|
SCVA HP Blue, Southern California
July 14
We arrived at LAX excited and ready to go. I always like this day as I get to the airport early and see each of the girls arrive excited about the upcoming trip. I am ALWAYS ready to go and can't wait for this time of year. Attending the Global Challenge is something I look forward to with great anticipation because I know what a great tournament it will be, I am reunited with my foreign (and some domestic) friends and I have the pleasure of meeting new ones!
July 15
We managed to have an uneventful flight, first to JFK (NY) then into Zurich where we were met by the big guy, Tim, and our guide for the tour Heni. As if the 5.5 then 9 hour flights weren't enough, we then boarded a train to head to Fiesch where we would begin our training camp.
After a long and draining day of traveling we finally arrived in Fiesch, Switzerland. This year we started our trip in the Swiss Alps! Everywhere you looked there were mountainsŠ and little European boys. We were staying at the Swiss National Team Training Center where there was also a summer camp for elementary kids. The kids absolutely loved us! Every time we walked into the cafeteria they would stop what they were doing and clap for us. It was a beautiful place and we met so many nice people.
Dana and I were also very delighted to learn some things about our guide Heni. When asked if she could translate to the German speaking Swiss what time dinner was, she looked at him and said "What time is dinner"? LOL!
We laughed and thought, Hmmm, we could have done that Heni! We also then knew she was a keeper as we had someone to razz on the trip besides ourselves!
July 16
Luckily we were able to sleep in a little then took a sightseeing train trip to Brig (a mere 30 mins away) where the girls could go shopping and stretch their legs before we headed back to Fiesch to have 2 trainings later that day. The town was small and the team was able to pick up some nice souvenirs and have a coffee.
We returned to the training camp and had our first practice and we certainly needed to work the cobwebs out. At practice, the Swiss YNT practiced on the court next to us. They appeared to be very young and having spoken with Martin, they had not been together practicing for very long. While we practiced I kept my eye on some of the drills they were doing to see what I might be able to steal! I will say that young group was a very vocal one! We finished practice, went and had dinner, then returned to the gym to have one more before the evening ended.
Oh, let me just fill you in on the training site, beautifully situated in the mountains, it also plays host to numerous summer camps for youngsters. We were passing groups singing songs, playing games and just plain having fun. The kids were probably 7-8 years old and soon became fans of our team! I think they were amazed at a group of tall blondes (and one brunette, Hannah) walking around, so they would flirt a bit with the girls. It was cute because they would then line up along the window while we were practicing and clap, cheer, smash their faces on the window a comical scene!
The final practice of the day started with Martin running a warm up with both teams. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED watching our girls struggle a bit with the core training he does as part of their regular routine. Let's just say the Swiss team has a stronger core than ours and there were many funny sounds coming from the struggling Blue team! Martin was hilarious as he kept getting on them to do these exercises correctly, can you say weak abs??? We finished the practice on separate courts and became accustomed to the Swiss team concluding practice with an "aaaaaaaaahhhhh Suisse" cheer which sounds more like sweeeeeeees, not swiss!
July 17
The day began with an early practice, which I had to miss due to my coughing and wheezing. Martin and Dana took the practice and I knew the girls were a little hesitant after Martin had worked their cores into being sore the night before, oh well, it was good for them to try something different. Dana said it went very well and he had them doing some of the drills I had witnessed that first night. The team seemed to enjoy it and I think it was a nice change of pace for them.
A picnic was organized for the teams today. We learned that Martin is a professional BBQer and had a great meal. While the coaches prepared the food, the teams socialized and had a little fun setting up the ipod for a dance lesson or two. You see, our Blue team believes they are the best dancers ever and thought they would share their moves with the Swiss what a sight! There was something about a "stanky leg" and "superman" oh, and let's not forget the "jerk"??? As our girls explained and demoed the moves, the Swiss girls followed right along and did a very fine job. Then it was the Swiss girls turn to teach a move or two it went from a rap fest to a techno fest, all of which was amusing for the coaches!
We had some lunch and down time before we scrimmaged with the Swiss YNT informally. We played some wash drills and played a set or two and I think the young team surprised our team a bit. They simply wouldn't let the ball hit the ground! It also proved to be interesting for the team because the different ball and altitude totally affected their play. Scrimmaging this team was helping us adjust to the differences and learn just how hard and fast the ball will come at you. It was a fun and productive time.
July 18
We thought we would be heading up a tram to about 3000 meters to go and see the glacier but awoke to very poor weather. After some discussion, we decided to go to the Thermalbads which were an easy train then bus ride away. We show up at these natural thermal pools to see about 4-5 different pools, all differing temperatures and one with this huge slide. As we all lounged in the warmest pool, the coaches learned from some of the life guards that there is a huge jacuzzi, but it is only open after 2 (we were leaving at 1:15). The life guards were nice and had pity on usŠthey let our group in to enjoy it because we couldn't stay, who knows, maybe it was all the cute girls in bikinis that did it! At any rate, the adults tried to sneak away and enjoy the extremely hot water, but the girls would have no part of thatŠ.a trail of girls followed only to be locked out! Yes, we were laughing. Yes, they were screaming at us to let them in. Yes, we let them in! The Jacuzzi was very enjoyable and extremely HOT, so needless to say, we didn't really last that long in the heat but at least we were able to see and experience it.
We headed back to camp, relaxed a bit and prepared ourselves for a match against the Swiss YNT later that evening. This would be the Swiss teams FIRST time wearing their uniforms and competing as a team, so we were honored to be a part of this experience with them. This would also be the first time many of our girls experienced the pre match ceremony that takes place: lining up, marching to center court, listening to both anthems then exchanging gifts. It was really a nice thing to see and the Swiss girls seemed so proud to be there.
We played four sets with them and my team learned a little lesson about what to expect. The Swiss served very aggressively and played some fantastic defense, sometimes frustrating our team as they tried to make adjustments. This was really what we needed to prepare for the Global Challenge. All four of the sets were close, we did end up winning, but I think the Swiss team really surprised our girls with their play. I think this was a really great experience for both teams.
Later that night all of the coaches and some parents went to dinner and enjoyed an evening in the quaint town of Fiesch. Martin brought the team some treats for our trip, with Swiss stickers very kind and thoughtful of him.
I was very pleased with the training experience in Fiesch and wish the Swiss YNT great success. They are a very sweet and competitive group of young ladies we hope to see them in the future at the Global Challenge.
July 19
Oh what a morning downstairs for breakfast by 6:25 to catch our 6:50 train. Martin met us for breakfast and saw us off at the train stop. We took pictures and said our farewells before hitting the train for a 1.5 hour ride. It was actually very scenic and beautiful, just early! We met the 2 USA teams (BIP and A2), jumped on an already packed bus (yes, crowded and not so luxurious), then headed on a 10 hour let me say that again TEN HOUR bus ride to Pula, Croatia. This ride found players sprawling out in the narrow walkway to try and get more sleep and be able to stretch out. I think the girls alternated laying on the floor rather than staying squished in the seats for such a long period of time. We were the last ones to arrive in Pula, so they did kind of delay the start of Opening Ceremonies, so we could grab a quick bite then head to the Centre to join the other teams. This also allowed the girls a few minutes to "freshen up"!
We then gathered back on a bus to the Centre and enjoyed being able to walk around finally. Opening Ceremonies are always such a nice event with local music and dance, the introduction of teams and just a great celebration. Janna always does a nice job of welcoming the teams and greeting us!
Thanks Janna! ;)
After the ceremonies, the teams had some time to wander around the Centre, get some Sladoled (ice cream) while the coaches took a moment to socialize with each other and grab a local beer (Zlatarog, Ozusko) or a glass of wine. I especially enjoy the time to relax and get to talk with the coaches.
July 20
Match 1: NOVA KBM (Slovenia)
We started off playing the team that took 2nd at last year's tournament and put up a good fight. Many of the girls on this team play for it professionally, so they have many weeks/months of practice together. We played pretty well for our first match, but the Slovenians proved to be a bit much. We took a set off of them, and really had opportunities to steal this match but weren't quite able to do so losing 25-23, 20-25, 21-25.
Match 2: CSU TAGLU (Romania)
Wow what a block! I'm not sure what they feed these women, but they have great jumps and such long arms. Needless to say, the wall they formed at the net was a problem for the Blue teamŠ.and maybe those couple of girls for Romania that simply hit OVER our block. It was a good match and learning experience for our team, we lost in 2 17-25, 23-25 (giving them more of a battle in the second set was a good accomplishment).
Match 3: OK PULA (Croatia)
Now here is a fun match since the coach and I are friends and a few of my team members remember him from last year. Although Pula was up on us in set 1, the team battled back and won, using that momentum to win set 2. I think some of my girls enjoyed taunting Goran after the match since we lost to them both times last year! This is also a professional team, but a younger version of last year's tournament Champions. It was nice though, to finish the day with a win 30-28, 30-28.
July 21
Match 1: OK GALEB (Montenegro)
This is yet another well blocking and talented team that has improved every year at the Global Challenge. We lost the first set, kind of getting our butts kicked, but managed to wake up and win the second set with the same score. Down 16-21 in set 3 we somehow maintained focus to defeat them an effort I was very proud of with this group! We really showed some mental toughness and pulled off a great win 15-25, 25-15, 25-23.
Match 2: Falconara (Italy)
The Italians who trained with our Red team gave us a battle we weren't able to pull out. Another tough and tall block, we simply didn't have enough ammunition in the tank to go toe to toe with this team. We managed to get close in the match, but not close enough losing 20-25, 22-25.
Match 3: Croatia Junior National Team
Although the Croatians had a rough first day, I think they played their best match of the tournament to this point when they stepped on the floor to play us. They were very effective on the attack and we had a very off match. Although we played poorly, I knew we could put up a better fight should we meet them again, 16-25, 17-25.
We ended pool play being the top American team in the Istra Division, giving us a much needed bye in the morning, allowing us to rest after a tough first couple of days. Playing 6 matches in 2 days can be a little tiring! Yes, they were 2 of 3, but we managed to go 3 with at least half the teams!
Let me just add a little note here that I like the opportunity to enjoy some social time with all of the coaches and really getting to know the foreign coaches a bit more. Each evening we are able to go down to the hotel bar, sit on the patio and just chill with each other. You can learn so much by just sitting and chatting with them, even if they can't speak English, someone is there to help translate and we get to meet and develop great friendships and try new things. For me, I think it is a big part of this tournament and I have gained some very dear friends by coming to the Global Challenge and simply chilling on the patio with them! It was fun talking with Zena, Branko, Nicolai, Goran and all of the coaches that take part in this. It is fun trying to decipher what the coaches are saying and learning about the different cultures. I'm sure we Americans are very entertaining to them as wellŠall good fun!
July 22
Having the morning off, we allowed the girls to sleep in and grab breakfast as late as possible. They were had the option of enjoying some limited sun time at the beach or go to the Centre to do some sight seeing and/or shopping. We had to prepare to meet the winner of OK Pula/Northern Lights later that evening. Wouldn't you know we would have a rematch with the Pula team!!! Of course this became a challenge between coaches and we had some fun with it. The Blue team was very fired up and wanted to put an exclamation on our previous win over Pula. Not to mention we wanted to be in the Finals and guarantee ourselves a medal!
I have never seen this group come in soooooo ready to go! With the matches now being best of 3, we had to change our focus a bit and prepare for more of a battle. I knew the Pula team would not just roll over and wanted my team to understand that.
We came out en fuego and were executing the best we have all tournament! It was really fun to just sit back and watch it all happen. In the first set we got off to a great start but the Pula team inched its way back into it before we took the set 25-21. The second set saw a little of the opposite with Pula getting the strong start and our team relaxing a bit, but with a few pep talks and changes, we came from behind to take the second set 28-26. This led us to a strong third set, with momentum on our side as we finished the match with a 25-20 victory. As usual, my returning crew enjoyed the victory a little more since Goran and I are friends, and it was nice for us to take the victories since they killed us last year! (I do realize it is a completely different team, but hey, a win is a win!!!)
July 23
The finals saw us in a rematch with the Croatian Junior National Team and hopes of redemption. Being in the Finals of the Istra Division, we went through the complete pre-match ceremony, lining up, walking to center court, listening to both anthems and introductions. I think this was a really cool feeling for the team and made it a little more special and important. Once all of the glitter and excitement was over, it was game on, or so I thought! We got off to a pretty rough start while the Croatians came out swinging, needless to say it was a less than impressive first set that we lost 15-25.
Fortunately, we were able to rebound and come out with a stronger showing in the second set playing a much more confident game. We battled with the taller, bigger blocking team and pulled out the second set 25-21 yet somehow we did not use this momentum going into the third set as the match see-sawed back and forth with the Croatians taking set 3 17-25 while we took set 4 25-16 to set up a fifth and final set. Not too bad for a final!!!
Croatia came out strong in the fifth taking an 8-4 lead before the switch to the "good/winning" side where we did our best to battle back. We inched our way back into it, but the 4 point deficit proved to be too much and we ended up losing the fifth set 11-15. Even with the loss, I was very proud of our team and the effort we put forth. It was a MUCH improved showing over our first match with them, and I think a fun match to watch as a finale.
We quickly went back to the hotel to shower and come back for the finals of the Briunji Division between BIP/USA and NOVA KBM. After the finals, the closing ceremonies once again introduced all of the teams with medals and all tournament awards being handed out. We proudly accepted our silver medals and Taylor Richard was named to the All Tournament Team a fantastic representative for us as she really played an outstanding tournament!
The night finished with a pool party for all of the teams at the tournament where the girls danced and laughed and socialized with the visiting teams. What a nice ending to a great tournament. While the girls socialized, the coaches did much of the sameŠswapping shirts and business cards in hopes of staying in touch!
July 24
We stayed an extra day in Pula so the teams could have some relaxing time to stroll the city, chill at the beach or hang at the pool. It was meant as a recovery day before we headed to Venice to finish out our tour and head home I think it served its purpose well!
July 25
As we boarded the bus to take a 4 hour ride to Venice, we had no idea what was in store for us. The 4 hour ride slowly turned into 6 as the European vacationers either returned or headed out to their destinations. Turns out Saturday is a HUGE travel day in Europe. Who knew? As we begged and pleaded the non English speaking bus driver to pull over so we could relieve ourselves, he but it off over and over again until we had enough and pointed to the Petrol station adamantly as a HINT we needed to go! With only 1 women's restroom and 24 women, we quickly adjusted so we could get back on the road with our grumpy driver who had to get back to Pula after dropping us off ..there was a nice little cove across the street where girl after girl lined up to cop a squat! As some bawked at this idea, MOST of us simply couldn't wait and laughed as it all unfolded. Hey, a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!
Six hours later, cramped, cranky and hungry we arrived at our hotel then headed to the beautiful city of Venice. We met at the Rialto Bridge to take a group picture then were set free in our small groups to roam the city. Luckily Venice is easy to navigate with all of their signs and really, the inability to get too lost! The coaches all settled down to a very nice dinner by the water with no huge search and destroy missions while visiting. The girls were on their own to eat, shop and be merry before our meeting to return to the hotel. At one point we came across this live band playing totally 80s American music you spin me right round baby so we (Dana, Brett & Kristin (red team) and I) had a little dance party where we ran into a handful of our team doing the same! Good times.
We all made it back to our meeting point and hotel safe and sound before crashing for the night and migrating to the airport the next morning.
July 26
The girls loved the hotel in Venice and wished we could have stayed there longer, but I believe we were all ready to make the trek home. This was a fantastic trip and I know a very memorable one for many of these young ladies. Thanks to Bring It Tim and Cory for such a great tournament. We always enjoy taking part in the Global Challenge and look forward to another fantastic experience next summer (in Montenegro Nicolai)! THANK YOU TO HENI you are awesome and we are keeping you |
|
|
 |
| |
