"FIGHT THROUGH IT" by Bryanna Narvaez
- Embrace Doubt
- Aug 18, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Bryanna Narvaez
School District: Brownsville ISD
High School: Pace Early College High School
Sports Played: Volleyball
Graduating Class: 2024
Academic Achievements and Awards: Top 5%, Ranked # 8, District Science Fair- 3rd Place
Athletic Achievements and Awards: 2021 32-5A 1st Team All District, 2022 32-5A 1st Team All District, 2023 District Champions, 2023 32-5A All District Libero of the Year, 2023 The Herald/Star Libero of the Year
My name is Bryanna Narvaez, I was born and raised in Brownsville, Texas. I am currently a senior at Pace Early College High School. I am a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, South Texas Cotillion and a four-year varsity volleyball player. I was raised in a single parent household, my mother played both roles and she did everything in her power to raise us in a happy and healthy environment. My mother loves sports, she was the one that introduced us to soccer, baseball and softball to my brother and I at a very young age. Years later when I was in 7th grade I no longer had interest in softball but was intrigued in the game of volleyball. Volleyball was a sport I loved and wanted to be the best in my position.
My role model is my varsity volleyball coach Daya Venegas. For the past three years, she became my mentor, friend, crying shoulder, my go-to for everything and anything. She is humble, caring, thoughtful and is always teaching student athletes life lessons. She doesn’t like to be the center of attention, get interviewed or get credit for anything but she deserves that and more. She taught me to be resilient, a great leader, have a positive mindset, work hard, and staying dedicated and committed to my goals. She pushed me beyond my limits and showed me I was capable of achieving more than I thought possible. After High School I know I can still reach out and count on her for advice, suggestions or simply have lunch.
When I was a sophomore I was appointed as the Libero (back-row defensive specialist) of our varsity volleyball team and that’s when I doubted my abilities and skills. I was scared, afraid, nervous, hesitant, and doubtful of my abilities. I didn’t want to disappoint my team, coach or family. I was a bit weak minded and felt very insecure of my athleticism. My coach expected a lot from me and didn’t treat me any differently because I was an underclassman or young at this position. Even though I doubted myself, I knew I had to make adjustments and work extra hard to excel in this position. I had to change my mid-set in very little time, adjusting to this position required extensive hours of training in order to enhance my agility and speed. I took on the challenge at the opportunity I was given and stayed committed for the next three years.
I never quit on the sport I loved, but there was a time when I thought about it. I had a brief thought of quitting because being a student athlete came with many responsibilities such as homework, class working, studying, morning and afternoon practices, conditioning and games while still maintaining to stay top of my class was not easy. In addition, working through cramps, pulled muscles and aches and pains made it that more difficult. Through all these struggles and crazy thoughts I would take deep breaths and remind myself “I am not a quitter, set an example, be a role model, I am better than that.” From there on, I learned to prioritize, push aside any negative attitude and committed myself fully as a student athlete.
There is so much advice I would give a younger athlete who is just starting high school sports. First of all I would tell young athletes to believe and focus on their sport, set goals and work at them every day. As young athletes, I would tell them they will have to face adversity and they will have to learn to fight through it. They need to trust themselves and be confident, don’t let the hype or outside “noise” get to you or discourage you. More importantly, I would tell young athletes to do what they love and work hard at it, stick with your training, and adjust to every small mistake. Stay humble, have a positive attitude and never give up. By the end of my senior year I learned that success is not given it is earned.
To any student athlete who is thinking of quitting, “don’t quit, pain, frustration, attitudes are temporary.” When you fully commit to a sport you love, your teammates become family and with that you will create memories that will last a lifetime. Become a better athlete, become a better version of yourself.
As a student athlete, I am not embarrassed to say I doubted myself. I now Embrace Doubt because it has shaped me into the person I am today. Embracing Doubt has pushed me to my limits, made me take risks, let go of my fears and took on learning opportunities head on. Throughout my athletic career, I learned to stay humble and grew great sportsmanship through the ups and downs. Even through all my challenges, I will embrace the life lessons learned throughout my journey.
In five years I see myself working on my masters at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) while working with the federal government. I have a deep interest in pursuing my college degree in psychology or forensic psychology with secondary interests in federal law enforcement studies. My decision to stay local and committing to UTRGV was primarily influenced by my desire to give back to my community in hopes of making a difference.
-Bryanna Narvaez/Embrace Doubt 8/18/2024
She had one goal in mind… with perseverance and heart she proved herself.