The Journey and the Destination

Literature is full of quotes describing the relationship between the journey and the destination. For Xavier alumna Elizabeth Gregorski '19 the last three years have been a tribute to its meaning. Overcoming two major injuries, while wearing the Xavier Blue and White, Elizabeth persevered and through hard work and dedication fulfilled a childhood dream of playing for a National Volleyball Championship. Along the way she learned countless lessons about life, sport and herself. Destination: NCAA Division 1 National Volleyball Championship Pittsburg, PA December 21, 2019

Redshirt outside hitter for the University of Wisconsin volleyball team Elizabeth Gregorski and her Badger teammates take the court in their quest for Gold versus perennial powerhouse Stanford Cardinal…

Journey: …While diving for a ball, Elizabeth shatters her finger and is forced to sit out her high school junior season. After healing, she is cleared to play her club season and in her first game back lands on an opponent’s foot and tears her ACL, meniscus, and calf muscle.

According to Elizabeth, “I felt so discouraged, I was in the best physical shape of my life, jumping the highest I’ve ever jumped and now I’m out for another whole season. My rehab was a physical battle, and the mental battle was even tougher.”

…Senior season awaits and with it the unknown of actually being able to play.

“I was so motivated to get on the court and in a Xavier jersey one more time. I would go to CrossFit every day and when I was feeling down would draw my thoughts back to my dream.”

…Elizabeth gets cleared to play the last five matches of the year.

“I played Libero the last five matches of my senior season and although we lost our last game, it will still be one of my best memories because I poured all my passion into the journey to get there. It was bittersweet. Going through my injuries changed my outlook on life, I now am more optimistic, more empathic, I value relationships more, have more confidence and I attack challenges harder. I definitely am a different Elizabeth than I was my junior year. If I could go back and

change my experiences, I wouldn’t.”

… There were so many people who helped along the way.

“Encouraging family members, teammates, coaches, friends, physical therapists, doctors, teachers, and strangers - is what really carried me through. One of my biggest motivators was to play for Coach Herriges. I respected him so much, and wanted to win a state title for him. I wanted to play so badly for my teammates, especially the other seniors who were so supportive. My Xavier teachers especially Mrs. Schuh were always there

for me. It was definitely a privilege to attend a school where the faculty and staff care so much about you. Lastly, I believe I have the best family and friends in the entire world.”

…Despite an incredible effort the Badgers fall short of a title.

“Being a part of a team that played for a national championship was something that will shape my character for the rest of my life. The Journey leading up to the final match was very rewarding. It was all the little things that made us so great. Every touch in practice, every defensive hold, every hand contact behind the service line, every grunt in the weight room mattered. The best part of all, was that we did it for each other! I can promise you that won’t be the last time we are competing for a National Championship. We are very hungry for a Gold medal.”

Epilogue: The COVID pandemic cuts short the Xavier 2020 winter sports season and forces cancellation of spring sports season.

“I truly am devastated for all of you because in some way, I can relate and there is no justification for why this happened to you. My advice is to try your best to gain something positive. Maybe it’s appreciation for your health, your abilities, or empathy for people who are sick or have experienced hardship.”