Published: May 26, 2007
QUEENS, N.Y.
1. What were your initial thoughts when
you heard the team would be traveling to Vietnam?
I was really excited for the opportunity to visit a country so
different from my own and experience everything their culture had
to offer.
2. Upon arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, what
were your thoughts?
It was hot, really hot. Other than the initial shock from the heat,
something that sparked everyone's interest was the roads. Mopeds
are definitely the popular form of transportation in Vietnam. Not
only was the sheer number of mopeds interesting, but none of the
drivers seemed to be conscious of what we are used to as traffic
laws. People drove on the wrong side of the road, didn't even pause
at red lights and parked wherever they wanted. This made crossing
the street seem like a life threatening event for us Americans used
to crosswalks.
3. What was it like competing in the 2007
VTV Cup?
It was absolutely amazing to. Playing against teams from all over
the world, we really got to see the differences in watching others
play. The tournament had a very friendly environment, which made it
easy for us to make friends with girls from the other teams. Also,
having the games played on the television all across the nation of
Vietnam, it made us celebrities for these past two weeks. People
would stop us on the street and make a passing motion and say
"Volleyball?" They wanted our autographs, take pictures with us and
shake our hands.
4. What did you enjoy the most about your
trip to Vietnam?
I enjoyed being thrown into a culture that was different from
everything I am used to. We were forced to eat different kinds of
food that we probably wouldn’t eat back home and we met people that
have touched us with their kindness. If it had not been for the
tournament, I don’t know if I would ever have had this opportunity
and I am very grateful for the experience. I also really enjoyed
our cruise on Ha Long Bay. After a long and very tiring nine days
of volleyball, it was great to be able to relax, soak up the sun
and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ha Long bay.
5. What was your most memorable
moment?
My most memorable moment was playing in the championship
game against the national team of Vietnam. It was two hours that I
will always remember. There were about 6,000 people in the stands,
even though the official count only read 2,500. They filled every
seat and were standing in any open space they could find. These
people did more than just watch the game though, they had so much
enthusiasm for every play and cheered after every point like it was
match point, which had a great effect on the energy in the gym. It
was so loud we could barely hear each other talk and although they
were obviously not cheering for us, they still appreciated our good
plays and showed us respect. The ceremony at the end was
wonderful with the confetti, TV cameras and our silver medals.
After all of that, even though we lost the match, people still came
up to us and asked for autographs and to take pictures with us.
Being a freshman and not having been asked for too many autographs
before, this was especially cool for me. I will always remember the
kindness, warmth and respect of the people of Vietnam and greatly
appreciate the memories they have given me.
6. What are you looking forward to doing
when you get back in the U.S.?
Oh, this is an easy question. Eating a hamburger, talking on my
cell phone and playing my guitar.