After my long years here at SLA, I am most proud of my leadership in volleyball. In the beginning of 10th grade I tried out for the volleyball team. It was like I had a natural talent to play. From that day on I fell in love with the sport. Soon after I became a starter. For 11th grade, Coach Hirschfield asked me to be captain. It was definitely an honor to be chosen. However I knew there was a lot of responsibility that came along with being captain.  I did my best for my team and it showed. Hirschfield then made me captain the next year too as well. I was given the responsibility to call incoming freshman, run practices, send emails and etc. Although I am very sad that my last volleyball season is over, moving up to the top division definitely made it worth it. Jokingly, my teammates would play around and say, “I don’t know what we’re going to do without you being captain next year.” I thought about that statement and agreed. No one will be able to feel my shoes next year. However, I came up with a plan to help the volleyball team next year, without being there physically. That’s where my capstone comes in.  My capstone is to create a manual for girls interested in playing high school volleyball. The manual consists of important information, exercises, and etc. Hopefully the manual I create will be used throughout the years to come.

1. "How Does Participating in a Sport Relieve Stress?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/533771-how-does-participating-in-a-sport-relieve-stress/>.For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about how participation in a recreational sport relieves stress. They explained that by drawing your concentration toward your activity and away from the responsibilities waiting for you at home and at work will reduce the pressure.
2. "Do Sports Help Improve Grades?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/506980-do-sports-help-improve-grades/>.For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about how participation in a recreational sport improves grades. For certain students, playing a sport can provide motivation for improved academic performance. At most schools there are grade requirements in order to be eligible to play the sport. Therefore, because they have high expectations to follow it drives them to overcome obstacles and improve performance in an academic setting.
3. "Is It Good for Kids to Play Sports?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/400619-is-it-good-for-kids-to-play-sports/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about how participation in a recreational sport has health advantages for athletes. Playing a sport is good because it burns calories, strengthens bones, challenges their cardiorespiratory system and improves flexibility and muscular endurance.
4. "Do Sports Keep Teens Out of Trouble?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/291502-do-sports-keep-teens-out-of-trouble/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about how participation in a recreational sport keeps teens out of trouble. It explained that researchers observed that high-level physical activity is an important part of helping kids develop self esteem. Also it says that a sport introduces your kids to a new group of kids which creates long lasting friendships.
5. "Are the Kids Who Play Sports Less Likely to Do Drugs?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/228191-are-the-kids-who-play-sports-less-likely-to-do-drugs/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about athletes who participate in a recreational sport are less likely to use drugs. The article explains that because an athlete has a busy schedule it may interfere with the use of recreational drug. Basically it says because most of their time is dedicated to sports they have no time to engage in using drugs.
6. "Are Kids Healthier That Play Organized Sports?" LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/367799-are-kids-healthier-that-play-organized-sports/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about athletes who participate in a recreational sport are likely to be healthier. It says playing a sport can help and depression.your child's psychological well-being. Participating in a physical activity can reduce anxiety 
7. "5 Good Reasons to Join Sports." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/511882-5-good-reasons-to-join-sports/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses why playing a sport is beneficial. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about athletes who participate in a recreational sport are more likely to have healthier lifestyle. They explained how a study proved female athletes were less likely to engage in sexual behavior. Also both genders report a higher incidence of eating fruits and vegetables than those who are not involved in sports.
8. "Reasons to Be a Volleyball Player." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/454877-reasons-to-be-a-volleyball-player/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses reasons why you should be a volleyball player. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my mission statement. An interesting point the article discussed was about how playing volleyball enhances the major muscle group in your body. Also the article explains that volleyball can be a fun recreational activity that fosters friendships. Some sports can seem intimidating for new people, however in volleyball players must work together to keep the ball in the air and send it back over the net. Therefore, cooperation is essential for every play, so teammates are there to help each other and interact.
9. "Traits of a Good Volleyball Player." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/539677-traits-of-a-good-volleyball-player/>.For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses traits of a good volleyball player. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea practice/conditioning and what to expect in the season . An interesting point the article discussed was about how certain traits are required to be a good volleyball player. However, because volleyball is a dynamic sport with a variety of people playing all traits are not needed for one person. It also explains that every player has his or her's strengths and weakness. So the key to winning the game is using each person strengths to take over the court.
10. "Five Fitness Components for Volleyball." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/509614-five-fitness-components-for-volleyball/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness components needed to succeed in volleyball. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea practice/conditioning and what to expect in the season. An interesting point the article discussed was about how certain traits are required to be a good volleyball player. It described a variety of drills used to enhance skills such as speed, quickness, core strength, lower-body strength and upper-body strength. Also it explained how the ability to combine all those skills on the court in a split second is essential for winning the game.
11. "Volleyball Footwork Drills." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/146965-volleyball-footwork-drills/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness drills needed to succeed in volleyball. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea workout to improve as a an athlete. An interesting point the article discussed was about how simple drills can help a volleyball player improve their footwork, focus and agility.
12. "Volleyball Hitting Drills." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/266492-volleyball-hitting-drills/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness drills needed to succeed on the volleyball court. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea workout to improve as a an athlete. The article explained how hitting is one of the most fundamental aspects in volleyball. Without good hitters, a team will struggle to score and most likely lose.
13. "Home Volleyball Drills." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/146807-home-volleyball-drills/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness drills needed to succeed on the volleyball court. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea workout to improve as a an athlete. However, what makes this resource special is that it explains the various drills you can do to improve your skills at home. Many volleyball players can practice at home to perfect their technique.
14. 1. "At Home Volleyball Drills for Beginners." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/110056-home-volleyball-drills-beginners/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness drills needed to succeed on the volleyball court. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea workout to improve as a an athlete. However, what makes this resource special is that it explains the various drills you can do to improve your skills at home. The drills provided in this article are for beginners only. This is perfect for beginner volleyball players so they can practice at home to enhance their technique.
15. "Volleyball Arm Swing Drills." LIVESTRONG.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2013. <http://www.livestrong.com/article/445444-volleyball-arm-swing-drills/>. For my manual, this article will be extremely useful because it discusses the different fitness drills needed to succeed on the volleyball court. I will use the certain topics mentioned in the article particularly in my page about idea workout to improve as a an athlete. This resources explains how arm swing drills are designed to improve the power and force behind your spikes and serves during a volleyball game. Strong spikes and serves are key to winning a game. Also the repetition of arm swing drills can help improve your arm strength.

Annotated Bibliography

- March of Dimes. (2012). March of dimes. Retrieved from http://www.marchofdimes.com/

This website is the main source of information. Includes team and personal blog for donations and fundraising goal.

- March for Babies. (2012). March of dimes.org. Retrieved from http://www.marchforbabies.org/

Though this is similar to it’s partnering site, March of Dimes, March for Babies has plenty of resources about prematurity and the research being made behind it. It includes interviews, videos, and list of past and upcoming events.

- The Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. (2012, February 19). Facts about prematurity. Retrieved from http://www.researchamerica.org/app/webroot/uploads/PrematurityFinal.pdf

- LaKisha, Dixon. (n.d.). Interview by Siani Widman [Personal Interview]. Interviewing Kisha., Philadelphia, PA.

I’m going to interview her because she is a registered nurse, and has been apart of the NICU unit for little over a year. Her job is dealing with newborns and those who are premature or with illness.  

- Rose, D. (2010, Sept. 10). March of Dimes. Retrieved from http://www.marchofdimes.com/research/researchslideshow.html

This is a research site that gives a summary about the March of Dimes foundation and when or who it was established by. The pictures used in the slideshow will be a nice part of my capstone.

- Lee, K. G. (2011, Novemember 14). Premature infant. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001562.htm

I will be using this to get a medical history behind prematurity. Some facts and statistics will be helpful for sharing info among other people.

- Mehren, E. (n.d.). Interview by Allison Martin [Personal Interview]. An interview with elizabeth mehren, author of born too soon., Retrieved from http://www.prematurity.org/mehren.html

- Wrape, P. (2000). Prematurity research disproves the theory that preemies catch up by age three. Retrieved from http://www.prematurity.org/research/not-catchingup2.html

- Premature birth [Web log message]. (2012, November 7). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/features/prematurebirth/