In the realm of high school athletics, the pressure to perform can be immense, particularly for student-athletes who are often juggling academics alongside their rigorous sports schedules. For Crown Point’s Bri DeJesus, a senior setter for the Bulldogs volleyball team, this pressure culminated in a critical decision: to step back from the sport she loved. It was a choice that would ultimately redefine her final year in high school and set the stage for her as a leader on the court.
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The Turning Point: Burnout and a Break
“After my junior year, I was so burned out,” Bri recounted, reflecting on her experience with sports fatigue, an unusual phenomenon for her. “It had never happened to me before with sports, so it was a weird experience for me.” This sense of burnout manifested after a disappointing end to her junior season, where the Bulldogs fell short against LaPorte in the regional finals. The joy that volleyball once brought her started to fade, leaving her feeling like practices were more of a chore than a passion.
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Recognizing the need for a mental reset, Bri made the difficult decision not to participate in club volleyball during the off-season. “Once I got my mind off of volleyball and onto other things, it really helped me get through that little mental break,” she explained. This hiatus was not merely a break from the game but a transformative period where she could recharge her mental batteries and gain clarity on her passion for volleyball.
A Rejuvenated Return
By the time summer rolled around, Bri was ready to dive back into the sport she loved. The break had rekindled her enthusiasm, allowing her to return to the Bulldogs with a fresh mindset and renewed vigor. As she rejoined her teammates, the impact of her time off became apparent. Head coach Alison Duncan noted the positive shift in Bri’s performance: “She came back rejuvenated once the summer hit and has had a good, successful run for us.”
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Bri’s contributions as a setter have been monumental in guiding the Bulldogs through a successful season, leading them to the Class 4A Huntington North Semistate semifinals. Her statistics speak volumes: she has amassed a team-high 558 assists, along with 199 digs and 41 aces. These numbers reflect not only her skill but also her commitment to enhancing her teammates’ performance.
Leadership in Action
Bri’s role extends beyond the stats; she has embraced her position as a leader on the court. Her fellow teammates, particularly junior outside hitter Elle Schara, have praised Bri’s ability to maintain composure and guide the team. “She runs the court, and she’s the person setting up our team for success,” Schara stated. “And she’s really stepped up as a leader. Watching her work is pushing us to be a better team.”
In a sport where mental fortitude is as critical as physical skill, Bri emphasizes the importance of keeping her teammates focused. “All I’ve been telling myself is that I need to make sure that everyone knows what they’re doing and make sure that everyone’s calm and collected,” she remarked. This approach has been instrumental in cultivating a positive team atmosphere, where mistakes are met with encouragement rather than frustration.
Celebrating Milestones and Future Goals
As the Bulldogs advance through the playoffs, Bri and her teammates have taken the time to celebrate their achievements, including their first regional title since 2019. Yet, the team’s aspirations do not end there. They are focused on the upcoming match against Fort Wayne Carroll, a formidable opponent with a record of 30-3. A victory would propel Crown Point into the semistate championship match, a goal that Bri and her teammates are determined to achieve.
“We’re really proud that we’ve made it this far,” Bri expressed, emphasizing the seriousness with which the team is approaching their upcoming matches. “We’re all taking it seriously, even though we’re all dressed up for Halloween right now. We’re working really hard in practice this week, and we’re all confident that we can win our matches this weekend.”
The Ripple Effect: Inspiration Beyond the Court
Bri’s journey of resilience has not only transformed her own approach to the game but has also inspired her teammates and the broader Crown Point community. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health in sports and the value of stepping back to reassess one’s passion. In an age where youth athletes face mounting pressure to perform at high levels year-round, Bri’s decision to prioritize her well-being resonates deeply.
As the season progresses, the impact of Bri DeJesus extends far beyond the court. Her leadership, determination, and willingness to advocate for mental health awareness are qualities that will leave a lasting legacy for future athletes in Crown Point. As she continues her senior season, Bri is not just setting the ball for her teammates; she is setting an example for what it means to balance ambition with self-care.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
With her final high school volleyball season in full swing, Bri DeJesus looks ahead to both her athletic and academic future. As colleges begin to take notice of her skills on the court, she finds herself at a crossroads, contemplating the next steps in her volleyball journey. Whether she chooses to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level or embarks on a different path, Bri’s experiences have equipped her with invaluable life lessons that transcend the sport.
Bri’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, the significance of mental health, and the strength of community support. As she steps onto the court for her next match, she carries with her not just the hopes of her teammates but also the inspiration of countless young athletes who aspire to find their own paths in sports and life.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
In reflecting on her journey, Bri DeJesus exemplifies the spirit of a true athlete: one who understands that success is not solely defined by wins and losses but by growth, resilience, and the relationships forged along the way. As Crown Point prepares for the challenges ahead, the community rallies behind Bri and her teammates, eager to witness the culmination of their hard work and dedication.
In a sport where every point matters and every game can change the trajectory of a season, Bri DeJesus stands poised to make her mark—both as a player and as a leader, guiding her team through the highs and lows with unwavering determination.
