Athlete, volleyball Short Answer - Common App Experience/Extracurricular

So I just finished a rough draft of my short answer on an extracurricular for Common App. I'm not 100% sure if mine meets the prompt, if it's too vague, or just sounds way too choppy? Please be honest! I love suggestions. I also need to shorten it a little!

Prompt: Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences in the space below. (150 words or less)

168 Words:
Most athletes are aware of their favorite sport and their ability at that sport by age ten. I feel that I am the exception. Four years ago, I started playing volleyball. Being a freshman in high school, I had no idea volleyball involved plays, rotations, or even footwork! It took less than a year after I had began to realize that taking advantage of a new opportunity was the best decision I had made in my life. Not only have I learned what hard work can acheive, but I have also found a passion that I can play till I can't walk anymore! Whether I'm playing volleyball inside a gym or on the beach, the game has taught me how to work well with others as well as how to be a leader through the captain position. I may have started only four years ago, but I believe I am at an advantage because I can continually improve and peak at the perfect time.

I feel like you could elaborate on what volleyball means for you. It seems that you're just talking about your involvement, and you only touch on how it has become a passion. Try focusing on why it is a passion.

Consider changing that or to an and.
... plays, rotations, and even footwork!

This is an important correction: It took less than a year after I had began to realize that taking advantage ...

After less than a year, I began to realize that taking advantage of a new opportunity was the best decision I had made in my life. Not only had I learned what hard ...

I am not sure what the end means: peak at the perfect time. Is there a better way to express the idea?
:-)