Volleyball player criticisms?

[VBCrusin]

Before anyone criticizes a college volleyball player on any team, maybe you should consider HOW SPECIAL these athletes really are, and what it takes to make the roster.

Out of millions of college students around the United States, only a few of them are good enough to play on the college level. Think about it? How many teams are there with an average 18 players? If my numbers are correct, Division 1 volleyball players number a couple of hundred players who made the grade. In my book, any college volleyball player is already a winner...no matter what team he plays for.

It's easy to be a fan (armchair or otherwise) and criticize some players, but please appreciate all of them as athletes and what it took to get where they are. I wonder how many critical fans made it in college sports?

Also, many complain about the age of some players, thinking it's unfair to have kids just out of high school compete with much older guys (26?). To tell you the truth, there are even fewer volleyball players who can make an impact during their freshman years, but those who do, hold their own in the matches. True winners always perform better in stiff competiton...what's the old saying, "tough competition always brings out the best in a person or causes someone to reach a higher athletic level." Very true.

One of my sons started as a freshman and played quite well all four years, even against much older guys, because he worked hard to improve as a player and had the support of his teammates. It made him a better player. So the next time some of you critical people make judgmental remarks, I have to ask you one question...were you good enough to play on the college level?

I thought so.

The name of the Men's volleyball game is have the BEST out there...always. It doesn't matter what size, age, or even what country they're from. We want to be entertained by a great match filled with great athletes. Please appreciate all these fine young men and their dedication to this fabulous sport. They're all winners...from UCSD to Rutgers to Northridge to BYU and every team in between...enjoy them all!

[vballmom]

Well said.

With age, comes wisdom - at least in your case ;D

[Rollshot]

I think your post is well-intentioned but misdirected. It's possible that some people may think their post is constructive criticism or mere observation when another may think that same post is derogatory in nature. We read different things into the same post. Also, it's possible that the critics you are targeting may indeed be coaches and players who have indeed had the privilege of "making it in college sports" and are expressing themselves on this board.

I think a board like this is lively and appealing because it contains members from all sectors of society. You should also realize this is a sports site so some teams will win, some will lose, some players will play well, other players will not. Like it or not, some players do "suck" at times and are "great" at other times. Fans want to talk about why these fantastic athletes did well or underperformed. If fans can't talk about all these things, I'll bet you money the interest in the sport will slowly but steadily decline.

Players heckle and taunt each other across the net all the time. They call each other names like "loser" and "suckface" and "moron" and "idiot" and well, more offensive stuff. Fans want to "be like" these players and do the same. It puts them "in the game." And like I said, I wouldn't be surprised if some of these "fans" are also the players themselves or coaches. I personally think it's great!!

The obvious hatahs, of course, should be ignored. But it's possible some of these hatahs have something of value to say in some way. I just read the posts and take my pick in deciding which ones to respond to and which ones to ignore. Some have merit; others don't. Just engage in the debate or lively banter, or move on.

[VBCrusin]

Hey rollshot,

You made some good points and I agree with your comments. I enjoy the bantering between fans...it's part of the fun. I just get tired of hearing some of these "whining" individuals constantly complain against players who are older, or not of this country, professional play charges, etc.

If someone has a criticism of a team or player, let them explain their views or valuation of their claim...otherwise, "name-calling" is both immature and unproductive.

Besides, everyone is entitled to my opinion.

[Rollshot]

VBCrusin said:

Besides, everyone is entitled to my opinion.

Funny! I know I've heard this before but it always works!