Los Amigos’ Cortez checks off all boxes of being a responsible leader
By Adolfo Sanchez
Los Amigos Staff
What does it take to be a leader? This might be an ambitious question with more than one answer.
I believe a leader is someone who is responsible, respectful, and inspires others. A leader should also be someone who is humble enough to take advice and be responsible. It’s also someone who encourages others and stand up for the team.
Those are the characteristics that define the Growing Dragon, Miranda Cortez, whom I had the pleasure to coach since she was in sixth grade. I was very glad when she decided to enter the adventures of the amazing world of volleyball. Although I remember her having trouble serving, she worked very hard and let nothing stop her growth. Making the team was just the awakening of the dragon.
Miranda stated, “Throughout my volleyball experience in sixth grade, I was mostly on the bench watching my other teammates score the points for us, but this didn’t discourage me to stop practicing my volleyball skills. On the contrary, this motivated me to become better given the fact that we won championships that year.”
Miranda’s desire to improve and keep practicing the sport gave her the idea to ask her mom to enroll her in a volleyball youth program at Palmdale Parks and Recreation in 2019. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit and she couldn't play that season. During quarantine, many athletes suffered because of the restrictions that made it difficult to practice. Miranda was not the exception.
“I stopped playing and started to fall out of love with the sport,” Miranda said.
As 2021 arrived and schools started to allow practicing again, the doors of playing volleyball opened. When tryouts came, Miranda was outstanding. She was confident. Her serves were accurate, and her bump passes, setting, and movement on the court made it look as if the pandemic had never happened. She came back stronger than ever. Miranda said, “I was more confident and serious about volleyball since I already had some experience. In addition, with dedication and lots of practice, I was able to become better at the sport.”
Miranda fulfilled all the requirements of a leader. Her passion, dedication and dominance of the sport opened the door for her to become the team’s captain. That incentivized her to go beyond expectations. She was always looking for ways to improve and score points, while always being humble to continue practicing as hard as when she started.
Miranda started all the games this season and played a decisive role in numerous victories. After winning the championship twice, Miranda gave the following advice to her teammates and future Dragons:
“You should never give up and instead practice to become better. Everyone has their bad days. I know I did, but this shouldn’t discourage you or make you think you are not good enough to play.“
Dreams can come true if you work hard and persist.
“Younger me would have never thought I would've come this far in volleyball, let alone become team captain of an undefeated team. I want to thank my coach, senor Sanchez, for believing in me, and giving me the opportunity to get to love this amazing sport. Let’s go Dragons.”