BetsyBaileyVeganVolleyballer
My Journey to Veganism
At the age of 3 or 4 while grocery shopping with
my mother, I asked her “Where does meat come from?” After she told me the gruesome truth, that meat is in fact a dead animal, I looked at her confused and hurt and cried “but, why?” That was the start of a what for me was a long, slow process towards veganism. In fact, I didn’t become vegetarian until around the age of 18 and then vegan a few years later. I had a short stint of being vegetarian at 6th grade camp, but when I came home and made my declaration to my parents, I was denied consent. This was of course, only out of concern from my mother realizing that she didn’t have the knowledge to provide proper nutrition for a vegetarian. Since then, I have gone through several phases and my view on veganism is continually evolving. The main reason I went fully vegan (I think it is physically healthier) is still the basis of my veganism today. However, I have discovered many other benefits as added bonuses to my lifestyle. Please click the VEGANISM link for more information.
How I Became a Volleyballer
I grew up on a farm and naturally had a very active childhood. Sports have been a part of my life as far back as I can remember. My sister, who is two years older than me, started playing volleyball when she entered 7th grade. At that age, I wanted to be just like my sister, and she needed someone to hit the ball back-and-forth with in the backyard. My sister quit playing in high school, but I went on to play year-round for my school and various travel teams, which led me to be recruited to play in college. I graduated from Central Connecticut State University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication/Mass Media and a minor in Music. Unfortunately, in the United States, once completing your college career, there are no professional indoor volleyball leagues. I wasn't satisfied with being finished with competitive volleyball, but felt I should move on and get a start in the "real world" with a "real" career. After working in the marketing research field for four years in New York City and playing in recreational leagues, I decided I was still young enough to pursue playing professional volleyball in Europe and put my working career on hold. I am now playing my third season and loving it! I plan to continue playing as long as my body will allow me!