Misty May Treanor

Misty May Treanor and Kerri Walsh, Olympic win 20 (Wang, Cynthia.

"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, your right" (Henry Ford). One's life is determined by the concept of mind over matter. Whether one believes in his or her self or not will always make all the difference. Born in Los Angeles California in 1977, Misty May grew up with her father Bob, also known as "Butch", and her mother, Barbra. Misty's family spent a lot of their time participating in sports and maintaining these activities as family traditions. Treanor was well educated and continued on to attend California State, Long Beach. However, her life wasn't quite as easy as it would appear. Her family struggled with alcohol abuse problems, and when her mother died in 2000 from cancer, Misty May had a really hard time adjusting. Only a few years later, Treanor decided to leave her beloved game of indoor volleyball and found a beach partner, Kerri Walsh. The two of them went on to win the Australian Olympics and became known as the best beach partners in history. Later on, in 2004, Misty got married to the catcher of the Florida Marlins, Matt Treanor. Four short years after, the Beijing Olympics came, and just like before Misty went in and dominated, winning yet another gold medal for America. A great feat, Treanor continued on to be known for her amazing beach and indoor volleyball techniques. Misty May holds herself credible as a hero through her ability to utilize teamwork and her powerful determination to the sport she loves.

Misty May Treanor (Promo, Tavern.

Wherever you decide to go in life, there will be people with you, whether you want them there or not. A regular indoor volleyball team consists of six core players, while a beach team only has two, regardless of if teammates are your friends or enemies, they will be there. In a discussion of her experiences on the court Treanor states, "Whether we like it or not our fate (i.e. success or failure) is inextricably linked to the people with whom we surround ourselves. Being on a team has a great deal to do with recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses" (Misty May). Anyone can bring you down, but not everyone can lead you to success. Finding those people is a real test of friendship, teamwork, and trust. If you have no belief in those you work with, you have nothing. When Misty was joining a beach team she looked to her friend to be her partner. Although their partnership had its ups and downs, because they were so close those problems could always be worked through, and in the end their teamwork brought them to victory. Although a strong team ethic is very important, without having a good time the game would be fruitless. In describing Treanor's strong convictions one may state, "She has discovered the importance of communication, team work and self confidence; however the most important lesson she says she has learned is to always have fun with what you do"( St. John's University). Not only does working with others teach one to be a good listener, kind, and helpful but without having people with you, there wouldn't be anything to enjoy. The proper teamwork can really amount to how you play with and treat others. Misty May always knows how to believe in herself and others, with that strong bond she made with her teammates she could work harder knowing that if she were to fall, there would be people there to catch her. You can never get away from facing sometimes complicated interactions with others, even if you try. In sports, school, family, and work there will be various social interactions with new and different people and how you work with them makes all the difference in one's life. Treanor manages to maintain positive relations with her teammates that lead her to overall happiness and success in her career.

Walsh and Treanor (Associated Press.

Pure determination is only displayed in strong willed individuals who have overcome great odds to reach their dreams. Misty May has shown herself to poses real determination, from navigating her abusive childhood to entering the Olympics, she never let anyone hold her back. Things are handed to few of us in this world, leaving the rest to fight their way to the top. Treanor never had it easy, and never looked for recognition or pity. She showed that the best way to get something done right is to do it yourself. When discussing a major life decision Treanor has faced Leon states, "Throughout her career, May-Treanor has faced many challenges. Her first challenge she shared, was the decision to leave the indoor games of volleyball and instead to pursue a beach volleyball career" (Moore, David Leon). Having made the decision to switch from indoor to beach was a life changing choice. The possibilities of what could have happened if she weren't to have taken the chance are endless. To take a risk such as that one takes a very strong and confident person. The determination that drives Misty to success never ceases to fail her. Since she knew that failure wasn't an option, and she has sheer belief in herself, anything is possible for Misty May. Sometimes being good just won't be enough, knowing there are the few that are great, Misty persevered and fought to have the title as a great. For her, good would never seem to be enough. "Combining her incredible physical talent with sheer determination, Misty has become the best in the world at her craft" (St. John's University). Having a good physical performance is very important, but it's only half the game. To be mentally ready at all times is the real challenge. Misty having both very good mental and physical strength, helped her grow not only as a player but also as a human. The incredible determination misty has to keep perusing her goals never quits, and through all this she has shown what kind of volleyball player and person she is.

Summer Olympics (EPA.

Through it all, Misty May is a hero in many ways, her determination and ability to work well with others proved to be valuable skills in her perseverance to greatness. Not many people can work through the struggles Misty went through and still come out on top. Taking control of the situation and making it your own, not letting others tell you how to live your life, that's the key. She could have backed down, could have said no, could have never taken a chance but that's just not who Treanor is. Finding the silver lining in a storm is how she fought to the top. Misty May Treanor worked through many hardships in her life, from losing her mother to working through her abusive family. However, somehow through all of that she found a way to success. Misty never let anyone tell her what she could and couldn't do. If everyone could have this sort of mentality so many more things could thrive. Anyone can be a hero, those qualities are found in everyone, they might be deep but they exist. Misty never failed to be a hero yet, she remains humble. Misty May's flawless character impacts my life deeply every day, from the court to my classrooms, her values serve as examples for success.