When I was in third grade, a friend invited me to start playing volleyball. A sixth grader on the club team was so good that I wanted to play like him and became deeply absorbed in the competition.

I intended to end volleyball in high school, but due to the impact of COVID-19, the final tournament was canceled. Since I couldn't finish my competition in a way I was satisfied with, I decided to continue at university.

At J. F. Oberlin University, where my seniors from high school belonged, I was impressed by the high level of skill of each athlete. But more than that, I was attracted by their independent presence as athletes. Also, when I was in high school, I didn't have a clear idea of what I wanted to do in the future. Through a broad curriculum, I decided to take my time thinking about my future path during university life and decided to go to J. F. Oberlin University.

What I keenly realized at university was the difference in physical ability. I was surprised by the huge difference in height and power. As expected, players who continued playing volleyball until university had high skill levels and a strong desire to improve, and they were seriously dedicated to volleyball.

Even so, when you work together as a team for a long time, there are times when the individual goals don't align, and the team lacks cohesion. Since I became captain, I've consciously incorporated a lot of high-intensity training. Even if the training feels tough, if everyone works through it together, it can foster a sense of unity. In fact, we were able to win our crucial first game in the spring league.

Unfortunately, we were unable to achieve our goal of promotion to the second division in the spring league. We made it to the playoffs, but lost in the very end. What made us feel the difference in strength more than the score difference was our inability to score those last five points. The end of the game is physically and mentally tough, but if we can persevere and score those points, we should be able to achieve promotion to the second division. By practicing with close matches in mind, we want to improve individual concentration and raise the team's level even further.

Through volleyball, I've met so many wonderful people. I've come to realize how much support I've received without even noticing. After graduation, I plan to work in real estate brokerage. I want to create a job where clients feel a sense of connection with me through my interactions with them.

We will challenge for promotion to the second division once again in the autumn league season. We will entrust the opportunity to "play in the second division league" to our juniors as we graduate.

However, promotion to the second division is merely a result. What's most important is that we can all experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from having given it our all. Because we've dedicated ourselves so seriously to volleyball, we deserve to experience that moment. We will do our best, using teamwork that transcends grade levels as our weapon, so we would appreciate your support.