Let's P.L.A.Y. 10/19/23 and 10/26/23 - 4 hr

I've gotten to go to two more sessions of Let's P.L.A.Y. at the Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep School. Once again I helped run volleyball practice with 5th and 6th grade girls who have qualified for playoffs. On 10/19, in order to practice against some more challenging competition, Coach Izzy (the 7th and 8th grade coach), the medical students and I played a game of volleyball against them.

We wanted to challenge their serve-receiving abilities and passing which has been inconsistent this season and really challenge them to elevate their level of play. Something that we've been trying to channel their energy into more words of encouragement for one another rather than criticizing their teammates when they miss a ball. It was definitely a fun challenge for them to play against their coaches, and I think having a common opponent helps them come together.

In the next session, I was able to get three of the cross country freshmen to come along for volunteering. Landon and Parker went outside to play flag football, while Amanda and I stayed inside for volleyball. This week the 5th/6th coach returned and ran a far more structured practice than the week before. This practice was intense. We ran drills for the entire 2 hour practice. The girls started to get exhausted (and frustrated for more challenging drills).

To refer back to my past log, we've been able to organize a day for Tulane to take some of the girls to watch one a home volleyball game which will probably be a great opportunity for them to see how sport can open up doors for higher education!

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