In a few short months on the team, freshman Zoey Henson has made a name for herself on a young but highly talented Husky Beach Volleyball squad.
The two-time club beach volleyball national champion made an immediate impact during the fall exhibition season, paired with a new Husky, Lauren Wilcock. The duo earned a bid to the fall national championship and ranked as the No. 25 pairing in the country. The pair was selected among Division I, Division II, and National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics schools across the country.
Henson is the only high school All-American ever to sign with the Beach Dawgs straight out of high school. That’s an even more impressive accomplishment considering beach volleyball is a newer sport for Henson. She played soccer and indoor volleyball before trying the sandier version as a freshman in high school and falling for it.
“I like sports where you have to work for it… if you’re not in top training shape, then it shows,” Henson said.
But working for it means showing up every day and that can sometimes lead to burnout. Lately, athletes are increasingly discussing the reality of burnout more openly. Henson is well aware of the possibility, so she tries to stay ahead of the issue.
During her first few months as a Husky, Henson has come up with some tips for herself and others that can be helpful for avoiding burnout for students and student-athletes alike.
1. Knowing that negative headspace is a possibility and working through the problem with your support system
2. Focusing on breathing
3. Finding your passion
4. Don’t take life too seriously
5. Making sure your sport doesn’t feel like a chore by loving the process
Her support system is her family. “My mom made sure that I had the love of the sport first before she transitioned me into a club… My success and my passion for the sport is because she made it fun for me,” Henson said.
Even her NIL deals are done with a purpose and intent; Henson works with a t-shirt company whose message aligns: “Love Always. Create Optimism.”
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