Tag: volleyball

ACC Discusses Forming Volleyball League

Why an ACC volleyball league would provide more than just an opportunity to play.

Story by: Alexa Smith 

In Priya Parker’s book, “The Art of Gathering” she discusses how gatherings must have a purpose. One might think the purpose of gathering for a volleyball game is to simply play volleyball. However, it is clear that for the women on ACC’s volleyball team it has become so much more. 

Tracy Partin has been a kinesiology professor at ACC for 12 years and a Student Life and Intramurals coordinator for 9 years. Recently, Partin has seen ACC’s volleyball team grow in a way it never has before. For the first time, ACC is considering forming its own volleyball league. Over 40 girls showed up to tryouts for the Fall 2019 semester but only 20 girls were able to play on teams.

 “My goal is to get everybody playing,” Partin says.

Which is what lead him to the idea of forming ACC’s own volleyball league. The league could potentially launch in the Spring semester and would allow more girls to play. 

The Lady Riverbat volleyball team in action.

So, what keeps these women coming back? What makes the purpose of these gatherings more than just playing volleyball? When talking with Partin and observing the two volleyball teams ACC currently has, it was clear that the women were not just finding a place to exercise but a place to form friendships and community.

“There’s a bonding that’s very special between the women in volleyball.” 

These are not just empty words. The team’s bond shines through in their gameplay as well. They don’t let one point go by without coming in for high-fives and cheering each other on. Critique and direction are necessary for sports, but the women on the ACC team deliver it carefully and with compassion. Rarely would they use phrases like, “You need to talk more” it’s always “We can talk more.” Even though they have only been playing with each other for a short amount of time, they already think as a team. 

This is what makes ACC’s volleyball games more than a simple gathering for the purpose of playing volleyball.  ACC’s volleyball games serve to support community, comradery, and personal development. The creation of ACC’s own volleyball league would not just provide a space for women to play their favorite sport, but also a place for women to support and uplift each other. 

 

Intramural Relationships

Written by Melisa Hernandez
Video and photos by Ruben Hernadez

Some students walk straight into their classroom at ACC, and leave right after to live their life outside of what the college has to offer. Often times, many fail to even interact with the peers inside the classroom. However, Student Life at ACC work to engage students through organizations, workshops and even sports.

Intramural Women's Volleyball

Intramural sports is a way for students to form relationships while being active. “Playing a sport teaches valuable time management skills that allow you to make the most of those blocks set aside for strictly studying”, according to the Huffington Post.

Intramural Coordinator, Tracy Partin recommends being involved in these sports. “Intramurals brings together students that have not necessarily met before, but are brought together on a team that is working toward a common goal. Therefore, being teammates brings them closer together.”

Hesitant to sign up for Intramurals Volleyball, communication major Amy Rivera put her foot down and joined. “[It’s] made my experience here at ACC one to remember. I have made so many friends; if I would have chosen not to join, I would not have the friends I have today.”

While attending school, some intramural players feel it allows them to get some exercise. “It’s a fun way to get some exercise and meet new people that we have something in common with,” says health science major, Kimberly Trevarthen.

Seeing benefits like the exercise and relationship building, some students still find being a player difficult.

“The only negative aspect to my intramural team is that we do not get enough practice time,” says early childhood education major Jessica Powell. “We all live far apart and our school schedules are different, so it becomes difficult to come together during off days to practice.

Intramural sports offered at ACC range from co-rec flag football to bowling. More information can be found on the Intramural page of MySL or on their Facebook. The college is open to other sports, not on the roster by contacting tpartin@austincc.edu.

Pick this story up in the Spring 2018 Life4U magazine on campus.

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