Editor's Note -- Morehead State junior volleyball student-athlete Leslie Schellhaas spent three days in Colorado Springs, Colo., for the United States Women's National Team open tryouts. Each day, she updated MSUEagles.com in her own words about her experience.
PRE-TRIP VIDEO
DAY 3 (Feb. 24, 2013) - LAST DAY OF TRYOUTS AND TRIP HOME (Day 3 Photo Gallery)
This great weekend ended with a final session of tournament play. My team had girls from Arizona State and Duke, just to name a few. I enjoyed playing with these girls as we each brought something unique to our side of the court. We finished the day 2-1.
Afterwards I had to clean up and check out of my room. I then ate with Ashley and Skeeter (Pitt) while working on homework (I think I forgot that I am a student too... oops!) The shuttle took me to the airport where I met my mom and eventually boarded the plane for Dallas.
I continued working on homework while listening to music the entire plane ride. We had a short layover in Dallas before flying to Louisville. I spent the second plane ride reminiscing over the past few days. I have met so many great people.
I plan to keep in touch with many of them! I was so nervous about this trip, but I am so glad I did it. This experience was one-of-a-kind to say the least, and I have grown both as a volleyball player and an individual. Before I did this, I was told that "Until you spread your wings you never know how far you can fly." I fully believe that there is truth in this after this weekend. I am now driving back to Morehead with my mom to start a new week. I cannot wait to join my team and start the Spring season.
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DAY 2 (Feb. 23, 2013) - MORE TRYOUTS AND PHYSICAL TESTING (Day 2 Photo Gallery)
We had our first session early this morning. The time was spent learning the techniques used by the USA National Team. Coach (Karch) Kiraly worked with the defensive group, so I got to work with him first-hand which was very neat.
After that session I ate brunch with Ashley and some of the UK players. Shortly after this break, we reported to another session for physical testing. Here, some of the staff members measured our height and various vertical jumps, as well as timed us on a shuttle run and short sprint speed. The hitters were also tested on the quickness of their arm swing. All of these measurements were gathered through digital software, which I found very interesting!
After this we were assigned to different groups. Mine ended up having the evening session, where we played more 6-on-6 activities. This was a blast! Once again, a crazy amount of talent and passion in one gym!
I have now had a quick bite to eat and am waiting for the email notifying me which group I will be in for the final session tomorrow. These final few hours will be all tournament play. I am very excited to take part in all of the competition!
Hopefully I can end this weekend on a positive note, leaving all of the coaches and players with a very positive impression of how volleyball is played at Morehead State University. What an experience! On that note, I should probably get ready for bed and check my email so that I can be well-rested for whatever tomorrow brings.
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DAY 1 (Feb. 22, 2013) - TRAVEL TO COLORADO SPRINGS AND FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS (Day 1 Photo Gallery)
This morning, my mom and I flew out of Louisville into Dallas where we had a layover before flying into Colorado Springs. Both flights were very smooth! There were girls from both University of Kentucky and Louisville making the same trip. A shuttle picked a group of us up from the airport and took us to the training center, where we checked in and received our badges! I ate at the dining hall with girls from Western Kentucky, Miami (Ohio), and Pitt.
I had my first session early in the afternoon. I could not get over how much talent there was in one gym! Everyone was so supportive. The session consisted of 6-on-6 active play, with a certain amount of time allotted to working in each rotation. Each girl here is amazing. Once the session was over, my friend Ashley from WKU joined me and my mom at the gift shop. Afterwards, we roamed part of the campus and took pictures. We also walked through a room that showed a timeline of the Olympics - I feel so blessed to have walked the same paths as so many great athletes who are a part of Team USA.
We ended the night with dinner at the dining hall - clam chowder and a veggie burger. The food has been great!
My roommates are from Kansas City and Missouri State. We have cleaned up and are now working on homework before heading to bed. I have really enjoyed myself here, and I cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings. Final reflection for the night: I am so so lucky.
