"DIG DEEP" by Natalie Sosa

Natalie Sosa

Brownsville ISD

James Pace Early College High School

Sports Played: Volleyball, Powerlifting

Class of 2025

Academic Achievements and Awards:

Four Year Top 10 %, 3rd  Place at District Science Fair, CTE- Career Technical Education: Pharmacy Technician Trainee, OSHA 10 Certified, CPR certified through the American Heart Association.

Athletic Achievements and Awards:

2024 District Volleyball Champion, Regional Powerlifting Qualifier, 2024 Outside Hitter of the Year, 2024 & 2025 Regional Powerlifting Qualifier.

Coach Name: Daianarah Venegas

My name is Natalie Sosa. I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. Ever since I was little, I looked up to my two older brothers, who always excelled in sports from middle school to high school. The times that I had went to their football games and track meets, I admired their dedication and passion. Watching them compete and succeed inspired me to follow in their footsteps. Sports became a part of my life in fourth grade when my third-grade teacher, Ms. Apresa, introduced me to volleyball. She encouraged me to try out for the team, even though I was nervous and unsure of myself. I remember anxiously waiting for the results, and when I got the call that I had made the team, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and pride. From that moment on, volleyball became a huge part of my life. I participated in city tournaments and became a part of the Brownsville City League team; all thanks to Ms. Apresa’s encouragement. As I entered middle school, my passion for the sport only grew. I made the 7th and 8th grade A team and helped lead my team to several big wins.

In high school, I worked hard to continue improving, starting on the freshman dark team, where we went undefeated with a 32-0 record to become district champions. My sophomore year, I made varsity and pushed myself to earn playing time. By my junior year, I was contributing more, and by my senior year, I was fully embracing my role on the court. I played my heart out, cherishing every moment of my final season. Looking back, volleyball has taught me more than just how to play the game. It has shaped me into a leader, instilled discipline, and given me the courage to face challenges head-on.

My role model has always been my brother, Angel. He was a United States Marine who achieved so much throughout his military career, earning numerous accolades and rising to the rank of Sergeant. A few months ago, he passed away, and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. Angel was the person I always looked up to; he was strong, determined, and accomplished. Growing up, he was not only an athlete, playing varsity football in high school, but also someone who constantly pushed himself to be better. When he joined the Marines, he carried that same drive and graduated at the top of his class. But beyond his achievements, Angel was my biggest motivator. He never let me settle for less and always pushed me to strive for more. Angel taught me strength; not just me, but everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. I can still hear his voice in my head, reminding me to be strong, to keep pushing forward, and to never back down from a challenge. He never missed a chance to check in on me, ask about my games, my lifts, and my performances; he was my biggest supporter. Losing him has been the hardest thing I’ve ever faced, but his impact continues to push me forward. He believed in me when I doubted myself, and that belief still fuels me today. Even though he’s gone, his strength, encouragement, and love stay with me, shaping the person I am and the person I strive to be.

I would tell younger athletes that all it takes is all you got. Never stop working hard. There will always be someone better than you, but that shouldn’t stop you from striving to improve. It’s not always about being the best but it’s about being better than you were yesterday, for yourself and for your teammates. Coaches will always notice the player who works the hardest and wants it the most. Don’t make excuses for where you are. Trust the process, even when it’s tough. Volleyball is all about teamwork, adjusting to your teammates, and being able to take criticism from your coaches. The transition from middle school to high school is a big one, and the environment will be different, but don’t let it intimidate you; embrace it. Prepare yourself to be a leader, to take charge, and to push yourself beyond your limits. Whether you’re just starting or have been playing for years, discipline is key. And when a coach is tough on you, it’s not because they don’t believe in you; it’s because they see your potential. Take the criticism and use it to fuel your growth. Push through the challenges, trust yourself, and never stop working.

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There have been many times I doubted myself. Being an athlete takes a toll on you; it pushes you physically and mentally. I’ve questioned my abilities, my skills, and whether I was good enough. There was always someone better, and the moment I started comparing myself, doubt would creep in. But I learned that doubt only holds you back. Every time I felt like I wasn’t going to perform well, I reminded myself to stay positive. More often than not, I ended up surprising myself. I learned that trusting myself is everything. I’ve had moments where I didn’t feel confident; whether it was coming back from an injury or just feeling off that day. One game I remember vividly from my senior year was against Brownsville Lopez. It was an important game, and I was doubting myself a lot. Even though I was playing well, it didn’t feel like enough. I’ve always been the type to push myself hard until I’m satisfied with my performance. That game was close, and every mistake I made fed into my self-doubt. But I knew I couldn’t let that mindset take over. Doubt only drags you down. So instead of letting it consume me, I used it as motivation. I told myself, Fix your mistakes. Do better. I stopped hesitating, started asking for the ball more, and played with everything I had. The adrenaline kicked in, and I wasn’t just playing; I was thriving. Playing under pressure is when it matters most. That’s when you have to trust yourself, embrace the moment, and push past the doubt. Because once you do, that’s when you realize what you’re truly capable.

Throughout my years of playing sports, I’ve dealt with multiple injuries that have tested my resilience, both physically and mentally. My first major injury happened in 7th grade. After practice one day, I decided to stay longer to work on my jump serves. Out of nowhere, I felt a sudden pop in my knee, and the pain was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I went to the doctor, and after seeing an orthopedic specialist, I found out that I had torn my ACL, MCL, and LCL. I had completely torn everything in my knee. The news was devastating. I was told it would take months to recover, and I wouldn’t be able to finish the volleyball season. I remember crying that night, knowing that the next day my team had a big game. Sitting on the bench, watching my teammates play the sport I love, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I did my best to cheer them on and stay positive, but inside, I was frustrated and disappointed in myself. After surgery and seven months of recovery, I finally returned to the court. But I wasn’t the same. I played scared, afraid of reinjuring myself, and I wasn’t performing at the level I wanted. I often questioned if I would have been a better player had I never gotten hurt, but over time, I learned that sports are about more than just talent—they’re about trust. I had to trust the process, trust my body, and trust that setbacks don’t define me. Later in high school, I faced another tough injury; this time, a back injury. During a volleyball drill, I stepped wrong and immediately felt something in my back. At first, I ignored it and pushed through the pain, thinking it would go away. But over time, it only got worse. Some days, it hurt so much that simple things like walking or bending down became a struggle. I went to physical therapy and tried different treatments, but the frustration of not being able to play, lift weights, or train the way I wanted to was overwhelming. Taking months off from training felt like a huge setback, and I hated the feeling of not being in control of my own body. Despite the challenges, these injuries taught me patience, discipline, and resilience. I learned that recovery isn’t just physical; it’s mental. I had to overcome self-doubt, fear, and frustration to return stronger. Most importantly, I realized that setbacks don’t mean failure; they’re just part of the journey. Every challenge, every injury, and every tough moment has shaped me into a stronger athlete and person. I may not have control over everything that happens, but I do have control over how respond. And that’s what truly matters.

There was a time when I wanted to quit. I even walked into my coach’s office and told her I was done; I wanted to step away from volleyball and just focus on myself. I felt overwhelmed by the amount of time and energy I had put into the sport. I had reached a point where I just wanted to walk away. But deep down, I knew quitting wasn’t the answer. I had spent years training, practicing, and pushing myself to be better. If I quit, all of that hard work would have been for nothing. My coaches reminded me of this. They motivated me to stay, to keep going, and to remember why I started in the first place. I realized that volleyball wasn’t just about me; it was about my teammates, the bonds we had built, and the lessons the sport had taught me. In that moment, I decided that instead of giving up, I would give it everything I had.

To any athlete considering quitting, I would say; don’t let temporary feelings dictate your long-term goals. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Balancing sports, academics, family, and other responsibilities is tough, but quitting shouldn’t be the first option. Being an athlete teaches you discipline, leadership, and resilience; qualities that will serve you far beyond the game. Pushing through the hard times builds character, and in the end, you’ll realize it was all worth it. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t quit. I pushed through my senior year, balancing my responsibilities while giving my all on the court. Despite facing one of the hardest hardships of my life; losing my brother; I found strength in the game. I ended my season stronger than ever and was honored as Outside Hitter of the Year in my district. That moment proved to me that perseverance pays off. So, to any athlete thinking about quitting: Keep going. Find your reason, your motivation, and remind yourself why you started. The journey isn’t always easy, but the reward of seeing how far you’ve come is worth every struggle.

The most meaningful advice a coach has ever given me came from Coach Segura. She told me that everyone works hard, but I have to want it more. She reminded me that at the end of the day, it’s me versus myself; no one else is going to push me the way I need to push myself. If I don’t give everything I have, if I don’t fight through exhaustion and doubt, then I’m only holding myself back. She always said, "If you're tired, then you're not tired enough." That stuck with me because it taught me that discipline is what separates good from great. Hard work isn’t just about showing up; it’s about setting goals, pushing past limits, and understanding my own strength. Even when it feels like I’m not doing enough, I know that the effort I put in will show. That mindset hasn’t just shaped me as an athlete, but as a person. It’s about believing in myself, staying disciplined, and never settling for less than my best.

The words “Embrace Doubt” means accepting the challenges, fears, and moments of uncertainty that come with pushing yourself to be better. Doubt is that voice in your head that makes you hesitate, that makes you question whether you’re good enough, strong enough, or capable enough. But doubt isn’t the enemy, it’s a test. It’s a feeling that everyone experiences, but what sets people apart is how they respond to it. As an athlete, I’ve faced doubt more times than I can count. There were moments when I didn’t feel like I was doing enough, when I was scared of failing, or when I let mistakes get in my head. But I learned that doubt isn’t something to fear, it’s something to embrace. Instead of letting it hold me back, I’ve learned to use it as motivation. Every moment of hesitation, every thought telling me I’m not good enough, is an opportunity to prove myself wrong. Embracing doubt means pushing through when it feels like the odds are against you. It means taking those negative thoughts and turning them into fuel. It’s about trusting yourself even when you’re uncertain and understanding that growth comes from discomfort. Doubt isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign that you’re stepping into something bigger than yourself, something that challenges you. And that’s where the real growth happens. The ability to embrace doubt is a gift. It forces you to dig deep, to find strength in yourself that you didn’t know you had. It’s what separates those who settle from those who rise. I’ve learned that doubt will always be there, but it doesn’t have to define me. Instead, I choose to embrace it, to let it drive me, and to use it as a reminder that I’m capable of more than I think. Because at the end of the day, doubt isn’t what stops you; giving into it does.

I want to inspire and support the next generation of athletes by sharing my journey; the setbacks, the doubts, and the moments I wanted to give up, but didn’t. I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, to battle injuries, and to question whether all the hard work is worth it. But I also know the feeling of pushing through, of trusting the process, and of coming out stronger on the other side. I want to be someone younger athletes can look up to, someone who reminds them that setbacks don’t define them; how they respond does. Whether it’s through coaching, mentoring, or simply sharing my story, I want to encourage athletes to embrace the challenges, to keep showing up even when it’s hard, and to believe in their potential. The sport has given me discipline, resilience, and a sense of purpose, and I hope to help others find the same within themselves.

In five years, I see myself in college, working toward my degree in psychology so I can help those struggling with mental health. Losing my brother changed me; it made me realize how important it is to be there for people, to truly listen, and to provide support in ways that matter. I want to use my experiences, both in sports and in life, to help others navigate their own struggles. Whether it’s athletes dealing with pressure, individuals facing personal battles, or anyone who feels lost, I want to be the person who reminds them they’re not alone. My goal is to earn my degree and eventually work in a field where I can make a real impact, guiding people toward healing and resilience. The same way I fought through my own hardships, I want to help others fight through theirs.

 -Natalie Sosa/Embrace Doubt

Photographer Andrew Cordero