By Cosy Burnett

Cosy Burnett is a junior outside and opposite hitter at La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.) who also plays for Coast Volleyball Club in San Diego, Calif. Her high school team competed in the state finals for Division II last season and she has competed at nationals five times with her club teams. In the latest installment of her blog, she salutes all those special volleyball dads -- especially her own.

My dad has always supported me.

When I was 8, he was the one who brought me out to the backyard and onto the sports court and made my arms bright red from so many volleyball “bumps.” I remember going back into the house with the veins in my arms popping out thinking “volleyball really hurts.”

He was the one who got me volleyball private lessons at age 11, which helped me barely make the lowest volleyball team for my age group at the best club. He believed in me.

Every September, my dad sits down with me and he helps me make reachable goals for the school year. He helps me have confidence.

When I was 12, he bought me a big blue board and told me to write down goals, and make myself a “vision board.” It changed my life. My dad explained that I should make a collage of pictures to illustrate what I want in life. Then every morning when I wake up and see those images, they will become cemented in my mind. I covered that blue board with my dreams: a baby blue convertible Bentley, an Abercrombie & Fitch model (as my future man), exotic places, my dream home, pictures of Jesus (to keep my faith) and photos of BYU volleyball. I had that vision board on my wall facing my bed, so every morning I woke up to my dreams.

Years have passed and new boards have replaced the old ones, but I recently found my first vision board in the back of my closet. I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw the pictures and realized how right my dad was. I have already achieved a dream that my skinny, awkward 12-year-old self wouldn’t have thought possible. I will play volleyball for BYU!!

Whether it’s how to get a full ride to my dream school, pump me up, calm me down, or be there for me when I simply need someone to talk to, my dad is there.

It’s time to honor our volleyball dads. They cheer for us, they embarrass us, they believe in us, they fight for us and they sacrifice for us.

Here’s what some volleyball players in the SoCal Region have to say to their dads:

“To Brian, You are one of the most incredible people I have ever met. Thank you, Pops, for being at every 7 a.m. tournament and for teaching me what it means to be a genuinely good person. You've set a great example, and I only hope that one day I can turn out to be half the person you are. I love you and will miss you so much next year!” – Yale-bound Karlee Fuller, Wave 18-1, La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)

“To Ken, Happy Father’s Day! Thanks for always coming to my matches and cheering for me.” -- Sarah Kramer, T-Street 17-Troy, Rosary (Fullerton, Calif.)

“To Jim, Thanks, Dad, for always cheering me on! I love you!” -- Courtney Crosby, T-Street 17-Troy, Los Alamitos (Calif.)

“To Kenny, Thanks for all the support you always give me. I love you!” -- Kalysta White, T-Street 17-Troy, Laguna Beach (Calif.)

“To Jimmy, Thank you for all the support and always cheering me on. I can always hear, “Dominate the net, Brookie!’” -- Brooke Legaux, T-Street 17-Troy, Tesoro (Las Flores, Calif.)

“To Dave, Happy Father’s Day and thanks for everything you do for me! Love, Ash” --Ashley Swatek, Club West 18-Nat, Ayala (Chino Hills, Calif.)

“To Oscar, I love you so much, Daddy!” -- Taylor Scott, Club West 18-Nat, Claremont (Calif.)

“To Ron, Happy Father’s Day! Thank you for all the support you give me. Because of you, I am able to play the game I love!” -- Lauren Miller, Coast 17-1, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.)

“To Jeff, Happy Father’s Day and thanks for all the support you give me. I love you!” --Krissy Witous, Coast 17-1s, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego, Calif.)

“To Mike, Happy Father’s Day, Dad! I love you so much and thanks for everything! You are really an amazing Dad!” -- Sydney Francis, Coast 17-1s, La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)

“To Derek, Thank you for all your support! I love you and hope you have a great Father’s Day. You’re the best!” -- Breanna Barksdale, Coast 17-1, Eastlake (Chula Vista, Calif.)

“Happy Father’s Day, Charlie! I love you!” -- Christian Jones, T-Street 17-Troy, Los Alamitos (Calif.)

“To David, Thank you so much for supporting me at every game. It means so much! Happy Father’s Day! I love you!” -- Kelly Boutelle, Coast 17-1, Bishop’s (La Jolla, Calif.)

“To Chris, Happy Father’s Day, Papa! I love you!” -- Caterina Rosander, Coast 17-1, Canyon Crest Academy (San Diego, Calif.)

“To Mark, Thank you for supporting me in every sport I do! You’re the best and I love you! Happy Father’s Day!” -- Lexi Reddick, Coast 17-1, Del Norte (San Diego, Calif.)

“To Michael, Thank you so much for always supporting me in volleyball and riding! Happy Father’s Day! I love you!” -- Claire Manhard, Coast 17-1, Bishops (La Jolla, Calif.)

“To Bill, Thanks so much for being a great dad! You have always been so supportive to me! Happy Father’s Day! I love you!” -- Marin Longfellow, Coast 17-1, Santa Fe Christian (Solana Beach, Calif.)

"To Dennis, I love you Dad! Thanks for sitting through the long tournaments and helping me with my volleyball recruiting video. You are so supportive, loving and always know how to make me laugh. Thank you for setting an excellent example for me by working so hard at everything you do.” -- Alex Visser, EPIC 18-1, La Costa Canyon (Carlsbad, Calif.)

Happy Father’s Day to our great dads! We couldn’t do it without you!

Read the previous installment of Cosy's blog – on rookie sensation Breanna Barksdale – here.