No More Naked

About 6 or 7 years ago I asked a couple of High School girlfriends if they were interested in playing on a co-ed volleyball team. We gathered a couple of boys (one of their husband's, and another high school friend) and found a league on Thursday nights.

We had a blast playing indoors and thought we'd try sand volleyball. We decided (after having a few beverages) that we needed a cool team name. We tried coming up with something clever, tricky, fun. And one of the guys said, "What about Naked"? We sort of stopped, and laughed at him. But then someone said, "No wait! 'Wanna play Naked?' sounds pretty cool!" We laughed it off a bit more and decided we had a name!!!

So we began playing Naked volleyball at Mama G's in Maple Grove. We had fun every week, and made some great memories! It was great to get out and do something fun together. Every week we chatted about life, and just enjoyed being together. We went back inside for the Winter and played together year round.

Things started to change, as life generally does. One friend moved away, another decided he was too busy with work to commit, and another friend got pregnant!!! The changes were exciting and fun. The team dynamic changed a little bit, but we kept on going. Over the years we continued to have fun together. There was always laughter and smiles.

We won many championship games over the years. We came up with inside jokes ("I'll show you the ballmark!"). And we just simply had a blast.

As things continued to change in our lives we were farther and farther away from the original group. It was bittersweet how the girls were having babies, and guys were starting their own businesses. We were all moving on with such wonderful things in life. And there came less and less time for Naked volleyball.

Last week was the last time we played together. I'm fortunate enough to still be on a team, and I'll get to play every week. But I'll miss Naked. I'll miss the laughter with my friends, and winning with them. I'll miss the high fives and hugs. I'll miss being competitive with them and watching us all improve our skills. All for good reasons, Naked volleyball no longer exists.

Just before the game we'd gather hands in a circle. Sometimes we'd talk strategy. Sometimes we'd pass gas and giggle. Sometimes we'd just smile at each other. But we always had the cheer... uno dos tres NAKED!