Take the Court with our Player of the Week: Kaydence W.
This week’s Teammate Tuesday spotlight shines on Kaydence W. from 17 Platinum—a player whose volleyball journey has been shaped by resilience, support, and a burning determination to prove herself. From backyard peppering with her cousin to intense battles in the gym, Kaydence’s story is one of growth, grit, and learning to thrive even when the mental game gets tough. Let’s dive into why Kaydence is our Player of the Week and how she continues to turn challenges into fuel for her journey.
The Beginning: From Backyard Reps to a Full-On Passion
Kaydence’s introduction to volleyball started with family and a love for the game that was built in the simplest of ways—peppering with her cousin.
“I first got into volleyball being around my cousin who played volleyball and growing up with her peppering.”
From there, a friend’s suggestion to try the middle school open gyms opened a door to a sport that quickly captured her heart.
“In 8th grade a friend of mine told me to come to the middle school open gyms and I fell in love with the sport.”
Why Prevail? Balancing Competition and Fun
For Kaydence, Prevail is the perfect blend of high-level competition and the joy of playing—a place where she can test herself, grow her skills, and have a blast doing it.
“I love how laid back it is while competitive at the same time. Having fun is just as important as being competitive and winning.”
That balance has helped her find a sense of belonging, even when the journey has been challenging.
The Journey: Learning, Growing, and Proving Herself
Kaydence’s path in volleyball hasn’t always been easy—it’s been marked by moments of self-doubt, frustration, and the constant pressure to prove herself. But every time she’s faced those challenges, she’s used them to get better.
“It’s been rough with the mental challenges, but overcoming those challenges feels very rewarding. Having coaches degrade me and make me feel less of a player gave me the fuel to prove them wrong.”
She never let the negativity stick. Instead, she doubled down on her own growth—refusing to give up and pushing herself to get better every chance she gets.
“I never gave up with my journey and continue to grow with every season and practice. Now I have a great team that pushes me to keep doing better and are supportive.”
Biggest Challenge: Mastering the Mental Side
One of the hardest parts of the game for Kaydence has been the mental battles—learning how to shake off mistakes and keep moving forward.
“One of my biggest challenges was the mental mindset of the sport. When I would make mistakes, I’d get frustrated with myself because I wanted to fix it.”
But over time, she’s learned that growth takes time—and that every rep, every swing, and every mistake is an opportunity to get better.
“Once I learned more about the strategies and mechanics of the game, I started to grow.”
Fuel for the Grind: Playing for Her Younger Self—and Proving the Doubters Wrong
For Kaydence, motivation comes from two powerful places: honoring the journey of her younger self and proving to others—and herself—that she can do it.
“I want to make my younger self proud and push myself to get better every day and look at how far I have come.”
“I want to prove people wrong who doubted me or thought less of me and to stand out and show my talents.”
That fire keeps her locked in—never settling, always chasing growth.
A Major Influence: Grandpa’s Unwavering Support
When it comes to the people who have helped shape her journey, Kaydence’s grandpa stands at the top of the list.
“My grandpa has been at every tournament and game and has always been supportive. He gives me advice and criticism when I’m hard on myself or frustrated.”
What makes their bond special? Her grandpa didn’t just cheer from the sidelines—he learned the game, so he could be there in every way.
“My grandpa has fallen in love with this sport too and has learned it to help me when I need advice. He loves to see me grow and push myself and helps give me opportunities to keep growing.”
What’s Next for Kaydence?
Kaydence’s story is one of quiet resilience and powerful motivation. As she continues to turn setbacks into fuel, build her mental toughness, and lift up those around her, she’s becoming more than just a skilled player—she’s becoming a leader and a competitor to watch.
Stay tuned for more stories like Kaydence’s as we celebrate the athletes of Prevail Volleyball Club on Teammate Tuesday. Who will take the court next?
%20(10).jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment