Welcome to my blog!

Before beginning my thoughts and comments about my life and volleyball, I would like to give you a brief introduction of who I am. My name is Samantha Claire Almaraz, but for short, Sami. Right now, I am a freshman at Cal State University Long Beach majoring in Nutrition & Dietetics. Even though I plan on studying nutrition, I have a weakness for ice cream and other junk foods. I am involved in many things such as Club Volleyball here at the University, Basketball as a Mission (Check out our website for details), soon choir, and also Beach Newman, the Christian Club. I enjoy going out on adventures, repeating movie lines, and sipping on my favorite Pacific Cooler Caprisun along with many other things. I hope that this blog may be  somewhat interesting, fun, and inspiring to read.
Okay, so a little background on my volleyball history. My dad says I've held a volleyball in my hand since I was a baby in my crib. I am guessing it was either a mini one or I was giant baby. From what I remember, I have been playing since 3rd Grade. I received the MVP award which made me proud of what I did so I grew from it. In high school, volleyball was the main sport at my school, Bishop Montgomery in Torrance, CA. I tried out as a freshman and was awarded MVP on the Junior Varsity team. At the end of my first season, the coach boosted me up to the Varsity team and I had the pleasure of going to playoffs with the varsity girls. Since the beginning of my sophomore year, I became part of the Bishop Girls Varsity Volleyball Team. It was a huge success for me. My Senior year came around and I became an all around player, starter, and leader. I was named 1st Team All League and received a few scholarships for volleyball. Even though I turned down a few scholarships, I am happy with where I am at today. I am proud to start and play for the Women's Club team at CSULB.
Volleyball has always been a huge part in my life. It is ultimately one of my main priorities, plus it helps me stay in shape which is a bonus :) Not only is it a game, but it is something I love and I have a passion for. Everyone out there has something they are passionate for as well, if it is art, basketball, writing, or even helping others out. Volleyball just happens to make me happy so I stick with it. After getting injured, I never gave up. I made myself get stronger so I can keep going and playing the sport. Now, the most challenging thing is playing volleyball while attending college. Of course it is just the beginning for me, but this blog is going to help me explain everything to you. 


Game tonight against UCI! woopayyyyy :) 
xoxo,
Sami


For those intereseted in basketball, traveling, coaching kids, or mission trips, check out this website for the club I'm in!
http://basketballasamission.org/