Inspired by this year’s yearbook theme, the Blue & White staff is celebrating students who “found the silver lining” in challenging situations. The phrase reflects the idea that even dark clouds have a bright edge, symbolizing hope and growth in adversity. Join us each week as we showcase a student or staff member who has shown remarkable optimism and resilience.
In August 2021, volleyball tryouts rolled around. The whole summer had been a full schedule of workouts, practices and bonding experiences, and 14-year-old Katie Cottrell was eager to finally be on one of the volleyball rosters.
Right before the first day of high school, the incoming freshman anxiously awaited for the results. Cottrell got called into the athletic office and was told she did not make the team. She walked out, feeling defeated and that she was leaving all her friends. She knew, though, she had something else inside of her boiling.
“I was just giving my all to the wrong sport,” Cottrell said.
It was a rough couple of months as she watched her friends play volleyball, but she kept telling herself, “I am more than good enough to play a varsity sport, and I can do this for me.”
At that point, she focused her efforts on basketball season and made the team freshman year. She had passion for the sport and finally felt a sense of belonging. Falling in love with the basketball program was a no brainer and almost automatic.
“I am a hard worker, and when I want something, I go after it,” she said.
Now a senior, Cottrell is a starter and a key player on the varsity basketball team. Going into her final season, she can now look back on what got her to become one of the most influential starters and impactful players.
“Without that determination that came from getting cut from the volleyball program, I wouldn’t be able to excel as much as I do in basketball today,” Cottrell said.
She offers some advice to other athletes who are struggling with being cut from a program.
“My biggest takeaway from this experience is that you will find your role and your spot,” she said. “It’s okay to feel lost sometimes. It is normal to want something you don’t have or to be as good and skillful as a peer, but that is not realistic. Everyone is unique.”
Her experience taught Cottrell a life lesson.
“I learned that difficulties and obstacles are what make our bright moments shine so bright,” Cottrell said. “It’s what you take with a challenge that says who you really are.”
