Hannah Sweazey's experience with the Virginia Peninsula Community College volleyball team shows how sports are about more than winning.
Her first choice for college was William & Mary, but after being put on its waitlist, she decided to attend her local community college. And she joined the volleyball team, which was participating on the club level for the first time before joining the National Junior College Athletic Association next year. The season, and her first semester at the College, helped her put things in perspective.
"Initially, I was disappointed that I had gotten waitlisted from William and Mary," said Sweazey, who graduated from Tabb High School. "But being able to have that experience with my team kind of made me realize that it was a blessing in disguise of sorts because I really had a good time, and I made relationships that are going to follow me when I leave Virginia Peninsula."
She's transferring to W&M in the spring so her time at VPCC will be short, but memorable. She was honored to be part of the College's first volleyball team, enjoying many laughs and fun times with teammates as they grew on and off the court. The team gave her so much, and she will always be a Gator.
"In terms of winning and losing, we didn't have a great season," she said. "But I think that time spent together and the time we spent working on ourselves and us as a team went really well."
The experience also made her realize she wants to stay involved in volleyball, something she's been doing for several years.
"It was a great way to have that team bond that you don't really get unless you're involved in a sport," she said. "So I'm definitely going to try and continue that."
That type of experience is just what Athletics Director Chris Moore, who is also the men's basketball coach, was looking for at the beginning of the season.
"I wanted to see the excitement. I wanted to see the camaraderie and I wanted to see the foundation being laid," he said.
Sweazey's experience, the New South Athletic Conference giving the Gators the conference's trailblazer award, the team winning its first home match, players forming relationships with one another as well as with other athletes on campus and with competitors, made the season a success, Moore said.
"They just enjoyed being part of our athletic department," Moore said of the players. "To see them grow, I think that was a win for us as a department as a whole."
Jasmine Sanders was the interim coach, her first coaching experience. Although she will not continue in the role, she said the experience was enjoyable.
"The season went great from my perspective," she said, adding she couldn't have had a more dedicated, loyal or supportive team.
What will Sanders remember most about the season? That she had a group of team players who always put the team first, and had a lot of heart.
Sweazey said the players appreciated the sacrifices made by Sanders, who also works in the human resources department at the College.
"It didn't go unappreciated that she made us a priority as well," Sweazey said.
Moore knew he was asking a lot of Sanders, who assumed her coaching duties shortly before the season started and after most other college volleyball programs had begun.
"Coach Sanders did a great job," Moore said.
Moore's other goals were exposing the players to college athletics, and getting the College and community excited about a new sports offering.
"I think it was very successful," he said.
While she won't be coaching next year, Sanders already is looking forward to the Gators' first experience in the NJCAA.
"I can't wait to see it next year," she said of the program's growth. "I think people are going to be interested to see what VPCC brings to the table next year."
More than the number of wins and losses, Sweazey and Sanders will remember the long nights and the bonding moments. Things that aren't reflected in the win-loss record, but are important, nonetheless.