In 2018-19, the Mountain East Conference began its "Dear Sport" initiative where student-athletes in the conference were encouraged to write a letter to their sport. The initiative provides the opportunity for student-athletes to express in their own words the impact that sports has played in shaping them throughout their lives. 

Click here to view all letters posted throughout the year. 

Below is a letter from Raimey Benson, a senior volleyball player at West Liberty.

Dear Volleyball,
 
Twelve years. You have been a huge part of who I am for twelve years, more than half of my lifetime, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You have brought so many good things into my life: amazing people, relationships, and even better memories. I would not be the person that I am today if it weren’t for you. You have pushed me harder mentally, physically, and emotionally than I ever would have thought possible and you have shown me how to handle all adversity with grace. You have taught me so many things about life and about myself that I never would have otherwise known. You’ve taught me resilience; you’ve taught me that I am going to mess up and that I have to be able to bounce back and be even better the next time. You’ve taught me that nothing is impossible if you dedicate yourself and work for it. You’ve taught me respect, responsibility, poise, and strength. You’ve taught me that no matter how good you are, you can always be better. You’ve taught me to never stop challenging myself. I could go on forever, but I truly owe who I am to you and your lessons.
 
No matter what else was going on in my life, I could always turn to you. If I was stressed, needed a friend, or just needed a moment to turn off the outside world, I could always go to practice and have a few hours where nothing else mattered. You have always been my stress reliever, my motivator, and my happy place. Though you have not made it easy, you have always been there for me. Between the late nights trips for away games to the early clinical mornings, you have stuck with me through it all. You have made me work for every single achievement I’ve gotten both on the court and in the classroom, but you have made it so worth it.
 
Looking back on all of my years as a volleyball player, all I can muster is joy and gratitude. Saying goodbye is going to be one of the hardest things yet, but I am eternally grateful for everything that you have given me. Volleyball, you will always have a very special place in my heart. Thank you.
 
Love,
Raimey Benson
West Liberty