded with this." -- coach Dave Winn
Notes: Palo Alto (36-3) became the first team in school history to win back-to-back state titles. ... Wade, a senior, was named MVP.
By Kirstin Olsen
Kirstin Olsen/ESPNHSPalo Alto won back-to-back CIF state championships by staging a dramatic fifth-set rally to top Marymount (Los Angeles).
The final two state champions of the 2011 volleyball season were crowned Saturday night in California, and it very well might have been a case of saving the best games for last.
In the CIF Division II state championship, Presentation (San Jose, Calif.) rallied from two sets down and fought off a match point to win its first CIF state championship in volleyball.
Led by 20 kills from Duke commit Emily Sklar, undersized Presentation took down taller La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 20-25, 20-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-9.
In the first two games, La Costa Canyon, ranked 42nd in the POWERADE FAB 50 national rankings, was in system and had a bevy of hitters to feed, particularly middle Natalie Bausback and outside hitter Cosy Burnett.
But the No. 15 Panthers rallied in the third set with steady play and smart hitting. Veronica Bither and Madison Cooper started to get all their hitters involved and had a great total team effort, never looking out of system.
The Division I final was packed full of drama as well.
No. 9 Palo Alto rallied from a six-point deficit in the fifth game and claimed back-to-back CIF state championships with a 25-17, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, 17-15 win over No. 12 Marymount (Los Angeles).
In the first two games, Palo Alto was in a great rhythm, utilizing 6-foot-5 middle blocker Melanie Wade, a Washington commit, and getting great passing and hitting from senior outside hitter Maddie Kuppe.
But the momentum took a sharp turn starting in the third game.
Marymount took over with amazing defense and good all-around play. Lanti Moye-McLaren was a key weapon in the front and back row, hitting a variety of angles, and Marymount setter Lauren Fuller did a great job moving the ball around to her hitters.
In the last game, Marymount was up 13-7, but Palo Alto steadied its play and fought its way back in to win the match 17-15.
Wade finished with 26 kills, and the Vikings became the first Palo Alto team to win two straight titles.
Kirstin Olsen/ESPNHSPalo Alto won back-to-back CIF state championships by staging a dramatic fifth-set rally to top Marymount (Los Angeles).The final two state champions of the 2011 volleyball season were crowned Saturday night in California, and it very well might have been a case of saving the best games for last.
In the CIF Division II state championship, Presentation (San Jose, Calif.) rallied from two sets down and fought off a match point to win its first CIF state championship in volleyball.
Led by 20 kills from Duke commit Emily Sklar, undersized Presentation took down taller La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 20-25, 20-25, 26-24, 25-15, 15-9.
In the first two games, La Costa Canyon, ranked 42nd in the POWERADE FAB 50 national rankings, was in system and had a bevy of hitters to feed, particularly middle Natalie Bausback and outside hitter Cosy Burnett.
But the No. 15 Panthers rallied in the third set with steady play and smart hitting. Veronica Bither and Madison Cooper started to get all their hitters involved and had a great total team effort, never looking out of system.
The Division I final was packed full of drama as well.
No. 9 Palo Alto rallied from a six-point deficit in the fifth game and claimed back-to-back CIF state championships with a 25-17, 25-23, 22-25, 20-25, 17-15 win over No. 12 Marymount (Los Angeles).
In the first two games, Palo Alto was in a great rhythm, utilizing 6-foot-5 middle blocker Melanie Wade, a Washington commit, and getting great passing and hitting from senior outside hitter Maddie Kuppe.
But the momentum took a sharp turn starting in the third game.
Marymount took over with amazing defense and good all-around play. Lanti Moye-McLaren was a key weapon in the front and back row, hitting a variety of angles, and Marymount setter Lauren Fuller did a great job moving the ball around to her hitters.
In the last game, Marymount was up 13-7, but Palo Alto steadied its play and fought its way back in to win the match 17-15.
Wade finished with 26 kills, and the Vikings became the first Palo Alto team to win two straight titles.
Kirstin Olsen/ESPNHSLos Alamitos celebrates its CIF Southern Section D-IAA championship.No. 20 Marymount (Los Angeles, Calif.) won its second consecutive CIF Southern Section Division I-A championship this weekend in an exciting match over a very young and talented No. 24 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) 27-25, 22-25, 23-25, 25-18, 15-12.
Manon Greskovics-Fuller led Marymount with 23 kills, and freshman Hayley Hodson led the Sea Kings with 20 kills. CdM struggled with its passing in Game 4, which ultimately cost them the match. Marymount’s Fuller and freshman Yaasmeen Bedart-Ghani stepped up their games, and libero Tori Shpherd provided some tough serving.
No. 7 Los Alamitos won the CIF SS D-IIA final this weekend over No. 25 Newport Harbor (Newport Beach, Calif.) 25-17, 26-24, 25-23 for its first CIF SS title since 2005.
The Los Al fans were in full force in a sea of red cheering on the Griffins, who dominated the first game. Both teams played amazing defense, but the Griffins overpowered with an array of offensive weapons. Outside hitters Jojo Schnabl (14 kills) and Alijah Gunsaulus (12 kills) led the way, and opposite Jaylen Villanueva (8 kills) and middle Crissy Jones (10 kills) also starred. Cinnamon Sary of Newport Harbor led her team with 13 kills.
Misty May-Treanor was in attendance, rooting for her alma mater, Newport Harbor, and Kerri Walsh was doing commentary for a regional TV broadcast.
No. 48 La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) won its eighth consecutive championship this past weekend in the CIF San Diego Section D-II final over Bonita Vista (Chula Vista, Calif.) 25-14, 22-25, 25-20, 25-16.
The Mavericks, who won seven consecutive Division I finals, are a newcomer to D-II because of enrollment adjustments. The Mavericks struggled passing, but with six players 6-feet plus they were still able to put balls away. Junior Jordan Robbins led with 11 kills, sophomore Brittany Abercrombie had 10 kills and junior Sydney Francis had 23 digs.
No. 50 Torrey Pines (San Diego, Calif.) swept Rancho Buena Vista (Vista, Calif.) 25-21, 25-14, 25-10 in the CIF San Diego Section D-I final. Senior setter/hitter Gigi Cresto did a great job in both roles and had 15 assists. Libero Karly Drolson had 15 digs.
For the second year in a row, St. Francis (Mountain View, Calif.) took down Presentation (San Jose, Calif.) in the CIF Central Section D-II finals. No. 5 Presentation had beaten unranked St. Francis four times previously this season, but fell 14-25, 25-20, 18-25, 25-20, 15-12 when it mattered most.
St. Francis got 42 assists from Taylor Formico. Presentation was led by outside hitter and Duke commit Emily Sklar, who had 19 kills. The rivals are likely to meet again in the Northern California regional championship game.
No. 14 Palo Alto took down unranked Menlo-Atherton 25-19, 25-19, 25-14 in the CIF Central Coast Section D-I final. Senior middle blocker Melanie Wade had 21 kills, setter Kimmy Whitson had 32 assists and outside hitter Maddie Kuppe had 16 digs.
The CIF D-I state final could be a great match if seeds hold for Los Al and Palo Alto.
Inside the FAB 50: Mater Dei marches to title at Cal Challenge
October, 17, 2011
10/17/11
5:08
PM ET
By Kirstin Olsen
Josh Holmberg/ESPNHSMaddie Frome of Mater Dei made the all-tournament team.Unranked Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) pulled off some big upsets over the weekend to win the Cal Challenge at Alliant University in San Diego.
On the way to the title, the Monarchs beat No. 11 Marymount (Los Angeles) 25-17, 25-22 in the quarterfinals; La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 25-21,25-22 in the semis and then avenged an earlier loss to No. 39 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) 29-27, 32-30 in the final.
Sophomore outside hitter Frankie Shebby had an excellent weekend and earned MVP honors. Senior outside hitter Maddie Frome and senior middle blocker Annie Flynn were also named to the all-tournament team.
Mater Dei has a ton of talent and carries a roster of 22 players. Their passing was spot-on this weekend, and they were able to get their offense going to beat some great teams.
No. 14 Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) won the State Line Showdown at Blue Valley Northwest, rallying to beat Blue Springs (Blue Springs, Mo.) 29-31, 25-17, 26-24 in the final. The Stags, who improved to 35-3, boast senior right side Shelby Workman, who is a Kentucky commit. The Stags' three losses this year are all to No. 4 St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.).
No. 42 St. Joseph’s Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) will be traveling to Arizona this week to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions, where 54 teams from all over the nation are competing. St. Joseph's is led by junior setter Alyssa Jensen, a Cal commit, and Natalie Gower, a 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter who is considering Tennessee, TCU, Northeastern and Maryland.
Josh Holmberg/ESPNHSMaddie Frome of Mater Dei made the all-tournament team.On the way to the title, the Monarchs beat No. 11 Marymount (Los Angeles) 25-17, 25-22 in the quarterfinals; La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) 25-21,25-22 in the semis and then avenged an earlier loss to No. 39 Corona del Mar (Newport Beach, Calif.) 29-27, 32-30 in the final.
Sophomore outside hitter Frankie Shebby had an excellent weekend and earned MVP honors. Senior outside hitter Maddie Frome and senior middle blocker Annie Flynn were also named to the all-tournament team.
Mater Dei has a ton of talent and carries a roster of 22 players. Their passing was spot-on this weekend, and they were able to get their offense going to beat some great teams.
No. 14 Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission, Kan.) won the State Line Showdown at Blue Valley Northwest, rallying to beat Blue Springs (Blue Springs, Mo.) 29-31, 25-17, 26-24 in the final. The Stags, who improved to 35-3, boast senior right side Shelby Workman, who is a Kentucky commit. The Stags' three losses this year are all to No. 4 St. James Academy (Lenexa, Kan.).
No. 42 St. Joseph’s Academy (St. Louis, Mo.) will be traveling to Arizona this week to play in the Nike Tournament of Champions, where 54 teams from all over the nation are competing. St. Joseph's is led by junior setter Alyssa Jensen, a Cal commit, and Natalie Gower, a 6-foot-4 junior outside hitter who is considering Tennessee, TCU, Northeastern and Maryland.
GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL RANKINGS
| Rank | School (City, State) | Rec |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LaVista South Papillion, NE | 41-0 |
| 2 | Lake Travis Austin, TX | 50-0 |
| 3 | Assumption Louisville, KY | 43-1 |
| 4 | St. James Academy Lenexa, KS | 47-1 |
| 5 | Berkeley Prep School Tampa, FL | 30-2 |
| See the full girls' volleyball rankings » | ||