Carlee Shelby
The Winning Itch
We have always won games, but never a state championship and we are itching for victory. I’ve
been playing volleyball all my life, and today marks the first game of my senior career. All I have ever
known is the smell of the gym !oor and the sound of worn in shoes squeaking like the motor in my
grandpa’s fi#y-year-old truck. We come out in our maroon and gold abstract uniforms with the look of
confidence that every team cowers to, and the stands erupt into a seemingly never ending chant of “GO
PANTHERS”, and clapping hands. The crowd is like music to my ears and adds fuel to the fire for my need
to win, my obsession to win. The ref blows the whistle and breaks the noise and silence returns. We line
up to wish the other team good luck and try to mean it. Returning to our benches we wait for the ref to
give us the much an/cipated starting whistle.
The star/ng whistle is blown and the game begins. The ball is served over the net with ease. The
