University of North Carolina Athletics
I'm A Tar Heel: Chaney LaReau
October 22, 2014 | Volleyball
Dear Chapel Hill community and Tar Heel Nation,
While I'd argue that just about everyday is a good day to be a Tar Heel, this past Sunday was an especially exceptional one. Last Sunday, the UNC volleyball team defeated Duke in Cameron Indoor Stadium, three sets to none. Because I feel there's probably enough gratifying content in that one (oh so sweet) statement, I am tempted to conclude this post now with a brief "the end" against my better judgment. However, I ask that you bear with me for only a few more sentences.
Before the match last weekend, Coach Joe Sagula came into the locker room and asked us to remember why we started playing the game in the first place. One by one, each of us shared our personal testimonies of when and how we fell in love with the game of volleyball as young girls. Many of our stories had a common theme: at some point, we had seen someone we looked up to excel on the court and dreamed of becoming "just like her." It was a sobering thought when we came to the realization that we could now be the subject of those seven-year-old girls' aspirations. Carolina has given each of us the opportunity to pursue our passion and a platform to proudly represent those all-too-familiar dreams. To play that role in a Carolina jersey is nothing short of an honor, so first and foremost, thank you for the opportunity.
Here at Carolina, it is easy to get mixed up in a false sense of "normal" when your environment deems extraordinary as merely the standard. Every day I go to practice in Carmichael Arena, the same gym as arguably the greatest basketball player in history. You've probably heard of him (so long as you have a pulse), and his name is Michael Jordan. Likewise, it's not uncommon to work out next to Mia Hamm, or foam roll beside legend Anson Dorrance, or pass by Roy Williams on your morning walk to class. The tradition and precedent that these greats who have come before us have set is what drives our athletic programs today. We understand that we are Carolina and anything less than exceptional is unacceptable. For the pressures that these high standards impart, thank you for the privilege.
It is my understanding that it is part of human nature to seek out a sense of community and belonging. What better family is there to be a part of than the best family—the Carolina family. Thank you for your support, and I assure you that we are working everyday to honor everything for which Carolina stands.
Go Heels!
