Rise of a Benchwarmer

Rise of the Bench Warmer is a true story about a young and very timid volleyball player who after years of sitting on the bench desperately tries to fight his way onto the court and his mission to change his fate.
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CREDITS:
Talent: Riley McKibbin, Maddison McKibbin, Erik Shoji, Kawika Shoji, Dave Shoji, Charlie Jenkins, Spencer McLachlin, Kory Matsukado, Jordan Inafuku, Will Ehrman
Produced/Edited by: The McKibbin Brothers
Video Captured by: The McKibbin Brothers

[@federicomartinezdebujo8262]

That little kid who once was a benchwarmer is today an inspiration to many who are learning and like the sport of volleyball. Thank you Riley!

[@gingerkid312]

I was 5’8” 240 pounds my freshman year of high school. I was the fat kid on the volleyball team. Kids would constantly bully me because of my weight and it made me almost shy away from the sport. But my coaches knew I had talent and convinced me to stay in the sport. Sophomore year I was 6’0” 225 pounds, we were losing in the third set of the quarter finals for the yearly JV tournament. My coach was furious telling us all that none of us came to play, he then paused and looked at me and said “except Tim, Tim came here to play.” I knew I worked hard but hearing my coach say that truly drove me to prove that he wasn’t lying to everyone. The summer before my junior year I lost 40 pounds, I ran three miles a day and constantly did plyos and back workouts. Junior year I was 6’2” 185 pounds. My vertical increased by nearly 10 inches and I stole the starting middle spot from a senior. I was all conference that year. Senior year I was second team all state. The drive for the underdog to both prove themselves right and wrong at the same time is my favorite thing about volleyball. Right that they had it in them but wrong that they couldn’t achieve it. It is not the size of the dog whether me too big or you too small Riley, but the size of the fight in the dog that will decide it’s outcome

[@learner246]

What if you're 5'7 at 15? I love volleyball but I lack the height for it, even though I'm trying my best to compensate for it by getting good at passing.

[@JackKennedy4747]

@@learner246 I don't really see what's wrong with 5'7. For me, that height is fine to play at. I know a bunch of 5'7 players and they're all incredible. He who will climb the ladder must begin at the bottom. Practice all the time, I practice a bunch and it pays off in games and camps. It doesn't have to be in a gym. It can be at home. Just anywhere works. Footwork at home, skills on the court.

[@learner246]

@@JackKennedy4747 Thanks man, I was getting really discouraged but now I'll start training again.

[@kristinecongram8234]

Play beach!!! You get sooo much contact time. Height not as important on the beach. Stick with it 😊

[@JackKennedy4747]

@@kristinecongram8234 Agreed. It is a really fun sport that works both ways for volleyball

[@spencerdupee2681]

Didn't expect to get emotional on a Wednesday afternoon, but I guess here I am.

[@dyland9157]

my exact thought (watching on a wednesday too lmfao)

[@rohithseshanth8134]

Me too

[@RandomiZing.]

same

[@michaelscollon3998]

Lmao same

[@hogokarasu7519]

He who would climb a ladder must begin at the bottom- Haruichi Furudate

[@brhm_]

“If you don’t like your destiny,don’t accept it. Instead have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.” From Naruto Uzumaki

[@marcomosciatti9398]

I'm from italy, at the beginning I didn't recognize you, then I saw the san Giustino's t-shirt, bro you are a fucking legend here

[@xam1426]

Brought tears to my eyes when you said this is my story, and that kid was me.. as if we didn't already know that but hearing you say it and tell the story really hit home. keep your heads up boys things will get back to normal soon enough. Finger's crossed for more than one AVP this year and to be able to watch and support the best boys to do it, mahalo Riley

[@xam1426]

@@themckibbinbrothers anytime, keep up the good work, can't wait to see the boys back in action on the main stage this summer !

[@Jundrami]

You know this one really hit home for me. I am a 5'5" lover of beach volleyball and let me tell you it's rough out there on the sand for someone who can barely get his wrist over the net. The lesson in this is something I wish I truly learned when I was younger instead of in my mid-20's because now as a rock climber I've seen a ton of improvement through incremental training every week. Recently I've pushed myself further to begin working on my vertical leap and have already seen measurable improvement. I'm not going to play in the AVP and that's okay, but if I can just bang a few balls down in central park A court in NYC and be the guy people want to pick up, I would feel like my work had paid off. Love the video Riley, gave me goosebumps.

[@davidschramm8251]

I learned how to play volleyball in those same Central Park beach courts! I was 5'3" freshman year but worked extremely hard at beach to eventually gain a spot on my club team composed entirely of seniors, but had a big motivational dip for many reasons sophomore year. Was just starting to regain my love for volleyball and had an extremely stacked school team, almost guaranteed to win the championship, but then COVID hit and there goes my high school volleyball career haha. Unfortunate because now I'm 6'0", would've. loved to try something besides libero in competition. Regardless, I love the community and people in the Central Park courts and have seen many people around your height bouncing like its nothing! I'm excited to see you doing the same this summer.

[@ardayviktor3071]

Same feelings bro, I am 5'6". Tears came into my eyes watching this.

[@tommyshelby8119]

Same feelings bro . I am freshman and I am playing for like 3 months . Tomorrow our team had a match . My parents even came to see the game and I felt really bad when I was the only who was sitting in the bench while everyone was on the court playing. I could see my parents looking at me giving "Why did I even come here vibes?" . I felt like crying at that moment and didn't even want to look at them . But next year i am definitely gonna be on the team and be one of the best players . I am gonna make my parents proud and make sure they don't see the same me sitting on the bench again . My performance as a beginner is pretty good and I am improving quickly so i beleive I can make it to the team next year . And this video gives a lot of hope .

[@alyssaboone9515]

Great video. I love that your mom filmed you as a kid...and was there to support you in wins and losses. And no doubt, signed you up, paid for it, drove you, packed snacks for you, and believed in you. I loved that you never gave up and set higher goals. Cool journey, caught on film. Thanks for sharing! (I'm a coach, a player, a mom... all relatable!)

[@Siile]

It's funny how from a child's perspective it might seem that your parents are doing nothing to help you in accomplishing your goals, but they are making it happen by giving you the chance and conditions for you to try and see for yourself in what you are good at and where your fight will begin... It only when we start doing things for ourselves real goals are achieved but sure is easier when you have someone to look after you along the way. Great story, glad to hear and see from you Riley ;)

[@bwill2663]

I praise all moms like you the scarifice is so selfless, my mom was with me through it all much love

[@calebu.9180]

I used to be a benchwarmer last year for school vb and I was heartbroken that I couldn’t even contribute to the team. So I’ve been working really hard over the pandemic and I’ve been keeping my head high. I’m now the starting outside hitter in varsity. Thank you for this video. Also, to whoever’s reading this, hard work will eventually pay off. I promise.

[@michaelnguyen6891]

You don't know what it's like to fall in love with the game, and a bench doesn't even exists

[@pistoldigito5158]

I see you in every Volleyball videos 😂

[@spidermetalocks]

@@alighassanosman3289 why

[@jadsmvs8651]

Go out and make one, homie. That's what we did. Whole association set up and we are setting up teams to play in states and hopefully in nationals. Maybe internationals one day.

[@michaelnguyen6891]

@@jadsmvs8651 Lmao I am actually, aiming to get to a D1 roster by 2nd year college living in Michigan. I made my own team Sophomore year and found a conference, it was cancelled due to COVID, I'm back at it this year though. I want to play setter or opposite since I'm left handed, 5'10 reaching 315 (still increasin, aiming at 335 minimum) right now as a Junior. I'm playing 6-2 while hitting and blocking as middle but also passing when I'm front row (2nd tempo middle, the conference is not that competitive since it's new). This will get me well rounded in all Serve, Receive, Set, Spike ,Block and Dig. I want to be a coach that have a youtube channel though, if I can, I'll go international as long as possible and start my coaching career after.

[@jadsmvs8651]

@@michaelnguyen6891 Hell yeah, my man. That's the shit we like to hear. If you go international, your channel will undoubtly blow up and it will definitely bring the sport some love that isn't coming from TV shows. Volleyball is on a winning streak at the moment and it's a great time to start a team anywhere in the world.

[@davidnguyen6823]

I won't lie, but I am 18, and my volleyball skills is bad, like really bad, I've only played for 3 years, and it's the first sport I really tried to become good at. Currently I play professionally, but that's not due to my skills, just my personality. I can't spike, I can't receive, I can't dig, I can't jump serve, but I hope to one day change those can't to can. This just inspired me to continue that journey, cuz this is just the beginning

[@Kk-fk3qq]

This gives me more confidence in joining volleyball now. Thank you for sharing

[@davidnguyen6823]

@@Kk-fk3qq join us! If anything set your goal to have fun, because that's like the easiest part! As long as it's fun, it's easier to get good.

[@TheVincentVanGogh]

Thank you, I was a Benchwarmer too until my 2nd Year after our Team finally made our first National Tourney after 7 years. There, the environment was also extreme, big court, huge audience and most of all the auras of the player, you'll know exactly if that or that player is strong. In our 2nd Round one of our Main Players or my Seniors had to do attend some personal matters. I remember it was the 2nd Set and we won the first one. But on our 2nd Set our Opponents were up 3 pts. 13-16. Our Coach, I'll never forget him, he put me in as a Pinch Server. Thank you Coach for putting me there, you could have put other seniors who were better than me, but .. Anyways.. Thank you for recognizing me,Coach. Fortunately I was able to score 3 service aces, even though its just 3 pts.. I trained so hard on my serves, I couldn't even make a proper serve toss back then.. We won that game 27-25. We lost on the next round because we were up against a powerhouse team. It was a good experience, I'll definitely go back there again after this Pandemic! Nice Video! Thank you!

[@mtziros2250]

this is really inspiring... i loved this. Good job man, absolutely nailed it

[@jonharvey6295]

"If they don't know your dreams, then they can't shoot them down."

[@FruitLiquid]

I’m 4’6” and people just called me tiny, when they ask what I want to be when I’m older I say “a professional volleyball player” and all they would do is laugh. It makes me mad but I can’t just grow a few feet overnight. So all I could to is practice jumping.

[@metaloopa6907]

I think you would like haikyuu

[@FruitLiquid]

@@metaloopa6907 well yeah, u actually do like Haikyuu, believe it or not that was part of my inspiration of trying to be a professional volleyball player.

[@metaloopa6907]

@@FruitLiquid same, i started playing because of haikyuu

[@pennyadem2318]

I'm being so honest right now I am a benchwarmer on my team this video is gonna push me further that it is possible if you have faith. Whenever I step on the court I do my best in my capability to make a difference on the team. This video taught me I can get better even though no one believes in me including my parent I believe in myself that Is all I need to reach my goal of being a pro volleyball player. Thank you Riley so much!

[@Ryan-ep3zd]

I’m 5’7, 15 years old and In the UK, volleyball isn’t big here but after hearing this story I know my determination will pay off, I may not have the experience of others but I have the drive and I have the passion. I’ll be going to the olympics as a starting outside for the US and before that I’ll get a D1 scholarship, I thank you for lighting this new fire within me from the bottom of my heart

[@a.m.73]

Im have once been in a team and I was the benchwarmer. I am a 5’3” libero and Im still unable to practice in a court but I practice at home. I was felling very down today because I feel like was going nowhere by practicing at home. “For what? If my school team will never accept me”. This video appeared in my yt after my daily practice. This story is what I needed. Thanks You

[@sdepountis]

I showed this video to my 12-year-old son yesterday. He has nothing to do with sports. But it's a great lesson for anyone. If you respect what you love and put the hours in, you'll get there. Wherever "there" is. Thanks for the free life lesson. Greetings from Athens, Greece.

[@Da_Swifta]

As someone who doesn't even have a team at the moment, much less the opportunity to join one due to circumstances outside of my control, like my location for example (rural town, not many people, not many players), and as someone who hasn't been able to properly practice for months now due to the pandemic, your story really hits different for me right now. I'm starting to get older, I'm turning 18 this year, and I'm really starting to feel like my time is running out when it comes to Volleyball. But your story reminds me that, no matter the setbacks you may face, or the disadvantages you have, if you work persistently, and always try to improve, you will eventually see results. There is no guarantee that I will ever become a star player, but it's my dream to be able to stand on the court alongside a real team, and so I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that happens.

[@johnpaulcastillo05]

Oh man, that was amazing Riley! Literally teared up watching this!!!

[@moviesseivom5177]

I teared up because I now love volleyball with a passion but I’m 18 and never played when I was younger. It legit feels like I wasted my childhood. I always played sports basketball, baseball, football, track and field. But there wasn’t a guys volleyball team at any of my schools. So I never played. What I know about myself is that I never tried in any of the sports I played. I was always a big guy 6’2” 230 (not all muscle) so I had natural strength and was athletic. If I would make contact in baseball I would send the ball far. I could hit hard In football. Basketball i would just stand under the net, wait for a pass and lay it up. But not in any sport did I every give 110%. I just didn’t have the passion. So what hurts me now is that I have the passion for volleyball. I will gladly be willing to put in the work. Go to the gym and get reps. But I will never I have the experience of playing as a kid/teen. The bonds you make at that age and the comradely -the atmosphere will never be the same. I will now try and join the club team at my college but i know it will never be the same. I dont know why I’m telling you this but it felt good to write it down 😅

[@botondhorvath191]

Saaame

[@josuegarcia5324]

I completely relate with your story. i only had a decent vertical and height, but no experience. i remember the team lost games because of me and i cried sometimes, but with time i learn, train, practice and repeat every day and became essential for the team. i always love your stories. Love from Honduras

[@willlewis-unovolleyball329]

You can’t just hit us with A Knights Tale clips like that man

[@Mo-zv5yc]

Right in the feels

[@jasonsehn8882]

Thanks Riley. I was in the same situation growing up, and now my 14 year old son, who absolutely loves volleyball, has the same questions and feelings. What a great video to educate and to show how HEART and willpower can overcome most of lifes obstacles. Awesome!

[@kristinecongram8234]

Wow. What an incredible video and narrative. I will be sharing this with our club parents and kids (once Covid allows us back on the courts). My daughter's similar story...oldest 5'8", heart of a hitter, rode the bench until senior year. Her younger sister...6'1" left swing setter...yeah...played senior starter at 15. They BOTH wanted her off the bench so they could start together. So....they trained and played beach together, relentlessly pushing each other, playing pro beach at 16 and 17. Finally....they started TOGETHER in the oldest senior year. And even better....signed to same CIS school (canadian div 1) for varsity. I tell their story to my U13s and the parents. But yours is so well laid out and wonderfully told. I'm using this now, thanks! 😊

[@jaimestebanzamora1]

I used to be a little kid, who sat on the bench for around 90 per cent of my middle and high school volleyball as well as 60 % of my university years. but one day I made the desition of winning in my city and to take my team to the nationals here in Colombia. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by great players and people and together we did it, but everything started when I decided to be the best version of myself. Love your story, your experiences and the way you tell them.

[@morganmickle2234]

Riley ,you don’t know the impact this just made on me: I’m a 12yr 4’11 DS/Lib with a dad who has coached with Kiraly and won the state games,I’m “the coaches kid” and I’m tired of that at this point I don’t want to be “Dan’s kid” anymore I want to make a name for my self not live under a name I didn’t even earn. I literally can’t thank you enough. When you see my name in a D1 roster it’s all because of THIS VIDEO no other video will change this for me thank you!

[@ContrarianCorner]

Really enjoyed your video, Riley! It's a great story of triumph over limitations, both real and perceived. I'm sure it will inspire others to achieve things they didn't think possible. I was a teammate of your uncle Owen at USC and was acquainted with your aunt Claudia as well. As I get older, it's been fun to see some multi-generational volleyball families like the McKibbins. Wishing you much continued success and thank you for playing a role in growing this beautiful game. Fight On! ✌

[@juanangelguevara5411]

Okay so I literally at the beginning of the video I was a 100% sure that you were *the* kid, after a while like the way you presented him and his backstory got me thinking that it could be a backstory from a professional voleyball player, but then- it just hit me. Respect.

[@donald3335]

Thanks for this video bro it really gives me motivation to keep pushing and keep trying. Right now I’m ass at volleyball man and I wanna make the high school team next year so this really means a lot.

[@ente1098]

There actually couldn’t have been a better time for me to see this video, bc i just came home after playing badly in practice today. I recently joined this team and everyone’s so much better than me, mainly because i started playing volleyball like two weeks ago. and today was the first day i time i didn’t take the difference in skill between me and everybody as motivation but it rather frustrated me. your story couldn’t be more inspiring to me. thank you so much :)

[@louiszaffino4071]

why am i crying!! such an amazing story. I am on my way to reaching the top right now 🤯

[@louiszaffino4071]

@@themckibbinbrothers u want me to just keep commenting? 😂

[@dannytapia4668]

This officially my favorite volleyball video on the internet. Video being moved the second place: the US beating Brazil in the 08 Olympics. Thank you Riley!

[@camillabuzzetti5213]

Thank you so much! Your videos are so inspiring! My dream is to get into usc women volleyball team but now I’m 100% a bench warmer, 3rd choice setter and I haven’t played one single point in the court yet this season... and it’s April ... I’m hopeful ‘cause my team is really great (one of the best young teams in Italy) ... finger crossed and thanks again, you gave me even more willpower for today’s training! I hope my story will look someway like yours 🔝

[@tjaytruong3835]

I’ve watched this only 3 times and will continue to more

[@WhiteSnowAustralia]

That's it, fratello, shared on my BV club page. Inspiration is what people need..... and in these days more than ever. Thank you Beard Bros

[@tonyoldani7184]

Riley, thanks so much for your openness to share your story and for inspiring the next generation of players to dream big and put in the work.

[@thersanothersidetome]

Thank you for sharing your stories. I wish I did more of this in HS. I told myself I would improve every time but the combination of academic pressure and sports always left me struggling to catch up. I only got better after graduating. I love volleyball so deeply and it's such a natural high to me, it's a really big remedy for my depression--but thinking about my time in hs volleyball, it wasn't the happiest time of my life. Playing second string for a D1 Penn State Recruit and in a position I was too small for didn't help. But these are all excuses. I've been making changes since then. And even if it's just playing with some people in a gym, I'M gonna prove at least to myself, that I am better than people thought I was.

[@ragnarstar]

This really hit home man. The psychology of volleyball players is something that is often overlooked. And I'm sure it's something any athlete experiences difficulty with at some point - Benchwarmer and MVP alike. Thanks for sharing your journey Riley.

[@roseyandyoshi3178]

Wow... Came here from The Amazing Race because you guys were my favorite team! I can’t believe your story... I’m also a setter. I was (and still am) 5’2” and 3rd setter in my team. I was benched for the whole season, and I had no confidence in myself whatsoever. I would go outside and set for 4 hours straight. That’s no joke because I would literally time myself because that’s how much time I thought would make me better. That was actually just 7 months ago, and I still haven’t recovered from that fully, but this story will keep me going. Thanks so much for sharing! Nice to know I’m not the only one who has struggled.

[@parkerhodges8951]

Wow, this is amazing. Honestly. I feel like this video is gonna change some things in my life as a volleyball player

[@tokathikaki]

6am searched “open volleyball play Seoul, South Korea” got your video as one of the results. Seven minutes later there I was tearing up, I can totally connect with this. Thank you for sharing this. Thank you for the motivation.

[@SassePhoto]

What a remarkably beautiful wonderful encouraging motivating story - thank you!

[@ljubopepdjonovic2142]

Watching this now as a 15 year old setter... I appreciate this video so much. Your video inspired me so much and I pray that u will read this comment. I started Volleyball in 2021 , and it was a clear love. I want to play in college and after that play for top tier clubs , i work hard every day... training, watching older and better players at high level. Just learning and working everyday, grinding. At first I was a bench warmer and not so talented kid. But now im second best setter in country bellow age of 18. My only goal is to play at the highest level in best clubs , it's har mentally a lot of time but your video really changed my view. This year I had two offers to play professional volleyball in my country, really a big thing for me right now and your video really helped. I was in bad place mentally because my coach was forcing other kids and not me even tho im the best player on the team and hardest worker... I was really upset about it and even cried about that because I was worried about my career. In that moment I realised how much I love volleyball. But I'm better and better everyday, going to highschool next year and feeling great about it. God helped me for finding this video. I just want to thank you for changing my view on a lot of things. Words cannot explain how much you helped me...

[@coltonk5]

I’m about 5’7 and a senior in HS. At school during lunch earlier today, I messed up every single set and pass/receive I was usually able to do before, and I gave up on the rest of the game. All of the other games before that I had messed up tremendously, but not as much as today. As I thought though, the rest of the team actually did better when I was off. I just feel like I’m getting worse and worse, but this story lifted my spirits a little bit.

[@hanit_kmr]

Currently a 5’5 freshmen first string setter for the frosh team, and this story was rlly inspiring. I don’t know how it feels to ride the bench, but looking at everyone else play so much better than me makes me want to improve that much more. This story was really inspiring thanks man.

[@apmech46166]

Man, I've watched this twice and it choked me up a little both times...thanks for sharing, and for your genuine concern for encouraging your players, all players, and my player with this story. I instantly thought of my son, and how I want him to achieve his dreams, and how I want him to commit to the work ethic required, no matter the perceived obstacles. So glad you made the choice to overcome Riley. It is a pleasure for us to enjoy your skills on and off the court. 🤙

[@ewansmith8368]

Amazing. One of the few videos of the entirety of youtube to ever give me such an emotional response. Lots of love!

[@AravindVasudevan007]

Incredible and much needed video right now. Tore my ACL and medial meniscus 4 months back playing a volleyball as setter. Watching this 3 days after my acl reconstruction and meniscus repair surgery. Motivational feeling and I am going to go that game again in 8 months and challenge myself.

[@GnoKLei808]

I felt this in my soul 😭 JOs was definitely the go-to tourney for us islanders. I hated being on the bench but knew that everyone around me was better...and that hard work paid off in the end when I went to college on scholarship. This was a great video to make, and bookmarking it for my kiddos when they have rough days 🤙🏽

[@bekah8158]

1. This is amazing and so inspiring, thank you for sharing! 2. 3:53 did young Maddison just serve right handed??

[@kevinferrer1792]

Had a similar story as a back up middle on our freshman B team; at 5'7 (Never grew since) I had every excuse to quit and say it wasn't for me. Fast forward to my senior year, my coach came up and told me that she never had a B team player ever make it up to a varsity starter. Morale of the story, work hard and never make excuses for where you end up

[@lukemelia654]

Great story, Riley. So much heart in that kid. Can't wait to watch this with Chiara & Jemma!

[@lukemelia654]

@@themckibbinbrothers They both loved it. Jeanhee too. Right before you dropped the bomb about little bro Maddison being the star player, Chiara wondered aloud if Maddison was on the team, so nice timing on that reveal. After it finished, she said, I want to do that and asked if I would train with her after school. ♥️

[@edgarsanchez5444]

This is awesome...

[@johnhui33]

Amazing video. I am going to share this with my teenage son. He likes volleyball but he is actually the opposite of your story. He got the talent and do well on the volleyball court. Things are too easy for him. I worry he will take it for granted (not earning from effort). He is content with good enough so he doesn't stands out. I always have to tell him if he trains a little harder, he can help his team even more. I guess he never has to struggle with physical limitation like I do (on the court). I have to work extra hard on the volleyball court due to my lack of height. I am 5' 5" and he is 5' 11" and 14 years old. BTW, as a parent, I can see you had a very good support system when you were young. Give them extra hugs.

[@matthewlundrigan1211]

i dont play volleyball but this is very relatable for me in basket ball espisially when it comes to confidence in scoring in games. thank you so much

[@askondzamal34]

What an inspiring story! This is an excellent example that determined hard workers are just as good as freaks of nature

[@caddyzig]

What a great story, Riley! Thanks so much for the inspiration. I think your advice holds true no matter what obstacles you face.

[@jorgecollazo4]

Work so hard to the point you can’t be ignored!! Thank you for inspiring the player in me and the coach in me. Can’t wait to see what’s coming next from you guys!

[@hoboisaac8948]

I was kind of annoyed because friends of mine I thought I was better than got moved up and I stayed down but this video gave me the confidence to keep trying

[@mycdonalds2550]

This really resonated with me because I'm going to be a sophomore soon but i just started playing volleyball properly 2 months ago. I've always wanted to be a spiker but everyone says my defensive skills are really good and that I should stick to aiming for libero. But I'm gonna keep putting in all the work that I can to achieve my goals and become an awesome hitter!! Thank you for this video!!

[@connorkachmarik10]

This video hit home very hard for me. When I was younger, as in my 13-15, I was one of the better players at my position on my team, but every year after my 13s season, other players began to pass me up. Now in my 16s year, I have switched positions and went from OH to setter and am the backup on the 2s team at my club. Coaches have told me my energy and work ethic is what separates me from some other players even on my team. This video just further solidifies in my mind the truth that hard work and just trying and being the positive person on and off the court, starter or on the bench, it will pay off someday.

[@dannyonwii9687]

hey riley. i have a volleyball story to share too. i’ve loved volleyball unimaginably ever since i was little, but unfortunately i went through the only elementary, middle and high school in my province that has NEVER had a boys volleyball team. i tried setting one up myself at my jr high in grade 7 and 8 but my gym teacher wouldn’t give us any gym time, prioritizing the girls team instead. we had 8 guys interested in playing volleyball and this year in my freshman year of high school, we found a coach and we’re given 2 practice slots a week. we started in october and the biggest tournament of the year, to qualify for all provincials was this past weekend. from the start of the year, it was made clear to us if we didn’t qualify for the next tournament by placing first in the first one, we would have both of our practice slots taken away and we couldn’t play again until next year. we trained our asses off all 8 of us, none of us ever able to play volleyball in our lives before this. we even found a 6’2 middle blocker who had never played a sport before but we hauled him onto the court and he loved jumping for those blocks. we started slow but we got all the basics down, and had our first game in december against a team a year younger than us and we won. we kept training after christmas break and had a second game, this time against a smaller school that had an all freshman team as well, and we beat them too hitting spike after spike and my setter getting over 10 service aces straight. after that game the school took away our first practice slot of the week for the girls and we were left with 2 practices before the biggest and only tournament of our lives leading up to this. the last practice we stayed way longer than usual from about 3-7:30 when our practices usually end before 5. it finally came time for our tournament starting last friday and the night before i was up all night petrified because this sport means so much to me. we got unlucky and were matched against one of the best teams in the whole province for our first game, who were all taller than me, being a 5’6 starting front outside hitter and had years more experience than anyone else on our side of the court. miraculously, i got service aces, diving receives, spikes and unexpected sets to my middle, my teams synergy was better than i’ve ever seen it before, my middles were slamming balls we were digging up impossible serves. we beat the best team in the league in only 2 sets as a team of players who had only started playing volleyball a few months before. we were overjoyed. and were pushed all the way to the semi finals. this time we were against a team who were in the same situation as the last, but their middle blocker and outside hitters were both between 6’3 and 6’5. we were missing our best receiver that day because he had work, and we couldn’t quite keep up with their hitters. i jousted the 6’4 middle for the ball over the net on an overpass and dumped it right back over his head and it felt incredible. but due to our lacking defence this time and the pressure having the finals on the line, after 2 sets we fell, both scoring 20-25 for the other team. i’m currently still devastated that my volleyball career is over for the rest of the year, but september isn’t that far away and we’ll be back to take the medal next year. ❤️🏐

[@pdxbk]

You got that right! I'm another person with a story. I got advanced a grade in elementary school so I was always a year behind sports-wise. But I always had a natural ability at whatever I tried. In 6th grade baseball, I remember getting a cement mounted pole with a baseball extended on a poly stick that would wind up and when it unwound, I'd hit it. Over and over and over. I'd hit it so hard I could knock it over. But also I got so much control over the swing that I could hit it in such a way that was violent but smooth so that it didn't upset my rhythm of the session. In live games I remember being able to pick out the weakest infielder before my at bat and simply drilling them so hard that they couldn't field the ball. But in 7th grade I got in a freak accident during a kickball game where a kid tripped and ran headlong into my mouth, knocking 2 teeth back and shattering my upper lip. I couldn't eat solid food for 6 months. I went from firmly athletic build to skinny. By 8th grade I wanted more than anything to play basketball. It was the Dr. J era and oh man did I wanna dunk like that. I set up a giant tire inner tube in the driveway and used it to fly! But it wasn't the real thing. I didn't make the team in 8th grade. In 9th I was still small but taller-ish at 5'10". The team was 15 and I was 14th or 15th for sure. Over the summer I grew 6 inches and at 6'4" and only 13 years old, the varsity coach took notice. I made varsity with some skills and some jumping ability but still wanted to dunk. So between 10th and 11th grade I had one of these calendars that we used to sell as money makers for club sports (like girl scout cookie type sales) and I used it as a counting tool to do calf raises off a cut 2x4 chunk of wood in my bedroom. I started with months then a whole 365 raises to years of raises then multiple times a day. I came in my Junior year with hops! I got wrote up in the local paper preseason and all that. But I partially tore my achilles tendon. Another setback. Senior year came and we had 11 seniors. Our school had never been to (let alone won any) state. We won our league and had a good tourney almost winning the consolation game. Geesh this is long. I didn't end up all american or even moving on to college ball. Being so young getting to a jr. college was the end for me as I had started a DJ/party business and worked on gamenights so I quite ball. But I still played with everyone playing "ratball". THAT was still very fulfilling as some of the better players were D1 and some even played pro in Europe. With a couple breaks, maybe I had played competitive, but the point is I put MYSELF in that position to succeed. Just like Riley, I chose to put in the work. You can too.

[@RenegadeBJJ]

Takes courage to open yourself like this to the world, and it's stories like this that the world needs. Thanks for sharing and being a source for inspiration.

[@squirrel9286]

This story struck or chord with me. I currently am riding the bench for my club team. My coach doesn’t even consider me as an option. I feel as if I am useless to my team. Watching this video has inspired me to become like you. To work my butt off every day, so I can prove myself useful to my team and pursue my dream of playing professionally.

[@shaquesbeer]

And they’re still not straight.. damn well written, shot and edited video brother 👌🏼

[@jordanaao]

Riley! What a fantastic video. Been a huge fan since I was in high school looking up to you as an undersized setter and you were @ USC. Played college etc, now coaching college years later, still learning from you! Much appreciated brother, all the best.

[@Garno11]

Awesome video Riley! Very inspirational. These old clips took me back to my years playing volleyball in high school. So many great memories.

[@chadparker4905]

Awesome story and journey you had! Great good bro! I hope this touches and reach that bench warmer and gets them motivated just like you did to yourself.

[@chadparker4905]

@@themckibbinbrothers love your videos!

[@fakekenma7806]

Riley, you don't know how much this helped me.

[@koi7495]

i remember being a 5’4 kid who want to play as a hitter but i was put in as a DS but bearly went in to play. So during warm ups on game days i would always hit even though i mostly hit it out but towards then end of my high school season i was able to play more and my hitting gotten better to the point i was given the option to play OS but i decline and stayed as the DS so this video made me remember how i was when i started and watching this help grow in knowing there are others who didn’t get to be on a team or play as much as i do now

[@Brandon-ob9rg]

SHOCKING ENDING WHEN HE REVEALED THE LOSER KID WAS HIM ALL ALONG!

[@ckjjclan]

Thank you, for this video, and all the others in this “series” - I’ll share these with my kids... they love the game, and I hope these stories inspire them to work hard if they want to accomplish what they say they want to do. Thanks again.

[@cinemasianx]

You pointed out the biggest thing... setting mini goals. It's nice to dream big, but it's also frustrating when the big dream doesn't come true and feels unobtainable. Mini goals makes everything look possible and opportunities open up when you aren't expecting it. It applies to everything, not just volleyball. And also you put in the work. I just wished I had started at an earlier age. I was 24 when I took playing more seriously and made my mind up to get into a men's program. Was there any added pressure because of your name? Being associate with your Uncle, a legend in his own right?

[@11agreer]

Thank you for sharing this story. Many in your position wouldn't. I plan on sharing this with all of our kids - the raw honesty of your story is something that can help so many of our young athletes at all levels.

[@timjensen1357]

Thank you Riley, this gave me goose bumps. Might have even shed a tear but wont admit to that in public. More people need to understand not everyone starts out like Karch. Keep doing what you bros are doing, we love it!

[@rattaponjomjutamas8670]

I’m on the journey to better myself in beach volleyball and this video has made me believe in myself so much more that I can always continue to improve. So thankful for your video!

[@KimBarrettSmith17]

I teared up. An amazing story & one that everyone should watch. Hard work, dedication, & determination! A must for those with young ones in their lives, especially. Whether it be their own or nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, whomever! Thank you for sharing.

[@jorgerodriguez3258]

Emotional, inspirational, realistic, touching... great video bro! Hope a lot of young players watch this.

[@hayleypalenscar6807]

Thank you. This video showed up at the right time. I’m in 9th grade. No volleyball experience. For 3 months straight, I practiced volleyball on my own 2-3 hours everyday. Rain, Snow, whatever weather. I did it. I was hoping to make my freshman volleyball team. I got scared and chickened out. I lost all faith in myself because there were no club teams playing during this time, locally, because of Coronavirus. I also thought I was starting too late. I stopped practicing. I think I’m going to start again.

[@aaronstein3419]

Soooo good! Love hearing this kind of motivational backstory and definitely shared it with my kids. So much can be done if you are passionate about something and work hard! Keep it up!

[@kozihrajefifu6178]

goosebumps Don’t lie!❤️ amazing

[@kozihrajefifu6178]

It is important to show this video to all people! Shared ☺️

[@enwar9732]

I can relate your story with mine during the highschool. Sitting on the bench for almost 2 years for my school rugby teams because i am not big and aggresive enough. Work hard and get fit and aggresive as i could. For my senior years, i was a starting player to represent my school team for national tournament. Damn, I cannot forget the moment I almost give up on that sport.

[@TonyaS]

Great story!!

[@glennbrown306]

Riley, You a natural born story teller! This is in addition to your obvious skills on the court/sand; I am confident that you are a great coach, too! But your ability to tell a story is incredible- you would make a terrific sportscaster. Thanks for sharing this video! I loved it.

[@munlovescarti16]

My brother is still young he’s only 14 and he’s doing absolutely amazing right now he was a backup to the backup setter like you and he’s been working to get better and lose weight he used to be 5’4 180 pounds which broke him and as a brother I had to encourage him and he’s been working still for about 2 years now and lost a lot of weight he upgraded to backup setter and he does a very good vertical from the start of his life but since he had so much weight his potential wasn’t going well and now 2021-2022 season he is now 5’11 165 pounds and I’m very proud of him and he loved this video :D

[@hazelallen1142]

I love this story, and it hits hard. Not only am I undersized at 5’3 I live in Alaska. No recruiters look here

[@nicktokar2459]

Wow. When I recover from my sprained ankle, you better believe I'm gonna be working twice as hard

[@godly2355]

I will replay this over and over when ever I feel stuck just in general

[@damienlee927]

Inspiring story! I'm late to this, but many of us may be in similar situation, not necessarily in sports, but in life as well. Did you just wake up one day and decided you want to be different, or was there a trigger?

[@L3iglL]

This is my comfort video whenever I feel not talented enough at Volleyball

[@AlAdamsen]

Phenomenal! Thanks for sharing so thoughtfully. Have now shared with my team as well as our kids. Greatly appreciate you and what you and Maddison our doing for our community!

[@shalaaex]

Wow, i cried. Thank you for such an inspiring video. I will work harder.

[@emelycuello7105]

I’m 5’2 starting volleyball in high school I’m a freshman right now and I’m not great at volleyball but I work my ass off I take the advice from my coach and use it I fail but I continue, I can’t jump that high but I will try cause if you don’t continue on what your trying to achieve you will always just be at the spot you were in the start and that’s not good. So improve yourself and don’t worry about anyone else cause the only person that can bring you to your dreams is yourself.

[@estherrogers2194]

wow, what a story. i'm a sophomore this year and i've been playing for three years now, i'm not all that good but i've been training hard and i hope it's enough for my team, who doesn't have enough players for a JV and has a lot of newcomers in the team this year, I hope they and the rest of us work our hardest. a couple years ago my team got 3rd place in our division in State, it's not likely we'll do that again, considering the average height, skill, and drive have gone down but i have hope

[@foshizzlekillznizzls]

This is an amazing and inspiring video. Now I'm feeling motivated to train my hardest and do my absolute best to see how far I can take my volleyball career. Thank you for showing that anything is possible through hard work and determination

[@foshizzlekillznizzls]

@@themckibbinbrothers for sure, I'm going to take it as far as I can go!

[@VeoThon1]

I was a 7th grade B-team player in Jr high and ended up signing a to play football in college. Never give up on your dreams only work harder!

[@VeoThon1]

@@themckibbinbrothers Yes we do!

[@angeltrejo4203]

How people can unlike this video when someone is exposing himself to a bunch of guys just to proof that nothing is impossible, people who are not natural and love the game is gonna do everything to get a spot. I love it cause I was that in a similar situation, couldn’t jump high but I could spike them I get injured and everything was gone but I made a transition became setter and libero. This Sunday taking my little sister to a game to show her basics skill cause she likes the game.