The tension is high as the white volleyball sails over the net toward a bumper, ready to bump it to the setter. The bumper then bumps the ball up for another teammate to spike it over the net and score a point.

The opposing team sees this coming and sends a blocker to stop the oncoming spike. The ball is blocked and as it seems to float in the air for a few moments, a player jumps high and hits the ball with all of her strength, sending it crashing to the floor.

This hit gave the team another point setting the score to 14-9 sealing their place as the winners. As the crowd erupts into applause, the team enjoys the moment as they place first at the USA Volleyball Nationals.

Varsity right side hitter senior Christina Cowsert placed first at Nationals on Sunday, April 28 at the Dallas Convention Center. Cowsert and her team, Texas Advantage Volleyball 18 Blue, played for three days leading up to their last game when they won the entire championship.

“It was very surreal,” Cowsert said. “I knew if we just kept going and doing what we were doing we would have a very good shot at winning. I think we weren’t expecting to make it to the end as winners but we were very happy we did end the tournament as winners.”

When Cowsert and her team won first place, the players were awarded medals and trophies to honor their hard work and dedication. Cowsert was ecstatic to have finally put her skills to the test by participating in Nationals.

“We won the title, a really big banner, a team trophy, a little plaque and the team [is] getting championship rings,” Cowsert said.

Although Cowsert has been playing with TAV 18 for only a year she has been playing volleyball for the school ever since she was a freshman. With her last year playing for the Fighting Farmer volleyball team coming to an end, her coaches and teammates are emotional to see her graduate and move on to bigger ambitions.

“She’s been a part of the team since her freshman year,” volleyball head coach Libby Rodriguez said. “It’s a little sad to see her go but I know she will be successful in whatever path she follows.”

Cowsert plans to attend Niagara University in Buffalo, Washington after she graduates to take her skills to the college level. Cowsert’s friends and family are excited to see her pursue her passions and to improve on her skills in volleyball.

“I’m very proud of her for that,” senior Madison Jaegers said. “It will be sad to be that far away from her but I’m super excited for her and her future; that’s what she’s worked for her whole life.”

While Cowsert’s high school volleyball career may be over, she has a long road ahead of her with larger games, louder crowds, tougher practices and a new team to support her along the way.

“Nationals was a lot of fun,” Cowsert said. “I had a great time playing with my teammates. I can’t wait to see what it’s like to play at the college level.”