The gentle chime of the flower shop door welcomes me as I step into a world of colors and floral scents. My eyes wander, scanning rows vibrant as a summer sunset, the danger of not knowing what I want and leaving with the whole store a possibility. I stumble upon a rare find. Violets. Delicate and personal to me, my birth flower, they're the perfect hue of pink. I carefully select soft pink accessory flowers to complement them. The combination was perfect: the violets, a symbol of myself, and the pink, a subtle tribute to October and the strong women I know who have fought against breast cancer. Together, they tell a story of love and have a purpose that blooms brighter with.

Flowers mean the world to me because they’re more than just accessories on a table. They’re a portal to a space where stress and fatigue dissolve. Arranging flowers is a chance for me to create something beautiful and unique. In their presence, the weight of the day lifts, and I’m given a relaxing escape from all of the noise that comes with being an athlete.

After long practices and high-pressure games, they remind me to slow down, breathe, and see the beauty in the little things. They clear my mind and ground me, allowing me to decompress and embrace a quieter, more peaceful side of life.

A lifeline to balance and renewal.

Flowers mean love

My love for flowers comes from my dad. Some of my fondest memories are sneaking downstairs to sit with him and watch Kobe Bryant play while I was supposed to be in bed. These are the moments that I began to learn my mindset and work ethic, that I use daily now.

Growing up, I’d watch him bring my mom bouquets—not just for special occasions, but as little reminders of his love. Of course, similar to why I started playing volleyball, I wanted to be just like my mom, so he started buying me flowers too, and it quickly became something I cherished.

With each bouquet he brought he showed me intention, thoughtfulness, and love. Watching him express his care for my mom and I in such a simple yet meaningful way taught me what it means to show up for the people you love. It wasn’t about grand gestures but the small, consistent acts that spoke volumes. Over time, I realized how much those small acts of care had shaped me. They taught me to pay attention, to think about how I could make someone else’s day brighter, and to be intentional with how I show my love for others.

By the time I got to college, surrounded by the pressures of athletics and academics, I didn’t just want to simply receive them anymore—I wanted to create. I began experimenting, putting together arrangements became my way to decompress, a way to step back from the intensity of college athletics and dive into something entirely my own.

Now, flowers aren’t just for me. They’ve become a way to bring joy to others, too. That’s who I am off the court: someone who values connection, who wants to know her teammates individually, and who can recognize when someone needs a little extra light in their day. Whether it’s arranging blooms or sharing a quiet moment, I want to be the person who brings that light.

Leaning into my ambition

Even on the court, that same mindset carries over. I’ve learned that playing a team sport isn’t just about personal performance—it’s about understanding the emotions of those around you and helping to regulate not just your own headspace but also your teammates. I learned very quickly in my career that volleyball is not a one-person sport, and if that’s the way you play, it’s a very lonely sport. It’s important to me that I show appreciation for my teammates and for my support system because they are what fuel me to keep going and they are what allow me to be successful. I give everything I have not for the spotlight but to be a part of something bigger than myself.

That is why I transferred.

The mental and emotional atmosphere of a team matters as much as the physical preparation. I want to surround myself with people who match my ambition—relentless individuals who push themselves and those around them to be the best every single day. Entering the transfer portal wasn’t just about furthering my career; it’s about the growth, the connections, and the relentless pursuit of becoming the best version of myself while pushing those around me to do the same.

Cam Hannah does up for an attack while in Tennessee.

This is a thank-you to my parents, who have given me unconditional love and endless inspiration—not just as an athlete, but as a person. They’ve taught me to pour myself into the things that bring me joy, much like tending to flowers, allowing them to bloom fully into my life. Whether that’s volleyball, flowers, or the connections I build with others, they’ve shown me that true success lies in how you share your passions. Their example has shaped the way I approach life, reminding me that success is about the beauty and impact you leave on the world around you, like a beautiful bouquet that brings joy to everyone who sees it.

For me, nothing compares to the joy of seeing the light I can bring to others. It doesn’t just apply to only my family but also to the young girls who look up to me. Knowing I can inspire the next generation, that I can be part of their story in some small way, means everything. Whether it’s through my actions on the court or how I carry myself off it, I want them to see that there’s strength in kindness, passion, and perseverance, and fulfillment in staying true to who you are.

To the younger girls watching: never forget to figure out who you are beyond the court.

Your sport will teach you discipline and determination, but knowing who you are when the game is over will make you even stronger. Embrace your passions, whether they’re big or small because they’ll give you confidence, and that’s where the real power lies—not just in what you do, but in who you are. Find your flowers, and build them up until it’s a beautiful bouquet just like you.