University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Hanna Markewycz: Dear Pittsburgh
4/25/2019 9:31:00 AM | Volleyball
Dear Pittsburgh,
As a young girl, it was my dream to play volleyball in college. I didn't know where I wanted to end up, but I was certain that my future needed to involve volleyball. When it came time for me to decide on a school, all signs in my life were pointing to Pitt. Although no one from around me really knew about the school, I was drawn to the outstanding academics and up-and-coming volleyball program. I decided to go for it, feeling a little bit of uncertainty and a lot of excitement about this new place I would be calling home. I had no idea how great of an impact this school and this volleyball program would have on the person I would become.
Now, I am writing this letter having played on a nationally ranked collegiate volleyball team that's earned three NCAA Tournament appearances and two ACC Championship titles, and in current pursuit of becoming a doctor. Although these are incredible accomplishments, the process behind this journey and the relationships I've made along the way mean so much more.
These past four years with Pitt volleyball have been, in a word, life changing. This program has seen so much growth and success since my freshman year, and behind the scenes, it was by no means easy. The early morning workouts, the grueling double day practices during preseason, and the constant push from our coaches to reach outside our comfort zones was challenging. However, all of these experiences have taught me a lot about myself and have allowed me to grow stronger and more resilient. And these challenges were never faced alone; my teammates and coaches here at Pitt have truly become my second family.
Pitt volleyball has given me so many opportunities that I could not have gotten elsewhere; I was able play volleyball in front of thousands of fans in gyms across the country, and I even got to play while traveling across Europe. The university has also provided me with once in a lifetime opportunities; I have been involved in the latest scientific research through labs at Pitt, and I've gotten clinical experience in some of the best hospitals in the country alongside some of the best physicians in their field. My coaches, professors, and mentors have not only given me these opportunities, but they have helped me to develop the skills and qualities needed to excel in all areas of life after college.
As my time as a student-athlete at Pitt has come to a close, I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude. I am thankful for my teammates, who are my best friends, and who challenge and inspire me, and never fail to make me laugh even after the countless hours we spend together. I am thankful for our coaching staff, who invest so much time and energy into our program and who care wholeheartedly about the women we are becoming. I am thankful for the Life Skills team, my professors, and the athletic department for setting my teammates and I up on a path to success. I am thankful for all of our fans and the city of Pittsburgh for showing us unfaltering support and love; I am so proud to have been able to represent this university and this city.
If I got the chance to do it all over again, I would pick Pittsburgh every time.
As always, Hail to Pitt!
Hanna Markewycz, #1
As a young girl, it was my dream to play volleyball in college. I didn't know where I wanted to end up, but I was certain that my future needed to involve volleyball. When it came time for me to decide on a school, all signs in my life were pointing to Pitt. Although no one from around me really knew about the school, I was drawn to the outstanding academics and up-and-coming volleyball program. I decided to go for it, feeling a little bit of uncertainty and a lot of excitement about this new place I would be calling home. I had no idea how great of an impact this school and this volleyball program would have on the person I would become.
Now, I am writing this letter having played on a nationally ranked collegiate volleyball team that's earned three NCAA Tournament appearances and two ACC Championship titles, and in current pursuit of becoming a doctor. Although these are incredible accomplishments, the process behind this journey and the relationships I've made along the way mean so much more.
These past four years with Pitt volleyball have been, in a word, life changing. This program has seen so much growth and success since my freshman year, and behind the scenes, it was by no means easy. The early morning workouts, the grueling double day practices during preseason, and the constant push from our coaches to reach outside our comfort zones was challenging. However, all of these experiences have taught me a lot about myself and have allowed me to grow stronger and more resilient. And these challenges were never faced alone; my teammates and coaches here at Pitt have truly become my second family.
Pitt volleyball has given me so many opportunities that I could not have gotten elsewhere; I was able play volleyball in front of thousands of fans in gyms across the country, and I even got to play while traveling across Europe. The university has also provided me with once in a lifetime opportunities; I have been involved in the latest scientific research through labs at Pitt, and I've gotten clinical experience in some of the best hospitals in the country alongside some of the best physicians in their field. My coaches, professors, and mentors have not only given me these opportunities, but they have helped me to develop the skills and qualities needed to excel in all areas of life after college.
As my time as a student-athlete at Pitt has come to a close, I feel an overwhelming amount of gratitude. I am thankful for my teammates, who are my best friends, and who challenge and inspire me, and never fail to make me laugh even after the countless hours we spend together. I am thankful for our coaching staff, who invest so much time and energy into our program and who care wholeheartedly about the women we are becoming. I am thankful for the Life Skills team, my professors, and the athletic department for setting my teammates and I up on a path to success. I am thankful for all of our fans and the city of Pittsburgh for showing us unfaltering support and love; I am so proud to have been able to represent this university and this city.
If I got the chance to do it all over again, I would pick Pittsburgh every time.
As always, Hail to Pitt!
Hanna Markewycz, #1
Players Mentioned
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