Mallory Fleming says that for her, volleyball is equal parts fun and friendship. As a longtime player, Mallory Fleming reflects on the positive role of competitive sports in her development in this recent interview with Interviewing Experts.

Interviewing Experts: What competitive sports experience influenced this positive opinion?

Mallory Fleming: Playing competitive volleyball for 10 years offered a first-hand look at what makes great teams succeed—and struggling teams fail.

Interviewing Experts: How do teammates bond?

Mallory Fleming: It’s a natural process in most cases. Teammates spend days, nights and even weekends together. They might meet up three or four times a week for practices and games.

Interviewing Experts: What’s special about teammate relationships?

Mallory Fleming: Teammates are supportive, win or lose. They will offer laughter and friendship even in the worst times.

Interviewing Experts: How does this transfer to the volleyball court?

Mallory Fleming: Building trust in friendships helps develop success on the court. Knowing that a teammate will always give her all is a big confidence booster.

Interviewing Experts: What can happen when the team struggles to gel?

Mallory Fleming: Teams play poorly when individual players argue, or if the team in general has bad overall morale.

Interviewing Experts: What’s a fun aspect of competitive sports?

Mallory Fleming: Traveling on the weekends and meeting team members from other schools is always enjoyable.

Interviewing Experts: How can coaches play a role in team unity?

Mallory Fleming: Coaches can support their team by encouraging social gatherings during spare time. A quick trip to the local ice cream shop after practice is always a fun way to bond.

Interviewing Experts: What valuable lessons can young people learn from sports?

Mallory Fleming: Kids can learn important values like good sportsmanship and proper etiquette.

Interviewing Experts: What other benefits make competitive sports so powerful?

Mallory Fleming: Competitive sports are structured activities, supervised by adults, that give participants a reason to get fit and stay out of trouble.