Belonging: Nicole Russell, SAAC Co-President

In the realm of college athletics, being part of a team is an experience unlike any other.

It's not just about the victories and defeats on the court; it's about the bonds that are formed and the connections that are built.

At Florida Southern, our athletic team exemplifies the true meaning of camaraderie and connection.

Our team's connection helped us overcome adversity during a conference match last season. We lost the first two sets and were struggling with energy and communication. Instead of falling apart, we came together during a timeout and talked about trusting each other to do our own jobs as well as to communicate to make things easier for our teammates. 

We focused on one ball at a time and celebrated every single point no matter how we won it. The change in our mindset gave us energy and confidence, and we ended up winning the game in five sets. It shows how much our connection and trust in each other can help us win games.

Trust and accountability

Building trust and keeping each other accountable are the cornerstones of our team's success.

We understand that trust is not given but earned through our actions and dedication. 

Each day, we show up for one another, whether we've had the best day or the worst.

We build trust on the court by ensuring that we do our own jobs and hold ourselves to the highest standards. 

Accountability stems from this trust, as we hold each other accountable when we start to fall below our standards. 

We all share the same goal of what's best for the team, and that is what makes us competitive and fosters trust in one another.

More than just teammates

Something that fans might not see about our team is how much we truly love and care for each other. 

We're more than just teammates; we're best friends who spend time together on and off the court. 

Our connection goes beyond volleyball; it's about supporting each other through everything, whether it's school, life, or personal matters. 

We have each other's backs in every situation, and that's what makes our team so special.

Our team makes sure everyone feels included and valued by creating an environment where every voice matters, no matter what year they're in. Whether you're a freshman or a senior, everyone is treated with the same level of respect and importance. 

We make an effort to build relationships across all classes by sitting together at meals, spending time outside of practice, and supporting one another.

This inclusivity and mutual respect are what make our team so tight-knit.

Beyond the game

My teammates are my closest friends, and they're always in my corner no matter what.

They're the people I can count on for advice or guidance, whether it's about volleyball, school, or life in general. 

We've built such a strong bond that goes beyond the game, and we genuinely care about each other as people. 

Knowing I have a team that supports me through everything makes all the difference and pushes me to be the best version of myself. 

The coaches are there for us to lean on when we need help, and they are always willing to listen. 

Their support, both on and off the court, is invaluable to our success as individuals and as a team.

It's hard to pick just one, so the two people I want to thank are my teammates Tori Borton and Adyla Kerley. They're truly my best friends and are always there for me, no matter what. Whether it's lifting me up after a tough practice or celebrating the good moments, they bring so much positivity and support. Their friendship has made my experience on this team so special, they remind me why I love the game and how special it is to be on a team with my best friends. Adyla and Tori, along with the rest of my team, truly mean the world to me.

Something small that my teammates do that makes a big difference is helping me loosen up and laugh. 

I tend to be pretty serious, so having teammates who can make me smile and remind me to have fun keeps me grounded. 

It's those little moments, like joking around in the locker room or laughing during warmups, that make the days easier and keep the game fun.

That's what makes the bonds that we form so special.