When I was little, I was crazy about gymnastics. I trained every single day, always pushing myself to do better, to perfect each move, to feel that incredible rush of landing a routine just right. Then one day, right after a competition where I finished second, my coach called my parents for a talk.
He said something that changed my life:
“She’s too tall for gymnastics. You should encourage her to pursue another sport that will favor her height.”
Funny now — because I ended up only 5’5”. But at 11 years old, it felt like the end of the world. Gymnastics was my identity, my joy, my community. I remember crying for days.
Soon after, I started playing volleyball. But there was a catch — the only competitive team available at my club was for 14-15-year-old girls. The coach let me train with them, but I was benched all the time. Still, I showed up to every single practice. I stayed longer, asked questions, and gave everything I had.
That year, I trained my heart out — not to prove anyone wrong, but because I wanted to feel part of something again.
And then something incredible happened.
All the strength, discipline, and body control I had learned in gymnastics turned out to be my secret weapon. I jumped higher, moved faster, and pushed harder. In just eight months, I went from being the benched kid to a starter — playing as an equal.
Volleyball gave me moments that gymnastics never could. It brought me lifelong friends, unforgettable games, and even a college scholarship.
That experience taught me one of life’s hardest and most valuable lessons:
Change hurts, but it builds you.
Years later, life threw another change my way — a much bigger one. I left my home country, moved to a place where I didn’t speak the language well, had no professional network, and no idea where I belonged.
But just like that 11-year-old girl, I showed up. I worked my ass off. I learned. I adapted. I found my spot on the team again — this time, in life.
Here I am.
The truth is: whether in sports or in life, the rules are the same.
You won’t always choose the changes that come your way, but you can choose how you respond.
The bench can either break you — or prepare you.
Every challenge is just a new game waiting for you to step in.
Change is the toughest coach you’ll ever have — but also the one that builds your greatest wins.
