Logan Eggleston - Texas Volleyball
“I am so thankful for the sport of volleyball and I cannot imagine my life without it. I love how I am able to have fun playing while also competing and working with others. It has been an outlet for me to express myself and get my mind off of the stresses in my life. Volleyball has given me so many amazing opportunities and I have learned so much about myself and the world through international experiences playing at super high levels with some of my best friends. I am so thankful for the amazing people and coaches I have met throughout my years of volleyball. It has helped me make connections and friendships that will truly last a lifetime.”
“Volleyball has taught me so many lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. Playing on so many different teams with many different players and coaches has taught me how to be open to different techniques and styles and, in general, not to be close minded. It has also taught me how to get along with new people from various backgrounds and work together to accomplish a shared goal. Volleyball has helped me in my path to reach my potential as a person by teaching me so many skills that can translate to everyday life.”
“Volleyball has given me the opportunity to not only connect with players all over the country but also all over the world. While competing for Team USA and The University of Texas, I have had the opportunity to travel to many different countries to play. These international experiences helped open my eyes to the world around me. I have learned how volleyball is played around the world and how it can bring people together regardless of their backgrounds.”
“Despite the language barriers, my teammates and I were able to have fun with players from various countries, learn about their cultures, and become friends with many individuals from around the world. These experiences have helped me to become more open to differences within groups and has inspired me to want to travel and explore the world more in the future.”
“Growing up in a predominantly white community and playing a predominantly white sport, I was very passive toward the racism around me. I let a lot of actions and things said slide due to the fact that I did not want to further differentiate myself from my white peers. Going to The University of Texas was the best decision of my life. I never truly understood the importance and power that comes with being surrounded by so many diverse people until I was a part of the Texas Volleyball team.”
“I learned about the struggles of black people in society and specifically in sports across the country and ways in which I could use my platform to help. I respect and honor the players who came before me, like Flo Hyman and Rita Crockett, who opened doors to allow black women, like me, continue the legacy they have started and I hope I can be that inspiration to others one day.”
“In sports, it is important that there is more visibility and platforms given to black athletes, particularly women. Growing up, I did not know of many black female athletes and did not have many role models in sports who looked like me. As a black female athlete, I want to be that role model for young black girls. It is important for them to see black athletes find success in sports other than football and basketball to further show them that they can do anything they put their minds to. I see sports being used as a bridge to unite players of all races and would love to see more of a priority being put on having more diversity in all sports.”
“Outside of sports, I want the country to become more educated about the subtle effects of the systemic racism of the past and unite to make change and to make sure the future is more inclusive and accepting of all people.”
