"Invictus Animus"

- Unconquerable Spirit -

Photo: Located near the center of the Outer Line Defenses, the National Memorial Arch was built in 1910, to honor the sacrifice and hardships endured by the Continental Army at Valley Forge. The arch stands on Gulph Road near the point where Washington's men first arrived on December 19, 1777. Engraved at the top of the arch is Washington's famed quote regarding the men at Valley Forge:

Naked and Starving as They are We Cannot Enough Admire the Incomparable Patience and Fidelity of the Soldiery – George Washington

The 2008 Harcum College Women's Volleyball Team took a trip at the beginning of this season to Valley Forge National Historic Park. There they learned about the Continental Army that stayed at Valley Forge for sixth months during the Revolutionary War. Even though no battle was fought there, this encampent is known as a turning point of the Revolutionary War. The soldiers struggled through a brutal winter, food shortage, and even disease. There were several deaths and desertions, but several more persevering soldiers who made it through the winter and went on to win the war. These soldiers were inspired by readings from "The Crisis", a collection of articles written by Thomas Paine. General George Washington ordered these articles be read to his troops in order to raise their spirits, and bring them from the brink of death to the bridge of success.

The theme of our 2008 Harcum Volleyball Team is "Invictus Animus" or unconquerable spirit. This season is a turning point in the volleyball program here at HarcumCollege. With a team composed of players from a variety of levels, those who’ve played for years, and those learning for the first time, there will be many challenges. Although this season may not be defined by "winning battles", it will be defined by mental toughness, increased physical strength, skill development, and a spirit that perseveres.

“The more intensely we feel about an idea or goal, the more assuredly the idea, buried deep in our subconscious will direct us along the path to its fulfillment.”

-Earl Nightingale