Lily Mitchell
Staff Writer
Sophomore Charlie Fuerbringer was named the Daily Breeze girls volleyball Player of the Year as she further pursues her indoor volleyball career.
Fuerbringer began taking volleyball lessons when she was eight years old. She currently plays both beach and indoor volleyball, but her main focus has always been indoor, according to Fuerbringer. After school, she attends indoor practice with the Costa girls indoor volleyball team and its coach, Cam Green, where she conditions and works to improve her game.
“Coach Green has always been very passionate about Costa volleyball,” Fuerbringer said. “He is a phenomenal coach and wants the best for all of his athletes.”
According to Fuerbringer, it can be difficult to learn certain skills, such as blocking, as it requires a lot of focus and hand-eye coordination. Fuerbringer practices for three hours at least three days a week, either at the Mira Costa gym or at the Mizuno Athletic Club in Carson.
“I just want to continue to grow and become the best player I can be,” Fuerbringer said. “I know I still have a ton of room to improve.”
According to Fuerbringer, although she puts pressure on herself, she receives endless support from her friends and family. By playing on the Costa girls volleyball team, she has not only improved her game, but over the past two years, she has grown closer to her teammates, many of whom have become some of her best friends.
“My favorite thing about volleyball is the culture that surrounds it,” Fuerbringer said. “There are so many amazing people in the volleyball world, and it feels like a family.”
From her past experiences, Fuerbringer understands how an injury is tough on an athlete not only physically but also mentally, according to Fuerbringer. Additionally, Fuerbringer says that being distracted makes it harder to play to the best of her abilities. Nevertheless, her love for the sport is what keeps her going.
“During our CIF semifinal game against Marymount, I sprained my ankle,” Fuerbringer said. “I was really angry at myself and the fact that I could no longer play. It took a little while, but I eventually snapped out of such a pessimistic mindset and decided to support my teammates, cheering them on to the best of my abilities.”
According to Fuebringer, she aspires to continue her career throughout college as she works hard both academically and athletically. Although she still has room to improve, she is striving to become the best player she can be, according to Fuerbringer.
“Of course I’m still getting better, but it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication to get where I am now,” Fuerbringer said. “My love for the sport helps, but the people I’m surrounded by have truly shaped me into the player I am today.”
Being awarded player of the year, many have congratulated Fuerbringer for her accomplishment. According to Fuerbringer, realizing how many people are supporting her has been one of the best feelings.
“It feels really cool to have so many people supporting me,” Fuerbringer said. “It’s truly an honor to have such an amazing title. I am very grateful and will forever remember receiving it.”
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