As the wheels touched down in Dallas, I felt the mix of excitement and nerves that only comes when you’re stepping into something new. I wasn’t just here as a dad cheering on my daughter’s volleyball team—I was here as the team photographer, entrusted with capturing the moments that would tell the story of their journey. The USAV Volleyball Nationals are legendary, a whirlwind of energy, talent, and competition, and I was about to see it all for the first time through the lens of my camera. With my gear bag slung over my shoulder and my daughter’s smile lighting up the terminal, I knew this was going to be a week to remember.

Walking into the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center felt like stepping into a sports cathedral. Court after court stretched out in every direction, each alive with the sounds of volleyballs thudding, whistles blowing, and parents erupting in cheers. Between matches, I found myself darting from one end of the massive hall to the other, chasing angles, framing shots, and trying to keep up with the unpredictable rhythm of play. The challenge was exhilarating—freeze the perfect dive save, catch the exact moment of a powerful spike, or capture the quiet pride in the players’ faces during huddles. Every photo felt like it mattered, not just for me, but for the girls who had worked so hard to be here.

In the quiet moments back at the hotel, as I loaded memory cards and backed up thousands of images, I realized this trip was more than just a tournament. It was a rare chance to combine two things I love most—my daughter and photography—into one shared experience. The long days and sore feet were nothing compared to the joy of seeing her glance at me from the court, knowing I was there not just to watch, but to preserve her story. This first trip to Nationals wasn’t just about volleyball—it was about connection, pride, and the privilege of telling a team’s story through my lens.