Thurs May 6, 2010 Women's National team training

Today we will spotlight two athletes on the Women's National team. The two are twin sisters, "Metric" (on the left) and Betty Ann (right). They were selected to be our first spotlight athletes because they are the leaders of the team and both incredible athletes. They are 40 years old, single, with no children. They own a landscaping business and that is how, in part, they have maintained such a tremendous fitness level.

Betty Ann plays only volleyball. She will likely be a setter and team captain. She is a very positive player and gives help and encouragement to others. Sometimes she does it 'harshly' but it is always meant well. She takes her volleyball very serious and wants the team to be great. She is very athletic and picks things up quickly.

Metric is truly an amazing athlete. She is an outside hitter. She has played on the National Cricket Team, the National Soccer Team, and the National Basketball team. She is loud and in-your-face and demands everyone play at a high level. I can rarely understand a word she says because her dialect is so fast. The other day we were having the Men's National team training. Metric walks up near the beginning of practice, puts down her bag, and jumps in the drills. No one says a word to her. We run a competitive, consecutive touch drill and begin pulling people out that are making mistakes. Metric not only survives the 'cut,' but becomes one of the final 12 athletes on the court when the team succeeds. Metric is the player that is always loud. She's not afraid to yell at anyone, but she will also be the first to give someone a high-five. This team definitely needs Metric.

Both ladies have knee injuries. In Grenada, we pray before every practice. And in every prayer, there is a reference to making it through practice with no injuries. If a player does become injured, it is typically career-ending, or they learn to play with it. Often, they are never the same player. Metric has what appears to be a pretty severe knee injury. She plays through it and is easily the best player on our team. I feel for her though. She is a very proud athlete and you can tell, if healthy, she knows she could do more.

Practice went well. We continued working on ball control and technique. Next week we will begin team play, blocking, serving, and attacking.

I had split pea soup for dinner. I miss potatoes. I also attended a girls Net Ball game today. It's similar to our basketball, only slower paced. I was amazed at all the tremendous female athletes competing. Where are they for our volleyball clinics?????? We have much work to do.

Respect.