Hoosiers Say Thank You to Indiana Volleyball

Before Saturday's (November 22nd) senior day, Indiana volleyball's four departing student-athletes were asked to reflect on their time at Indiana, how they developed as a person and player and what they want future generations of athletes to know about the program. In a record-breaking season, IU's four seniors have left a massive impact on the court and in the Bloomington community for years to come.

Avry Tatum
When I was younger, my grandfather was obsessed with sports. He is a huge reason why I got into them. I always wanted to play for him. When he passed away, I made it my biggest goal to give him a show constantly from up above. A couple years ago I wanted to be done with volleyball forever. But I didn't let myself, for him.

When I got on the phone with Steve [Aird] for the first time when I was in the portal, I knew there was something special. There were signs my grandpa was giving me; to know this was the place I needed to be. Now I know he is watching happily because I am so happy with the sport again.

To the program that changed my life and made me fall in love with volleyball again, thank you. Steve, I thank you for taking me in my darkest times and bringing me to a place where I could be myself. Good or bad you took me under your wing and made me the person I am today. I don't even recognize myself from the first time I step foot at Indiana. To say that I love volleyball again means everything and more and you have done that for me.

Rachel, I am who I am today because of you. Who would have thought the first day I walked into La Costa Canyon High School my freshman year; we would be together ever since. I wouldn't be where I am if you didn't take a chance on me and helped me grow to who I am today. To think that I may not be at this university if I didn't move to Solana Beach makes me sick to my stomach. Because this university means everything to me and more.

Kevin thank you so much for dealing with my worst and sticking with me to my best. You have helped me through so much and have been a huge part of my journey and I can't thank you enough for being another father-like figure in my life. Matt, you have truly showed me so much and have taught me even more. You have taught me patience and kindness and I don't know what I would do without you helping me on the sidelines every game.

And to this program, I owe you my everything. Because without Indiana volleyball, I wouldn't be in love with the game and in love with myself. I can look back and say that I lived my thirteen-year-old self's dreams and more. The journey was nowhere near pretty but I wouldn't change a thing for the world.

And lastly to the girls. You guys are my everything and you are the reason why I want to show up every day and work hard and be the best version of myself. I cry almost every night thinking about leaving you guys. To be a part of a group where winning and losing feels the same has been such an incredible thing. And I thank you for making this the best year yet. You guys have changed my life more than you think and I love you all so much. Thank you so much Indiana volleyball for the best three years.

Jessica Smith
Choosing to come here and be a part of this program for my fifth year is one of the best decisions I've ever made. Moving to a new place, on a new team and playing a new sport could have felt scary; but it wasn't. I knew that by coming here, I would be joining a family that would do anything for the people to their left and their right and this place has truly become a home away from home.
This group is special. The way we show up for each other, compete for each other and truly care about one another is so inspiring. Being part of a record-breaking year and seeing this program continue to grow has been incredible, but what's even more meaningful to me are all the little moments that no one else sees.

To my teammates, thank you for welcoming me in from day one. You've made this year so much fun and have reminded me what it feels like to be part of something bigger than myself. This team is full of people who care, who work hard and who show up for each other no matter what. I've loved competing alongside you and building something that we can all look back on and be proud of for years to come.

To my coaches, thank you for creating an environment where we're pushed to be our best, not just as athletes but as people. You've challenged me, supported me and made me better in every way. The way you lead this program with care, intention and belief in each of us is something I'll always admire. I've grown so much from my time here because of the example you set every day in how you treat people, how you lead, and how you love this game.

To our support staff, thank you for everything you do to make this program run the way it does. You go above and beyond and we all feel it. The time, effort and care you pour into this team never go unnoticed and we're so lucky to have a group that truly cares about us as people and takes pride in the little things that make a big difference.

And to our fans, thank you for your constant energy and support. Playing in front of you in Wilkinson Hall has been something I'll never forget. You've been behind us every step of the way and it means more than you know to feel that kind of support.

Indiana Volleyball has reminded me why I love this game: the people, the work, and the moments that bring it all together. I'm so proud to have worn Indiana across my chest and to be a part of this family for the rest of my life.

Candela Alonso-Corcelles
I flew to the other side of the world alone and without any idea of what life was going to bring me. It was a tough journey to adapt to another culture and find new people but the hardest part was definitely not able to show everyone who Candela was.

As you can tell, it was only a matter of time before the crazy, sassy and unapologetically unhinged version of me came to life. This journey had made me laugh, cry and grow in ways I've never expected but it will be forever one of the most unforgettable experiences I've ever had.

Thanks, Steve, for believing in my since day one. Since the first call we had I knew this was going to be my place. Matt, thanks for your knowledge, humor and your amazing heart. Rachel and Kevin, you guys are my vitamin people, you were there when no one was, you guys understood me when no one else did and you showed the world who Candela was when I couldn't put it into words. I can't explain the gratefulness I have and this journey would not even be slightly the same without you.

To my teammates and also friends, I always say that the best feeling is being surrounded by family and friends. One of the hardest parts for has been being away from my loved ones. But you guys have been my second family, you guys are my home away from home.

Mamá, papá, Adri, sois lo mejor que me ha dado la vida. Gracias por vuestro apoyo, gracias por enseñarme los valores de la vida. Porque la persona que soy hoy es gracias a la familia que tengo. Os quiero.

Grandpa, this is for you. I know how much you would have done to see me here playing. If it were up to him, he would be sitting in the stands with my grandmother, watching me play their favorite sport. He would be so proud.

"Candela sal y disfruta la vida."

"Candela go enjoy and live your life."

That's one of the last things he told me, and I live by it. I think about him every day.

I am so grateful for every single moment this program has gave me. This opportunity has changed my perspective of life. This journey has seen me grow to the woman I am today. IU will always have a special place in my heart. I hope I've left a trace of light and joy in your lives, the way you guys have filled mine through every moment of my journey.

Madi Sell
Thank you. Thank for it all. Thank you for the ups, the downs and everything in between. Thank for the memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Thank for the all the sore muscles, early mornings and long days. And yes, I actually mean thank you. It has molded me into the woman I am today. But most importantly, thank you for the people who have believed in me and have been brought into my life because of Indiana Volleyball. Thank you to my parents. My mom, Lisa, and my dad, Mike, who I would not be here without. Thank you for all that you have sacrificed to give me the opportunity to do what I love. Thank you to all of my beyond amazing teammates. I love you all so much. I will forever cherish all of the memories we've made and can't wait to watch you all continue to grow and thrive in life. I am here for all of you always.

Thank you to all of the people involved with IUVB who have poured into me as a player and a person. Thank you to my absolutely amazing staff from top to bottom who have done more for me than I could ever explain. A big thank you to IU athletic director, Scott Dolson and everything you've done to advocate for IU athletes. Thank you to our sport administrator Jeremy Gray and his family, who have done nothing but make me feel welcome since the second I walked into his office on my official visit.

Thank you to my one-of-a-kind athletic trainer, Amanda and her beautiful family. Thank you to my amazing strength and conditioning coach, Eddie, for taking care of me during my time at IU. Thank you to my academic advisor, Mariama, for always believing in me. Thanks to my sport psychologist, Kelli, for caring so deeply about us all. Thank you to my coaches, Steve, Rachel, Kevin, and Matt for the opportunity to be a part of this family, constantly pushing me to be my best and teaching me lessons that will stick with me for life. I am so grateful for the opportunity you blessed me with here at IU and the family you brought me into. Thank you for believing in my and loving me for me.

Indiana University Athletics

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