My teammates and I were excited to board the plane to Mexico, ready to compete in an international tournament called “Torneo do la Amistad”. Torneo de la Amistad is a tournament that brings together young athletes to compete in different sports. This tournament emphasizes sportsmanship, friendship, and teamwork. My volleyball experience started with learning and playing the sport I love. However, it soon became a huge part of my life as it created many unforgettable memories and challenges. Numerous aspects of this tournament, such as adjusting to a different climate and environment, and facing various opponents of different backgrounds, have taught us many valuable lessons not only to be implemented on the court but outside the court as well. This experience not only strengthened our bond as a team, but it has also taught me the importance of perseverance, patience, and teamwork.

 

Some of the most notable experiences of attending this tournament include strengthening the bond I have with my coaches and teammates and allowing us to connect with other athletes from around the world. Looking back at some of my favorite memories, like walking back to the hotel from our first dinner experience, going for a morning jog as a team, enjoying team bonding in our coach’s room, and going to the trampoline park after our tournament, I would say that traveling together and going around Mexico truly brought us together. Beyond our team, we also met different players from other international schools who share the same passion for volleyball. This experience showed me how powerful sports can be in uniting people from around the world. 

 

Although this trip improved relationships and created memories, it also brought many challenges. One of the biggest challenges we faced was adjusting to the weather. Mexico’s high altitude was very different from what we’re used to, making it more difficult for us to play as it was harder for us to breathe. We even had to make use of heat warmers to stay warm during timeouts, due to the cold climate. Other than the weather, another challenge was the crowd. My teammates and I were not used to playing in front of big crowds, making it very overwhelming at first. However, we quickly learned how to control our anxiety and focus on the game. 

 

Competing in Torneo de la Amistad for the second time, I could say that it was more than another volleyball competition, it was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of values such as teamwork and perseverance. Furthermore, I discovered that the goal of sports is more than just winning; they're also about developing relationships, making new friends, and pushing ourselves to the limit. As my last time playing in this tournament, I will keep these lessons in mind as I continue through life, understanding that every obstacle presents an opportunity for us to grow stronger and better.