1 00:00:03,040 --> 00:00:06,360 Speaker 1: Hi, I'm Tiffany Oshinski and this is Serving Pancakes with 2 00:00:06,480 --> 00:00:09,479 Speaker 1: League One Volleyball. Over the past few episodes, we've been 3 00:00:09,480 --> 00:00:13,000 Speaker 1: following Team USA's quest for gold at the Paris Olympics 4 00:00:13,160 --> 00:00:16,400 Speaker 1: while also talking with talented people in and around volleyball 5 00:00:16,480 --> 00:00:19,520 Speaker 1: and women's sports. After an amazing win by the US 6 00:00:19,560 --> 00:00:22,120 Speaker 1: over Brazil to secure their spot in the gold medal match, 7 00:00:22,320 --> 00:00:26,160 Speaker 1: we have Coastal Carolina's all time kills record holder, outside 8 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:29,760 Speaker 1: hitter and League One player, Leah Hardiman. Leah is a 9 00:00:29,800 --> 00:00:32,440 Speaker 1: four time conference champion and four time Player of the 10 00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:35,680 Speaker 1: Year for the Chanta Clears. She's played professionally in Greece 11 00:00:35,720 --> 00:00:39,479 Speaker 1: and Italy and won the Italian Syria Due this past season, 12 00:00:40,000 --> 00:00:42,800 Speaker 1: and now Lea will be bringing her talents back to 13 00:00:42,880 --> 00:00:51,720 Speaker 1: the States, joining love Austin. Leah, thank you so much 14 00:00:51,720 --> 00:00:53,840 Speaker 1: for joining me on Serving Pancakes. 15 00:00:54,200 --> 00:00:57,240 Speaker 2: Thank you for having me. I'm actually really really excited. 16 00:00:57,680 --> 00:00:59,800 Speaker 3: I mean, I could have my own little pancakes here too, 17 00:01:00,480 --> 00:01:03,920 Speaker 3: but I'm really happy. I'm very excited. The game was very, 18 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:07,840 Speaker 3: very really intense. I'm really excited to talk about that 19 00:01:08,120 --> 00:01:10,039 Speaker 3: and to have a conversation with you today. 20 00:01:10,400 --> 00:01:13,120 Speaker 1: Yes, I'm so excited to talk about you, about everything. 21 00:01:13,480 --> 00:01:16,200 Speaker 1: You have such an amazing background, and we're gonna get 22 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:18,200 Speaker 1: into that in just a second. But before we truly 23 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:20,679 Speaker 1: get started and dive into this game, because like I said, 24 00:01:20,720 --> 00:01:22,720 Speaker 1: there's a lot that we want to talk about, let's 25 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:25,800 Speaker 1: just quickly hear from twenty sixteen bronze medalist Courtney Thompson, 26 00:01:25,800 --> 00:01:28,000 Speaker 1: who is on the ground in Paris and witnessed this 27 00:01:28,080 --> 00:01:30,480 Speaker 1: great win by Team USA over Brazil. 28 00:01:31,520 --> 00:01:35,000 Speaker 4: What's up, guys, Corny Thompson here was serving pancakes with 29 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:39,560 Speaker 4: League one volleyball. Holy cow, that was insane. I'm still 30 00:01:39,560 --> 00:01:42,759 Speaker 4: in the arena here in Paris where you has say, just. 31 00:01:42,720 --> 00:01:44,839 Speaker 2: Beat Brazil in five let's go. 32 00:01:45,680 --> 00:01:48,400 Speaker 4: Headed to the gold medal match. I don't even know 33 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:51,800 Speaker 4: where to start. That was just an amazing team win. 34 00:01:52,680 --> 00:01:55,640 Speaker 4: Brazil is emotional, They're really good. They got some of 35 00:01:55,680 --> 00:01:58,360 Speaker 4: the best players in the world, especially Gabby Carol in 36 00:01:58,400 --> 00:02:02,080 Speaker 4: the middle. Tayis for a long time, and we served 37 00:02:02,160 --> 00:02:04,720 Speaker 4: him tough and we weathered their storm when they got high. 38 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:06,960 Speaker 4: We just kept making the next play, the next play, 39 00:02:07,200 --> 00:02:11,960 Speaker 4: which was incredible. I thought Kat and Avery passed so amazing. 40 00:02:12,080 --> 00:02:13,000 Speaker 2: They hit amazing. 41 00:02:13,360 --> 00:02:16,240 Speaker 4: Jordan had them in rhythm and and Drew's took tough 42 00:02:16,240 --> 00:02:21,200 Speaker 4: swings as she does. And then Haley and chiaka man. 43 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:23,640 Speaker 4: They didn't get as many sets, but when they did, 44 00:02:24,240 --> 00:02:28,000 Speaker 4: which is just so important, they capitalized and they blocked well. 45 00:02:28,320 --> 00:02:30,160 Speaker 4: Put a ton of pressure on these guys. They both 46 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:34,840 Speaker 4: had some serving runs and the best our offensive looked 47 00:02:35,040 --> 00:02:39,960 Speaker 4: tonight and last night, So credit to Jordan. Also, amazing 48 00:02:40,080 --> 00:02:43,400 Speaker 4: job by Lauren Carlini and JT coming off the bench. 49 00:02:43,760 --> 00:02:46,760 Speaker 4: They were plus in every single set, which is incredible 50 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:51,040 Speaker 4: and not easy. So God dang, thats good volleyball, just 51 00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:53,280 Speaker 4: such good volleyball all the way around. And we took 52 00:02:53,280 --> 00:02:55,680 Speaker 4: a few more tough swings than they did, and these 53 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:57,359 Speaker 4: guys know how to win it. So we can't wait 54 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 4: for the finals. So pumped for these guys. Amazing great 55 00:03:01,040 --> 00:03:02,640 Speaker 4: team win as we do. 56 00:03:02,760 --> 00:03:06,440 Speaker 2: Let's go USA, all. 57 00:03:06,400 --> 00:03:10,760 Speaker 1: Right, definitely a great team win. This match was so insane, 58 00:03:10,880 --> 00:03:13,960 Speaker 1: the US winning in five and ten sets twenty five 59 00:03:14,240 --> 00:03:18,080 Speaker 1: to twenty three, eighteen, twenty five, twenty five, fifteen, twenty three, 60 00:03:18,200 --> 00:03:22,560 Speaker 1: twenty five, and then fifteen eleven. So let's talk top 61 00:03:22,639 --> 00:03:25,000 Speaker 1: level first, lea, before we break down the match a bit, 62 00:03:25,200 --> 00:03:27,359 Speaker 1: what were your initial reactions to this match. 63 00:03:28,080 --> 00:03:34,160 Speaker 3: Honestly, I was really excited first off, because USA and Brazil. 64 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:37,480 Speaker 3: I love Gabbia, She's my favorite player, and so I 65 00:03:37,520 --> 00:03:39,320 Speaker 3: was just ready to see, you know, how she was 66 00:03:39,360 --> 00:03:42,440 Speaker 3: gonna set up against set her team up against USA. 67 00:03:43,040 --> 00:03:43,800 Speaker 2: Obviously we have. 68 00:03:43,960 --> 00:03:46,360 Speaker 3: All of you know, the superstars on our team, and 69 00:03:46,440 --> 00:03:48,480 Speaker 3: to see who was gonna start. I was really curious 70 00:03:48,520 --> 00:03:51,080 Speaker 3: to see who's gonna start and who's going to finish 71 00:03:51,080 --> 00:03:53,520 Speaker 3: the match, because as of right now for the Olympics, 72 00:03:53,840 --> 00:03:55,920 Speaker 3: there's been maybe one or two players will start. We 73 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,600 Speaker 3: have so many stubs and everything. So I was really 74 00:03:58,600 --> 00:04:01,839 Speaker 3: curious about that. And from the looks like our team 75 00:04:01,880 --> 00:04:05,240 Speaker 3: obviously held it down, So that was real. That was 76 00:04:05,280 --> 00:04:08,840 Speaker 3: my first initial initial ideas for the for the game. 77 00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:11,720 Speaker 1: H Yeah. And Brazil and the US have like a 78 00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:16,000 Speaker 1: lot of long history, long history, yes, long history of 79 00:04:16,080 --> 00:04:19,760 Speaker 1: US beat Brazil in Tokyo, and Brazil beat the US 80 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:22,440 Speaker 1: back in the London Olympics for gold, and here we 81 00:04:22,480 --> 00:04:24,200 Speaker 1: are playing in the semi finals. And I know that 82 00:04:24,800 --> 00:04:27,839 Speaker 1: Karch and Brazil's head coach today Roberto have a you know, 83 00:04:27,960 --> 00:04:32,120 Speaker 1: a long relationship, and so I learned that two days 84 00:04:32,200 --> 00:04:37,200 Speaker 1: before the opening ceremonies in Paris. Carch actually asked Brazil 85 00:04:37,320 --> 00:04:41,240 Speaker 1: to play them in kind of like a warm up 86 00:04:41,279 --> 00:04:43,440 Speaker 1: game almost, but he asked them to bring the starters, 87 00:04:43,520 --> 00:04:46,280 Speaker 1: have the starters start play, you know, no holds bar, 88 00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:49,839 Speaker 1: just go out. And Brazil ended up beating the US 89 00:04:49,839 --> 00:04:53,680 Speaker 1: in this little fun exhibition game, I guess, in four sets. 90 00:04:53,960 --> 00:04:57,200 Speaker 1: So I'm curious, do you think that having that preview 91 00:04:57,279 --> 00:05:00,559 Speaker 1: quote quote preview maybe helped the US this match? 92 00:05:00,760 --> 00:05:02,080 Speaker 2: Oh? For sure. 93 00:05:02,279 --> 00:05:04,680 Speaker 3: I feel like if they were bringing all of their 94 00:05:04,720 --> 00:05:09,200 Speaker 3: stops and trying to basically beat USA, and obviously they 95 00:05:09,839 --> 00:05:12,960 Speaker 3: USA used that game to scout them and to figure 96 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:18,200 Speaker 3: out what were their best shots and what were their weaknesses. Obviously, 97 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:21,159 Speaker 3: everyone in the friendly match you're going to play or practice, 98 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:23,720 Speaker 3: you're going to play completely different. You're going to amp 99 00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:26,120 Speaker 3: it up when you play for you know, a gold medal. 100 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:30,599 Speaker 3: We're obviously going into the gold finals. But for sure, 101 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,880 Speaker 3: I think that that might have been Brazil in the 102 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:37,000 Speaker 3: butt a little bit playing against them, even if they 103 00:05:37,040 --> 00:05:40,599 Speaker 3: won that game. When you lose, you learn, so you 104 00:05:40,720 --> 00:05:42,640 Speaker 3: learn exactly what you need to do to beat them. 105 00:05:44,240 --> 00:05:45,120 Speaker 1: That's a really good point. 106 00:05:45,120 --> 00:05:45,279 Speaker 2: You know. 107 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:47,560 Speaker 1: It's a fun fact that I actually just learned. Is 108 00:05:47,560 --> 00:05:50,760 Speaker 1: that the Miracle on Ice team back in nineteen eighty 109 00:05:50,839 --> 00:05:54,480 Speaker 1: when they, you know, they beat Russian that insane games, 110 00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:58,240 Speaker 1: a miracle on ice game, right, Yeah, But twelve days 111 00:05:58,279 --> 00:06:01,600 Speaker 1: before that game, they had an exhibition game with Russia 112 00:06:01,640 --> 00:06:04,760 Speaker 1: where Russia destroyed them something like ten to three, and 113 00:06:04,800 --> 00:06:07,080 Speaker 1: then obviously they went on to beat them in the 114 00:06:07,080 --> 00:06:08,719 Speaker 1: semi final match, and I was kind of thinking, I 115 00:06:08,720 --> 00:06:11,760 Speaker 1: was like, oh my god, it's almost like serendipitous or 116 00:06:11,760 --> 00:06:13,800 Speaker 1: it's like history repeating itself, except with the US and 117 00:06:13,839 --> 00:06:16,920 Speaker 1: Brazil where they played each other before the game, right 118 00:06:16,920 --> 00:06:19,680 Speaker 1: before the one that actually mattered. They may have lost, 119 00:06:19,720 --> 00:06:22,040 Speaker 1: but now they come out the victors in the end. 120 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:27,200 Speaker 3: Exactly. Yes, I think. I think maybe Haley Washington made 121 00:06:27,200 --> 00:06:30,080 Speaker 3: like they made a clip saying like when they had 122 00:06:30,200 --> 00:06:32,640 Speaker 3: lost against I can't remember who it was, they lost 123 00:06:32,960 --> 00:06:35,760 Speaker 3: and five, but she said she didn't say lose, you 124 00:06:35,839 --> 00:06:38,119 Speaker 3: just so like you either you win or you learn. 125 00:06:38,360 --> 00:06:41,440 Speaker 3: And that's exactly what they did with that friendly match 126 00:06:41,560 --> 00:06:44,240 Speaker 3: or whatever match they had before. They learned exactly what 127 00:06:44,400 --> 00:06:47,880 Speaker 3: need to learn from them from Brazil and then took it. 128 00:06:47,920 --> 00:06:50,279 Speaker 3: And I hope they do the same thing for obviously 129 00:06:50,320 --> 00:06:50,960 Speaker 3: in the finals. 130 00:06:51,320 --> 00:06:53,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's actually a really great motto and something I 131 00:06:53,880 --> 00:06:55,240 Speaker 1: feel like players should carry away. 132 00:06:56,880 --> 00:06:59,359 Speaker 2: Yes, for sure. 133 00:07:00,839 --> 00:07:03,599 Speaker 1: So getting into the match in the first set, you know, 134 00:07:03,640 --> 00:07:06,159 Speaker 1: they started with their power lineup. They had Avery Skinner 135 00:07:06,200 --> 00:07:09,359 Speaker 1: and Catin Plummer as her outside hitters, and started off 136 00:07:09,600 --> 00:07:12,280 Speaker 1: very strong. Ended up being in a nail bier with 137 00:07:12,320 --> 00:07:15,000 Speaker 1: the US pulling off the win twenty five to twenty three. 138 00:07:15,040 --> 00:07:18,000 Speaker 1: But one of the things that was crazy watching was 139 00:07:18,160 --> 00:07:21,600 Speaker 1: Gabby your girl. I know, she didn't she didn't have 140 00:07:21,640 --> 00:07:24,640 Speaker 1: a kill until it was twenty two all. So, yeah, 141 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:27,480 Speaker 1: what does that say. I mean, we've seen the US 142 00:07:27,520 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 1: team be amazing at the net blocking, but talk about 143 00:07:31,480 --> 00:07:33,480 Speaker 1: just their blocking in general. What have you seen from 144 00:07:33,480 --> 00:07:33,920 Speaker 1: this team? 145 00:07:34,200 --> 00:07:37,720 Speaker 2: I mean, it's a break wall. Obviously it's going straight. 146 00:07:38,800 --> 00:07:43,440 Speaker 3: But I can only say, is that going back to again, like, 147 00:07:43,440 --> 00:07:46,640 Speaker 3: they probably scouted Gabby like down because she is their 148 00:07:46,680 --> 00:07:51,120 Speaker 3: top player, and so I'm pretty sure their goal was 149 00:07:51,160 --> 00:07:53,880 Speaker 3: automatically to stop her, you know, to get her out 150 00:07:53,880 --> 00:07:55,680 Speaker 3: of the way and then focus on the other one 151 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:58,040 Speaker 3: all their players, and I think that's what they did 152 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:01,120 Speaker 3: in the first set. They were able to you Maybe 153 00:08:01,160 --> 00:08:03,360 Speaker 3: I'm not saying get into Gabriella's head. I don't know 154 00:08:04,040 --> 00:08:06,400 Speaker 3: if that's what happened, but they probably shut her down 155 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:09,000 Speaker 3: very very soon, and then we're able to focus on 156 00:08:09,080 --> 00:08:13,760 Speaker 3: other people. So that's I'm assuming that's how they they 157 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:15,920 Speaker 3: got you know, she was able to make them points. 158 00:08:16,680 --> 00:08:19,880 Speaker 1: And then in the second head Brazil comes out strong 159 00:08:20,120 --> 00:08:23,120 Speaker 1: end up winning that game twenty five to eighteen. But 160 00:08:23,680 --> 00:08:26,520 Speaker 1: in the third set, then the US flipped the switch right, 161 00:08:26,640 --> 00:08:31,200 Speaker 1: winning twenty five to fifteen. So from your experience, how 162 00:08:31,200 --> 00:08:34,760 Speaker 1: do you go from this tight match twenty five to 163 00:08:34,800 --> 00:08:37,319 Speaker 1: twenty three that you win to all of a sudden 164 00:08:37,559 --> 00:08:40,560 Speaker 1: having this game where you guys are kind of getting 165 00:08:40,559 --> 00:08:45,480 Speaker 1: crushed to turning that around and then coming back and yeah, 166 00:08:45,559 --> 00:08:48,280 Speaker 1: crushing your opponent. How does what goes through your mind? 167 00:08:49,240 --> 00:08:52,600 Speaker 3: For me, it would be obviously, you're you win that 168 00:08:52,640 --> 00:08:56,920 Speaker 3: first one, and you, like, by human nature, you either 169 00:08:57,040 --> 00:08:59,319 Speaker 3: keep your foot on the gas pedal or you kind 170 00:08:59,320 --> 00:09:02,080 Speaker 3: of try and do the same things you did to win. 171 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:04,880 Speaker 3: And then that team obviously knows what you did the 172 00:09:04,920 --> 00:09:07,920 Speaker 3: first sets, and then they're able to you know, capitalize 173 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:11,000 Speaker 3: and win. But then and that third set, I feel 174 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:13,720 Speaker 3: like they decided to remember, like who they are, You know, 175 00:09:13,800 --> 00:09:16,280 Speaker 3: like I am a great player. I am able to 176 00:09:16,559 --> 00:09:18,480 Speaker 3: crank the line and block and all that kind of stuff. 177 00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:21,520 Speaker 3: So they, I think from my perception or from my 178 00:09:22,760 --> 00:09:26,240 Speaker 3: just looking at the game. And the second set, Brazil 179 00:09:26,320 --> 00:09:30,280 Speaker 3: came up with the very fiery attitude, fire like I 180 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:31,720 Speaker 3: need to show you who I am. 181 00:09:31,880 --> 00:09:33,800 Speaker 2: And then the USA was like no, no, no, no, no, 182 00:09:34,200 --> 00:09:35,319 Speaker 2: you even know who I am. 183 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:38,000 Speaker 3: Put some respect on my name, and so I think 184 00:09:38,040 --> 00:09:40,320 Speaker 3: that's the mentality that like, it was kind of like 185 00:09:40,360 --> 00:09:43,280 Speaker 3: you need to know who I am battle and that 186 00:09:43,440 --> 00:09:46,000 Speaker 3: was really I really enjoyed the third set a lot 187 00:09:46,480 --> 00:09:50,240 Speaker 3: because of the some players that don't necessarily cheer after 188 00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:53,480 Speaker 3: every point or they're very very focused, like Catain Plumber 189 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:55,600 Speaker 3: started to scream and that's not something that you normally 190 00:09:55,679 --> 00:09:59,480 Speaker 3: see from her, and Duran Thompson with like the very 191 00:09:59,480 --> 00:10:02,160 Speaker 3: aggressive faith as she blocks or attack. So it was 192 00:10:02,200 --> 00:10:07,560 Speaker 3: really cool to see each player, each team try and 193 00:10:07,600 --> 00:10:10,480 Speaker 3: put their their stump on it. And that was I think, 194 00:10:10,679 --> 00:10:13,440 Speaker 3: you know, the turn of the points. They decided to 195 00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:15,680 Speaker 3: show everybody like this is who I am, why I 196 00:10:15,720 --> 00:10:17,240 Speaker 3: deserve to be here type of thing. 197 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:21,760 Speaker 1: They totally rattled Brazil because there were so many miscues 198 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:23,959 Speaker 1: by them that I was shocked by. I mean, there 199 00:10:24,000 --> 00:10:26,320 Speaker 1: was that one for what the point was, but I 200 00:10:26,400 --> 00:10:32,440 Speaker 1: remember that Taisa got set and her and her set 201 00:10:32,440 --> 00:10:35,640 Speaker 1: are just completely misread and what they were going to do, 202 00:10:35,720 --> 00:10:37,760 Speaker 1: and the set went over her and just dropped. And 203 00:10:37,800 --> 00:10:40,480 Speaker 1: I'm like, I feel like you don't see that at 204 00:10:40,480 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 1: the Olympics too off, especially in the semifinal match with Brazil. 205 00:10:45,760 --> 00:10:48,199 Speaker 3: No, I agree, I agree too, but I mean, at 206 00:10:48,200 --> 00:10:49,600 Speaker 3: the end of the day, we all have to remember 207 00:10:49,640 --> 00:10:50,760 Speaker 3: that was just human. 208 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:52,160 Speaker 2: Like they're human. 209 00:10:52,240 --> 00:10:55,880 Speaker 3: Obviously I'm nine Olympian Asia, but like everyone's you're human, 210 00:10:55,920 --> 00:10:59,960 Speaker 3: and sometimes a misconnect or you get so over excited 211 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:03,839 Speaker 3: or you just miscommunicate about Oh I said this. The 212 00:11:03,920 --> 00:11:07,240 Speaker 3: gym is really really loud, and so there's so many 213 00:11:07,280 --> 00:11:11,200 Speaker 3: things I can go into the misconnection. But right after that, 214 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:13,800 Speaker 3: obviously they would get a point or she would get 215 00:11:13,800 --> 00:11:17,520 Speaker 3: a block or make it up. So there's not so 216 00:11:17,640 --> 00:11:20,599 Speaker 3: many of those moments, but when they do happen, everyone's. 217 00:11:20,240 --> 00:11:22,679 Speaker 2: Like, wait, wait, what what happened? 218 00:11:24,360 --> 00:11:24,840 Speaker 1: Exactly? 219 00:11:36,760 --> 00:11:36,960 Speaker 4: Now? 220 00:11:37,280 --> 00:11:40,800 Speaker 1: Brazil, obviously, when's the fourth set? Tie it up? We 221 00:11:40,880 --> 00:11:42,960 Speaker 1: have to go to a fifth set. I don't know 222 00:11:43,000 --> 00:11:46,360 Speaker 1: about you, but whenever I play I kind of have 223 00:11:46,520 --> 00:11:50,840 Speaker 1: this horrible superstition that I always try to get out 224 00:11:50,880 --> 00:11:52,719 Speaker 1: of my mind that whoever scores the first point is 225 00:11:52,800 --> 00:11:54,800 Speaker 1: kind of going to be the one who wins. That 226 00:11:55,559 --> 00:11:58,120 Speaker 1: deciding game doesn't always happen, and I'm glad it doesn't 227 00:11:58,120 --> 00:12:02,840 Speaker 1: always happen, because this one and Avery Skinner's she started 228 00:12:02,840 --> 00:12:05,560 Speaker 1: at served yeah, and she served it into the next yeah, 229 00:12:05,600 --> 00:12:07,520 Speaker 1: So Brazil gets the first point. In my mind, I'm like, 230 00:12:07,600 --> 00:12:10,200 Speaker 1: oh no, But what was going through your mind when 231 00:12:10,720 --> 00:12:11,319 Speaker 1: that happened. 232 00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:15,880 Speaker 3: I mean, honestly, I didn't think anything anything of it 233 00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:19,400 Speaker 3: is just probably that's good, yeah, a very very. 234 00:12:19,240 --> 00:12:21,800 Speaker 2: Important game, and so maybe it was a situation. 235 00:12:21,920 --> 00:12:25,440 Speaker 3: She obviously right after that made a good good play, 236 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:29,880 Speaker 3: especially for even not in their or not in the 237 00:12:29,920 --> 00:12:32,440 Speaker 3: fifth set, but she hit a ball flying out I 238 00:12:32,480 --> 00:12:34,240 Speaker 3: think in the fourth and then right after that she 239 00:12:34,320 --> 00:12:37,040 Speaker 3: had a dying pass, and then it was like a 240 00:12:37,559 --> 00:12:39,360 Speaker 3: connecting to a setter. I think it set the middle, 241 00:12:39,720 --> 00:12:41,640 Speaker 3: which is really good for her that she's able to 242 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:44,360 Speaker 3: make one mistake and then immediately be the next. But 243 00:12:44,400 --> 00:12:47,720 Speaker 3: when it comes to the points for fifteen, I feel 244 00:12:47,720 --> 00:12:50,040 Speaker 3: like you really have to be like a goldfish and 245 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:53,560 Speaker 3: have like erased the memory of whatever just happened, because 246 00:12:53,559 --> 00:12:57,320 Speaker 3: it's only you only have a few points to get going, 247 00:12:57,360 --> 00:12:59,360 Speaker 3: and as soon as one person gets four points in 248 00:12:59,400 --> 00:13:01,960 Speaker 3: a row, that's the momentum that. 249 00:13:03,360 --> 00:13:05,360 Speaker 2: Takes off. So I'm really happy that they did not 250 00:13:05,520 --> 00:13:05,959 Speaker 2: think like. 251 00:13:05,960 --> 00:13:09,720 Speaker 3: You did for that, yes, And I was just like, Okay, 252 00:13:09,760 --> 00:13:12,480 Speaker 3: one mistake, Okay, let's forget about it and let's go 253 00:13:12,559 --> 00:13:14,720 Speaker 3: onto the next And so I think that's what they 254 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:17,280 Speaker 3: were really focusing on for sure on that fifth step. 255 00:13:18,120 --> 00:13:19,600 Speaker 1: Can we take a minute to give some love to 256 00:13:19,679 --> 00:13:22,840 Speaker 1: Lauren Carlini here, because yeah, you know, in the fifth set, 257 00:13:22,960 --> 00:13:25,920 Speaker 1: the double sid, there were so many moments where she 258 00:13:26,200 --> 00:13:28,880 Speaker 1: just had truly epic defense. 259 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:33,559 Speaker 3: Yes, yes, and like just sitting Like I'm like, that's 260 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:35,440 Speaker 3: when you come off the bench and you come in 261 00:13:36,000 --> 00:13:38,679 Speaker 3: and be very very important and very crucial. Even if 262 00:13:38,679 --> 00:13:41,160 Speaker 3: you're not setting, you're just you know, as a sitter, 263 00:13:41,240 --> 00:13:43,200 Speaker 3: you still have to play defense, you still have to 264 00:13:43,200 --> 00:13:45,679 Speaker 3: do so many things. And that's what I tell like 265 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:49,000 Speaker 3: my young athlete, that's like, yes, you have this one position, 266 00:13:49,040 --> 00:13:51,559 Speaker 3: but even be well rounded because you don't know when 267 00:13:51,600 --> 00:13:53,800 Speaker 3: that's going to come into play. And she was like 268 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,640 Speaker 3: a libero at this point, she was just doing the 269 00:13:56,679 --> 00:13:59,120 Speaker 3: whole time, so that was really cool for her to 270 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:02,000 Speaker 3: come in and just make crucial points. 271 00:14:03,000 --> 00:14:03,440 Speaker 2: Yeah. 272 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:08,320 Speaker 1: Well, speaking of being able to play multiple positions, I mean, 273 00:14:08,760 --> 00:14:12,120 Speaker 1: Justine Wangarantes was not on the court at this time, 274 00:14:12,360 --> 00:14:14,960 Speaker 1: so Catherine Plumber had to come in a bunch of 275 00:14:14,960 --> 00:14:16,960 Speaker 1: times to be the center I mean as an outside 276 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:19,760 Speaker 1: hit her. Yeah, can you imagine what's going through her mind? 277 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:23,440 Speaker 3: Like, I don't know what's going on through her mind. 278 00:14:23,480 --> 00:14:29,200 Speaker 3: But for me, I'm like, all right, just push and post, push, pushing, 279 00:14:29,280 --> 00:14:32,880 Speaker 3: pose and go cover because it's easy to do it, 280 00:14:32,920 --> 00:14:34,560 Speaker 3: Like in practice, it's easy to. 281 00:14:34,560 --> 00:14:37,080 Speaker 2: Do it, you know, when you're not thinking about it. 282 00:14:37,120 --> 00:14:39,720 Speaker 3: But for some reason I can say for me when 283 00:14:39,760 --> 00:14:41,760 Speaker 3: it's like all right, I need to really focus on 284 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:45,160 Speaker 3: it's very very important. Obviously, yes it's gonna work, but 285 00:14:45,560 --> 00:14:48,320 Speaker 3: all the thoughts going before, it's like, all right, focus 286 00:14:48,920 --> 00:14:53,000 Speaker 3: ten fingers pushing post. But that was it's I mean, 287 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:56,320 Speaker 3: they're they're Olympians for a reason. They can do literally everything. 288 00:14:57,600 --> 00:15:00,280 Speaker 1: Yeah, for sure. And then at the end they bring 289 00:15:00,280 --> 00:15:04,240 Speaker 1: in the governor Jordan Marson or her consistence serve defense 290 00:15:04,280 --> 00:15:07,880 Speaker 1: at veteran presence. So how important is it for a 291 00:15:07,960 --> 00:15:11,240 Speaker 1: hitter to know that you have someone like that in 292 00:15:11,280 --> 00:15:14,080 Speaker 1: your back row for such critical moments. 293 00:15:14,480 --> 00:15:15,800 Speaker 2: I think it's so important. 294 00:15:15,880 --> 00:15:18,200 Speaker 3: I think the reason the success of the U I 295 00:15:18,280 --> 00:15:22,400 Speaker 3: say it's because their bench is literally stacked. It is 296 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:26,360 Speaker 3: a whole another team like waiting, and so even in 297 00:15:26,400 --> 00:15:29,920 Speaker 3: this match and the previous ones, maybe they would have 298 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:32,400 Speaker 3: like one or two moments that they were not one 299 00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:35,120 Speaker 3: hundred percent, they were able to go off and knowing 300 00:15:35,200 --> 00:15:40,280 Speaker 3: that their sub is bet is just as good or 301 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:46,000 Speaker 3: better or that for that moment is very very It's 302 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:49,240 Speaker 3: good they keep the pressure at a minimum. And so 303 00:15:49,280 --> 00:15:51,800 Speaker 3: I think that you know, having her being able to 304 00:15:51,840 --> 00:15:54,320 Speaker 3: come and come into the game and have a consistent, 305 00:15:55,120 --> 00:16:00,640 Speaker 3: strong serve and not having to take the pressure every 306 00:16:01,040 --> 00:16:05,280 Speaker 3: to serve that ball's it's very great. It's very important 307 00:16:05,320 --> 00:16:10,320 Speaker 3: for the team, and it's cool that Jordan is able 308 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:12,640 Speaker 3: to come in and do that for the team. It's very, 309 00:16:12,720 --> 00:16:13,920 Speaker 3: very great for sure. 310 00:16:14,320 --> 00:16:15,760 Speaker 1: And I don't know if you know this, but the 311 00:16:15,760 --> 00:16:18,520 Speaker 1: announcer said this early on in the game. But I 312 00:16:18,560 --> 00:16:22,800 Speaker 1: guess Catherine Plummer was dealing with the flu or she 313 00:16:22,960 --> 00:16:25,200 Speaker 1: had flu like symptoms, so this is this is like 314 00:16:25,240 --> 00:16:31,240 Speaker 1: her flu game in a way, because I mean, as 315 00:16:31,240 --> 00:16:35,520 Speaker 1: an outside hitter, can you imagine going up and playing 316 00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:38,120 Speaker 1: this intense level game having the flu? 317 00:16:38,400 --> 00:16:41,400 Speaker 2: I feel like I think every athlete I wouldn't say 318 00:16:41,440 --> 00:16:43,520 Speaker 2: the flu. I've never had the flu, but I have. 319 00:16:43,600 --> 00:16:47,760 Speaker 3: There's many right, there's many games that I have talked 320 00:16:47,760 --> 00:16:50,400 Speaker 3: to so many players and like their best game has 321 00:16:50,440 --> 00:16:54,440 Speaker 3: been when they are have been sick or like something 322 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:57,840 Speaker 3: has happened, like you know, maybe the menstrual cycle or 323 00:16:58,680 --> 00:17:00,880 Speaker 3: I don't know, some kind of stick are food placing, 324 00:17:00,920 --> 00:17:04,320 Speaker 3: and they still go and play a fever and they're 325 00:17:04,359 --> 00:17:06,240 Speaker 3: just like, you know what, I'm trying to get all 326 00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:08,000 Speaker 3: these points so I can go home, and then they 327 00:17:08,080 --> 00:17:12,240 Speaker 3: end up racking like thirty points or passing all the balls. 328 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:16,280 Speaker 3: So I'm not saying that it's something I would do. 329 00:17:16,440 --> 00:17:17,359 Speaker 2: I mean I have done it. 330 00:17:17,440 --> 00:17:20,200 Speaker 3: I don't know about the flu. The flu might be 331 00:17:20,280 --> 00:17:22,920 Speaker 3: the top of mine. Might be a little bit too much, 332 00:17:22,960 --> 00:17:25,240 Speaker 3: like kudos to Caking for doing that. 333 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:27,639 Speaker 2: But yeah, for sure. 334 00:17:27,840 --> 00:17:31,960 Speaker 1: Now the US will play Italy for gold on Sunday. 335 00:17:32,520 --> 00:17:35,440 Speaker 1: You played in Italy. You know how these players are. 336 00:17:35,520 --> 00:17:38,960 Speaker 1: We've watched Team Italy play this tournament. So what type 337 00:17:39,000 --> 00:17:41,199 Speaker 1: of game plan do you think that the US is 338 00:17:41,200 --> 00:17:43,440 Speaker 1: going to bring against this team. 339 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:45,960 Speaker 2: I think it's a little unique because a bunch of 340 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:46,359 Speaker 2: the U and. 341 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:49,080 Speaker 3: I say girls have played in Italy, so they've already 342 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:53,000 Speaker 3: played against some of these girls. So it will definitely be, 343 00:17:53,280 --> 00:17:55,520 Speaker 3: you know, the powerhouse. Obviously, Paula will do what she's 344 00:17:55,560 --> 00:17:57,479 Speaker 3: gonna do and Sylvia's going to do what she's going 345 00:17:57,560 --> 00:17:59,920 Speaker 3: to do. So I think it's going to be down 346 00:18:00,119 --> 00:18:03,800 Speaker 3: to the very like hitting, hitting the sides of the 347 00:18:04,000 --> 00:18:07,600 Speaker 3: arms and hitting through the blocks, very tactical in order 348 00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:10,399 Speaker 3: to win because they're they're both powerhouse teams, and so 349 00:18:10,440 --> 00:18:12,359 Speaker 3: it's going to come down to the scout and down 350 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:15,480 Speaker 3: to the bench, you know, quality to come in for 351 00:18:15,520 --> 00:18:19,159 Speaker 3: both teams. I really have no Obviously I will love 352 00:18:19,240 --> 00:18:21,200 Speaker 3: USA to win, but I have no prediction. 353 00:18:21,280 --> 00:18:24,320 Speaker 2: I'm just hoping for a good game because I love 354 00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:25,480 Speaker 2: I love watching the new game. 355 00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:28,720 Speaker 3: So we'll see how that how that goes rooting for 356 00:18:28,840 --> 00:18:32,159 Speaker 3: USA obviously, but yeah, technical, technical skill I think is 357 00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:32,800 Speaker 3: what it's going to be. 358 00:18:33,160 --> 00:18:34,919 Speaker 2: Just making it through the block and all that kind 359 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:36,160 Speaker 2: of stuff and getting the balls up. 360 00:18:36,560 --> 00:18:39,800 Speaker 1: Yeah, I could definitely see that those both both teams. 361 00:18:39,840 --> 00:18:41,800 Speaker 1: Their block is insane. And I feel like, yeah, the 362 00:18:42,000 --> 00:18:46,000 Speaker 1: the tools, this light touches, and really watching gaming points 363 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:48,600 Speaker 1: for both of these teams, because yeah, otherwise you're going 364 00:18:48,680 --> 00:18:49,320 Speaker 1: up against the wall. 365 00:18:49,480 --> 00:18:52,520 Speaker 3: So it's the wall versus the wall, like on both teams, 366 00:18:52,560 --> 00:18:56,200 Speaker 3: and so I'm really really curious on how both teams 367 00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:59,440 Speaker 3: will deal with that because they're very stacked on in Italy. 368 00:18:59,480 --> 00:19:02,359 Speaker 3: When I was playing there, most of our defense was 369 00:19:02,600 --> 00:19:05,119 Speaker 3: learning how to block and learning how to seal and 370 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:11,919 Speaker 3: close and read, so they have perfected the blocking for sure, Nelia. 371 00:19:12,240 --> 00:19:15,240 Speaker 1: You'll be playing with current US Olympic team member Chiaco's 372 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:18,840 Speaker 1: bagu as well as twenty sixteen bronze medalist Carli Lloyd 373 00:19:18,880 --> 00:19:22,080 Speaker 1: and Austin. So how cool is it to see someone 374 00:19:22,160 --> 00:19:24,919 Speaker 1: like Chiaka out there knowing that you're going to be 375 00:19:24,920 --> 00:19:25,960 Speaker 1: on the same team as her. 376 00:19:26,320 --> 00:19:28,159 Speaker 2: I'm I'm still in shock. 377 00:19:28,480 --> 00:19:30,919 Speaker 3: Like me and my mom are watching the games, and 378 00:19:30,960 --> 00:19:33,600 Speaker 3: obviously she knows, like, these are gonna be my teammates. 379 00:19:33,600 --> 00:19:35,919 Speaker 3: So she's like when she blocks the ball and she 380 00:19:36,040 --> 00:19:39,480 Speaker 3: hits or whatever, she's like, we've been watching these girls play. 381 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:41,359 Speaker 2: For a long time now, actually we'll be watching you 382 00:19:41,440 --> 00:19:44,360 Speaker 2: play with them, and so it's it's so so cool. 383 00:19:44,400 --> 00:19:46,960 Speaker 2: It's definitely like a circle, a full circle moment for me. 384 00:19:48,280 --> 00:19:48,879 Speaker 2: I'm excited. 385 00:19:48,920 --> 00:19:52,480 Speaker 3: I'm excited to practice next to them, I'm excited to 386 00:19:52,480 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 3: get better with them, compete with them. 387 00:19:55,440 --> 00:19:58,399 Speaker 2: It's just I say, it's a real moment for sure. 388 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:01,439 Speaker 1: Now, nine of the play on Team USA are going 389 00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:03,560 Speaker 1: to be playing in league and volleyball the coming years. 390 00:20:03,600 --> 00:20:05,399 Speaker 1: So you act, you act it's gonna be on your team, 391 00:20:05,920 --> 00:20:07,640 Speaker 1: but you have eight other girls. 392 00:20:07,440 --> 00:20:09,439 Speaker 2: Who are going to be on the other side, on 393 00:20:09,480 --> 00:20:10,240 Speaker 2: the other side. 394 00:20:10,280 --> 00:20:13,560 Speaker 1: So do you kind of find yourself watching these Olympic games? 395 00:20:13,640 --> 00:20:15,919 Speaker 1: Are you watching them more as a fan or is 396 00:20:15,960 --> 00:20:18,640 Speaker 1: there a lot of scouting? 397 00:20:18,800 --> 00:20:20,880 Speaker 2: For sure? We're scouting for sure. 398 00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:23,560 Speaker 3: We're like, Okay, she keeps doing this, all right, I mean, 399 00:20:24,119 --> 00:20:26,280 Speaker 3: let me put this down at this girl is able 400 00:20:26,320 --> 00:20:26,879 Speaker 3: to do this. 401 00:20:26,880 --> 00:20:31,200 Speaker 2: This girl's able to do that. Obviously. Yes, they're still. 402 00:20:31,160 --> 00:20:34,240 Speaker 3: Still fangirling for sure when I'm playing against them, and 403 00:20:34,280 --> 00:20:36,920 Speaker 3: maybe the first couple of points will be still fangirl 404 00:20:37,040 --> 00:20:41,680 Speaker 3: But I'm definitely playing, you know, to compete against them. 405 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:44,080 Speaker 3: So when I watch them, yes, I'm gonna watch them 406 00:20:44,119 --> 00:20:46,560 Speaker 3: when they make their points and how they how they 407 00:20:46,600 --> 00:20:49,560 Speaker 3: make points or how points are being made against them, 408 00:20:49,920 --> 00:20:52,040 Speaker 3: So it's it's always that, and it's not just because 409 00:20:52,040 --> 00:20:54,760 Speaker 3: I'm playing against them, But for sure, every time I 410 00:20:54,760 --> 00:20:57,879 Speaker 3: watch volleyball, it's more so but scouting and learning how 411 00:20:57,920 --> 00:21:00,879 Speaker 3: to get better. My mom always asking like, why are 412 00:21:00,880 --> 00:21:03,080 Speaker 3: you not cheering? Why are you like, because I'm learning, 413 00:21:03,119 --> 00:21:06,800 Speaker 3: I'm taking I'm learning right now. So yeah, it's definitely 414 00:21:06,880 --> 00:21:08,280 Speaker 3: scouting right now for sure. 415 00:21:11,119 --> 00:21:12,800 Speaker 1: When did you start playing volleyball? 416 00:21:12,960 --> 00:21:15,680 Speaker 2: I started playing when I was ten, ten years old? 417 00:21:16,320 --> 00:21:19,000 Speaker 1: Yes, how did you get into it? What was the 418 00:21:19,200 --> 00:21:20,760 Speaker 1: impetus for wanting to play? 419 00:21:21,280 --> 00:21:24,639 Speaker 3: So it was actually like at the elementary school that 420 00:21:24,680 --> 00:21:28,440 Speaker 3: I was at, it was these two couches. They knew 421 00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:30,720 Speaker 3: that I wanted to play a sport, and so I 422 00:21:30,760 --> 00:21:32,600 Speaker 3: just went to practice one day. I had a friend 423 00:21:32,640 --> 00:21:35,880 Speaker 3: she was already in this in the practice, I decided 424 00:21:35,920 --> 00:21:38,679 Speaker 3: to go with her. Kind of liked playing a sport. 425 00:21:38,720 --> 00:21:41,480 Speaker 3: I was already a cheerleader and so I was always 426 00:21:41,560 --> 00:21:44,200 Speaker 3: cheering for basketball. So at that time I was trying 427 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:47,639 Speaker 3: to do basketball and cheerleading, I mean basketball and volleyball. 428 00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:51,080 Speaker 3: And then when the basketball they tried to start like 429 00:21:51,359 --> 00:21:55,160 Speaker 3: hitting me and going making a contact sport. 430 00:21:54,880 --> 00:21:56,000 Speaker 2: I was like, okay, no, no, no. 431 00:21:57,960 --> 00:22:02,360 Speaker 3: Then I went into volleyball, maybe like one or two 432 00:22:02,480 --> 00:22:05,359 Speaker 3: years I realized I really like this, and I started 433 00:22:05,359 --> 00:22:08,480 Speaker 3: to play club when I turned like eleven, and soon 434 00:22:08,520 --> 00:22:11,480 Speaker 3: after that it like took off. I had a great 435 00:22:11,480 --> 00:22:13,600 Speaker 3: coaches that took me another wing, and like it took 436 00:22:13,640 --> 00:22:14,120 Speaker 3: off from there. 437 00:22:15,640 --> 00:22:19,440 Speaker 1: And you played for Atlanta Boom that was your club team, correct, Yes, yes, 438 00:22:20,359 --> 00:22:23,600 Speaker 1: How important was that club for you in continuing to 439 00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:24,200 Speaker 1: play the sport? 440 00:22:24,320 --> 00:22:27,159 Speaker 2: It was. It's so important, it's so important to today. 441 00:22:27,359 --> 00:22:31,760 Speaker 3: It was a predominantly black volleyball club, which is at 442 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:34,520 Speaker 3: that time and even still now, like there was a 443 00:22:34,560 --> 00:22:38,480 Speaker 3: big representation of black athletes in the sport, and so 444 00:22:38,600 --> 00:22:43,320 Speaker 3: for this club to be trying to grab all of 445 00:22:43,400 --> 00:22:45,760 Speaker 3: us and bringing awareness to the sport in our community 446 00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:48,800 Speaker 3: was very, very important. It wasn't just volleyball. It's also 447 00:22:48,920 --> 00:22:51,639 Speaker 3: like making sure we were confident, making sure that we 448 00:22:51,640 --> 00:22:55,399 Speaker 3: were loud, and you know, as black women were always 449 00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:58,160 Speaker 3: told to be a certain way at a certain way. 450 00:22:58,160 --> 00:23:01,120 Speaker 2: You need to be quiet, do this, be too strong, you. 451 00:23:01,080 --> 00:23:03,720 Speaker 3: Can't do that, And they were like, no, you're strong, 452 00:23:03,760 --> 00:23:05,639 Speaker 3: you're beautiful, you can play a sport. 453 00:23:05,760 --> 00:23:07,920 Speaker 2: You can be as aggressive as you want. 454 00:23:07,920 --> 00:23:10,439 Speaker 3: To be, and we had a lot of girls to 455 00:23:10,480 --> 00:23:12,359 Speaker 3: look up to, and then we also were able to 456 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:14,600 Speaker 3: you know, girls that were under us, we were able 457 00:23:14,680 --> 00:23:15,120 Speaker 3: to bring them. 458 00:23:15,119 --> 00:23:15,640 Speaker 2: Under our wing. 459 00:23:15,800 --> 00:23:18,240 Speaker 3: So it was very very important for me to stay 460 00:23:18,280 --> 00:23:20,640 Speaker 3: in this club and I love it to this day. 461 00:23:21,320 --> 00:23:24,280 Speaker 3: It's no longer a club anymore, but I'm still connected to, 462 00:23:25,160 --> 00:23:27,280 Speaker 3: you know, the founder and then like the founder's daughter, 463 00:23:27,320 --> 00:23:29,000 Speaker 3: she's like literally my sister. 464 00:23:29,560 --> 00:23:30,720 Speaker 2: She's like one of the coaches. 465 00:23:30,840 --> 00:23:34,280 Speaker 3: So it was a big part of you know, who 466 00:23:34,320 --> 00:23:37,879 Speaker 3: I am as a vailable player now and contributed to 467 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:40,200 Speaker 3: the represent nation for black athletes for sure. 468 00:23:40,640 --> 00:23:42,040 Speaker 1: No, I feel like one of the cool things about 469 00:23:42,040 --> 00:23:44,359 Speaker 1: the Olympics is that, you know, you can see how 470 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:48,960 Speaker 1: diversified athletes are, right, you can see all these strong, 471 00:23:49,240 --> 00:23:53,040 Speaker 1: powerful women, and they're all different shapes, different sizes. We're 472 00:23:53,080 --> 00:23:56,440 Speaker 1: not just all one size fits all type of human. 473 00:23:56,200 --> 00:23:58,040 Speaker 2: Beings exactly exactly. 474 00:23:58,400 --> 00:24:01,679 Speaker 1: But going back to volleyball, you know, it was a 475 00:24:01,720 --> 00:24:05,439 Speaker 1: fairly white sport. So why was that and how have 476 00:24:05,520 --> 00:24:06,440 Speaker 1: you seen it evolved? 477 00:24:07,960 --> 00:24:11,480 Speaker 2: I'm not sure exactly why it was that situation. 478 00:24:11,520 --> 00:24:15,040 Speaker 3: Maybe due to the accessibility, like able to get to 479 00:24:15,080 --> 00:24:16,320 Speaker 3: a gym or able. 480 00:24:16,080 --> 00:24:19,640 Speaker 2: To find a school or whatever I would say. 481 00:24:19,680 --> 00:24:22,040 Speaker 3: During private school, that was how I was able to 482 00:24:22,080 --> 00:24:24,400 Speaker 3: get into volleyball, so I didn't see it so much 483 00:24:24,520 --> 00:24:28,600 Speaker 3: in public schools and in the Atlanta or Georgia area 484 00:24:29,800 --> 00:24:32,920 Speaker 3: most at that time, most of the black children were 485 00:24:32,960 --> 00:24:36,800 Speaker 3: going to public schools, So maybe that's how it kind 486 00:24:36,800 --> 00:24:38,879 Speaker 3: of made it into that way. 487 00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:41,000 Speaker 2: But since then, like since. 488 00:24:40,840 --> 00:24:43,639 Speaker 3: I've been young, now there's so many athletes that like 489 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:45,520 Speaker 3: when I go into the A five gym or go 490 00:24:45,600 --> 00:24:49,000 Speaker 3: to Tsunami gym, it's like split in half. Like literally, 491 00:24:49,040 --> 00:24:51,840 Speaker 3: I'm like never in the million years that I think 492 00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:55,560 Speaker 3: it would be so many black athletes. And then obviously, yes, 493 00:24:55,720 --> 00:24:59,639 Speaker 3: white girls are the very white ladies. They're very in 494 00:24:59,680 --> 00:25:03,200 Speaker 3: the gym, and they're doing exciting things and they're also amazing. However, 495 00:25:03,640 --> 00:25:06,240 Speaker 3: it's just I'm happy that those girls still have a 496 00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:09,520 Speaker 3: representation on the Olympic team, on the international teams. 497 00:25:10,320 --> 00:25:11,600 Speaker 2: To see and say. 498 00:25:11,440 --> 00:25:15,280 Speaker 3: That I can go somewhere the volleyball, it's really cool 499 00:25:15,320 --> 00:25:18,720 Speaker 3: for them to see and for me to see. 500 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:21,200 Speaker 1: Yeah, for sure, Well, because I was gonna say, because 501 00:25:21,200 --> 00:25:23,040 Speaker 1: you got like Chiaka, you got Haley Washington, you got 502 00:25:23,119 --> 00:25:25,800 Speaker 1: Jordan Thompson out there, we're just dominating right now on 503 00:25:25,840 --> 00:25:30,280 Speaker 1: the Olympic stage, on this international stage, right and I 504 00:25:30,280 --> 00:25:34,240 Speaker 1: feel like having those girls to look up to, you know, 505 00:25:34,320 --> 00:25:36,880 Speaker 1: it's a whole other ballgame when you get to see 506 00:25:36,920 --> 00:25:38,240 Speaker 1: that representation. 507 00:25:37,880 --> 00:25:41,879 Speaker 3: Right, And I'm very happy that now it's not just 508 00:25:41,920 --> 00:25:44,679 Speaker 3: going to be on TV. It would be like in 509 00:25:44,760 --> 00:25:47,160 Speaker 3: person you're able to see those girls that you looked 510 00:25:47,160 --> 00:25:51,000 Speaker 3: at TV for international ball or just on the Olympics. 511 00:25:51,000 --> 00:25:53,280 Speaker 3: So some people don't watch international ball, they only see 512 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:56,639 Speaker 3: professional volleyball when it comes on the Olympics. And so 513 00:25:56,720 --> 00:25:59,240 Speaker 3: now it will be in person. You're able to meet 514 00:25:59,280 --> 00:26:03,800 Speaker 3: these people, You'll be able to possibly do like the 515 00:26:04,200 --> 00:26:06,440 Speaker 3: camps that Love haves and the clubs and all that 516 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:09,280 Speaker 3: kind of things. So it's very It's it's a big 517 00:26:09,440 --> 00:26:13,080 Speaker 3: thing that Love is doing to bring the athletes, big 518 00:26:13,119 --> 00:26:15,760 Speaker 3: time athletes to the US and to play in person. 519 00:26:15,920 --> 00:26:19,320 Speaker 3: Like I don't think anyone really understands how big it 520 00:26:19,359 --> 00:26:22,000 Speaker 3: is until it happens for sure. 521 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:24,800 Speaker 1: And what have you been doing personally to kind of 522 00:26:24,880 --> 00:26:27,560 Speaker 1: help bring you know, to be a role model for 523 00:26:27,640 --> 00:26:28,199 Speaker 1: these girls. 524 00:26:28,920 --> 00:26:31,960 Speaker 3: So right now I am I do have like I 525 00:26:32,040 --> 00:26:36,840 Speaker 3: do clinics and camps you know, either through my through 526 00:26:36,880 --> 00:26:40,679 Speaker 3: Costola through my alum or I'll do my private lessons 527 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:44,359 Speaker 3: on my own. Right now, I'm working with my elementary 528 00:26:44,359 --> 00:26:46,800 Speaker 3: school like where I started. That is like I had 529 00:26:46,840 --> 00:26:48,680 Speaker 3: my first day today and that was like literally so 530 00:26:48,760 --> 00:26:52,320 Speaker 3: cute because the gym is the exact same. Like you know, 531 00:26:52,480 --> 00:26:54,359 Speaker 3: you go into a gym or elementary school, You're like, 532 00:26:54,480 --> 00:26:58,600 Speaker 3: was it really that shortened here? But but yes, it's 533 00:26:58,640 --> 00:27:01,560 Speaker 3: just like they appeal like the program had stopped a 534 00:27:01,640 --> 00:27:03,520 Speaker 3: while ago and so it's only been three years where 535 00:27:03,520 --> 00:27:06,199 Speaker 3: they're able to like start up the program again. And 536 00:27:06,280 --> 00:27:10,080 Speaker 3: so I'm just like there with them every every other 537 00:27:10,160 --> 00:27:12,520 Speaker 3: week once a week, like just gonna come in and 538 00:27:12,560 --> 00:27:15,560 Speaker 3: do like their drills during their practices. Obviously go to 539 00:27:15,600 --> 00:27:18,600 Speaker 3: their games, but I'm just so so excited. Today it 540 00:27:18,640 --> 00:27:20,280 Speaker 3: was just like you know, meeting them and we did 541 00:27:20,400 --> 00:27:25,320 Speaker 3: like a vision board. Obviously the coaches are they take control. 542 00:27:25,359 --> 00:27:28,320 Speaker 3: I'm just there to help, but it was I that 543 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:31,440 Speaker 3: was I'm really coming down from this from my call 544 00:27:31,480 --> 00:27:33,840 Speaker 3: because I just did that before this, but I was 545 00:27:33,920 --> 00:27:37,040 Speaker 3: just like that was just really really cool to you know, 546 00:27:37,160 --> 00:27:39,879 Speaker 3: be back where it all started and also just to 547 00:27:39,920 --> 00:27:43,760 Speaker 3: be an inspiration to them and to help them grow 548 00:27:43,920 --> 00:27:46,439 Speaker 3: obviously through skills, but my main goal is to like 549 00:27:46,520 --> 00:27:49,760 Speaker 3: make sure that they are confident and able to understand 550 00:27:49,840 --> 00:27:53,800 Speaker 3: that like being an athlete comes with, you know, advocating 551 00:27:53,840 --> 00:27:58,240 Speaker 3: for yourself and being strong and believing in yourself and 552 00:27:58,280 --> 00:27:59,840 Speaker 3: you take the outside. 553 00:27:59,520 --> 00:28:00,680 Speaker 2: You know, to the regular world. 554 00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:03,800 Speaker 3: So I'm really really happy that I, you know, decided 555 00:28:03,840 --> 00:28:06,160 Speaker 3: to volunteer with them, and I'm excited to see how 556 00:28:06,160 --> 00:28:06,679 Speaker 3: that goes. 557 00:28:06,840 --> 00:28:08,760 Speaker 2: For sure, It's like it's it's gonna be a it's 558 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:09,520 Speaker 2: gonna be a blast. 559 00:28:10,920 --> 00:28:14,320 Speaker 1: I feel like that mindset is something that us as 560 00:28:14,400 --> 00:28:17,440 Speaker 1: adults can really hone in on and we can see 561 00:28:17,440 --> 00:28:19,959 Speaker 1: that did you struggle with that at all when you 562 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:22,280 Speaker 1: were younger? And like it's first starting to play. 563 00:28:22,640 --> 00:28:27,960 Speaker 3: Yes, I still today it's I have to remind myself, 564 00:28:28,040 --> 00:28:30,199 Speaker 3: you know, I'm that girl, or I'm doing this, or 565 00:28:30,200 --> 00:28:33,400 Speaker 3: I'm confident, or remind myself of things that I've done 566 00:28:33,440 --> 00:28:36,679 Speaker 3: in the past to get myself here. So yes, I 567 00:28:36,720 --> 00:28:39,800 Speaker 3: think every girl has that inklink when they were younger, 568 00:28:39,800 --> 00:28:42,720 Speaker 3: for sure, to deal with confidence and to deal with 569 00:28:44,480 --> 00:28:48,800 Speaker 3: you know, self confidence and self esteem issues, or being 570 00:28:48,800 --> 00:28:51,160 Speaker 3: a black girl, being a certain color with your hair, 571 00:28:51,200 --> 00:28:54,480 Speaker 3: and there's just so many things that I obviously struggled 572 00:28:54,480 --> 00:28:58,640 Speaker 3: through because of society. But I think sports definitely helped 573 00:28:58,680 --> 00:29:02,320 Speaker 3: me because it showed me what I'm good at, and 574 00:29:02,360 --> 00:29:04,800 Speaker 3: then it also brought out other things like leadership and 575 00:29:04,920 --> 00:29:08,880 Speaker 3: mentorship and you know, being a friendly person or being 576 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:10,719 Speaker 3: a boss. Like I used to be called bossy all 577 00:29:10,760 --> 00:29:12,600 Speaker 3: the time, and I was like, no, I just I'm 578 00:29:12,640 --> 00:29:16,280 Speaker 3: assertive and I like to having a certain way. So 579 00:29:17,240 --> 00:29:19,520 Speaker 3: I definitely want to make sure that when I did 580 00:29:19,520 --> 00:29:21,920 Speaker 3: have that problem when I was younger, I think sports 581 00:29:22,000 --> 00:29:24,480 Speaker 3: was the alleyway to confidence for sure. 582 00:29:25,600 --> 00:29:28,040 Speaker 1: Yeah you were bossy. You were just a boss girl. 583 00:29:28,200 --> 00:29:32,160 Speaker 2: That's exactly bossy. 584 00:29:32,480 --> 00:29:48,280 Speaker 1: Okay, how do you think that this idea of you know, 585 00:29:48,480 --> 00:29:54,240 Speaker 1: diversifying the sport, just diversifying a representation and role models, Like, 586 00:29:54,280 --> 00:29:57,000 Speaker 1: what do you think still needs to happen to continue 587 00:29:57,040 --> 00:29:59,080 Speaker 1: to progress to progress? 588 00:29:59,680 --> 00:30:05,320 Speaker 2: That is a good question. I feel like. 589 00:30:07,160 --> 00:30:11,040 Speaker 3: For sure, like women's sports in general needs to be broadcasted, 590 00:30:11,120 --> 00:30:14,200 Speaker 3: and it's getting better obviously just getting broadcasted more and more. 591 00:30:16,600 --> 00:30:19,520 Speaker 3: There I have to think about this question for sure, 592 00:30:20,400 --> 00:30:21,560 Speaker 3: so I'm not entirely sure. 593 00:30:22,280 --> 00:30:25,680 Speaker 2: Yeah, I'm not sure exactly what would I know? 594 00:30:25,720 --> 00:30:27,640 Speaker 3: It obviously can get better and I'm trying to think 595 00:30:27,680 --> 00:30:31,720 Speaker 3: of what exactly could happen to make it better because 596 00:30:31,720 --> 00:30:34,160 Speaker 3: we're doing our part. We're trying to be out there 597 00:30:34,400 --> 00:30:40,240 Speaker 3: in person and too, you know, be hands on with 598 00:30:40,360 --> 00:30:45,560 Speaker 3: the girls like bringing maybe mentorship could work, But I 599 00:30:45,560 --> 00:30:52,400 Speaker 3: think overall, volleyball broadcasting or female sports broadcasting is. 600 00:30:51,480 --> 00:30:55,280 Speaker 2: A little bit, a little bit part of it. That 601 00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:56,120 Speaker 2: is a definitely question. 602 00:30:56,200 --> 00:30:57,760 Speaker 3: I gotta I need to know about it because I 603 00:30:57,760 --> 00:31:00,680 Speaker 3: need to be a part of it to to awareness. 604 00:31:01,120 --> 00:31:03,840 Speaker 1: Yeah, I mean you are already part of this, right, 605 00:31:03,920 --> 00:31:07,560 Speaker 1: You are bringing awareness, You're helping the younger generation, right, 606 00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:10,920 Speaker 1: But yeah, I definitely think that you know, making people 607 00:31:10,960 --> 00:31:14,760 Speaker 1: aware that this is a thing and that girls, no 608 00:31:14,840 --> 00:31:16,800 Speaker 1: matter who you are, can participate. 609 00:31:16,960 --> 00:31:17,200 Speaker 3: Right. 610 00:31:17,240 --> 00:31:18,920 Speaker 1: And actually, I think that's one of the really cool 611 00:31:18,920 --> 00:31:21,720 Speaker 1: things about the way that Love has structured their schedule 612 00:31:22,360 --> 00:31:25,120 Speaker 1: is you know, you're kind of making stops in these cities. Right, 613 00:31:25,200 --> 00:31:27,720 Speaker 1: It's like an exhibition weekend, so you get to see 614 00:31:28,000 --> 00:31:31,400 Speaker 1: all these girls from all over compete and play each other. 615 00:31:31,480 --> 00:31:34,480 Speaker 1: So you know, even though you're playing for Austin, you 616 00:31:34,520 --> 00:31:36,880 Speaker 1: guys get to go to Atlanta all right for the weekend. 617 00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:41,640 Speaker 1: So I mean, are you are you bringing all the 618 00:31:41,680 --> 00:31:43,400 Speaker 1: elementary girls, your family, like. 619 00:31:43,360 --> 00:31:44,680 Speaker 2: Your whole crew. 620 00:31:45,000 --> 00:31:49,440 Speaker 3: So everyone's always asking their like playing Atlanta outside guys, 621 00:31:49,480 --> 00:31:50,160 Speaker 3: But you don't understand. 622 00:31:50,200 --> 00:31:52,600 Speaker 2: I get to come home and you guys get to 623 00:31:52,640 --> 00:31:55,200 Speaker 2: pack out the gym. Like I need to have bad heads. 624 00:31:55,240 --> 00:31:59,280 Speaker 3: I need to have my elementary girls, my private last girls, 625 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:00,480 Speaker 3: good Bill crew. 626 00:32:00,640 --> 00:32:02,080 Speaker 2: I have everyone. 627 00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:04,560 Speaker 3: It's going to be pulling up, have a whole section. 628 00:32:05,240 --> 00:32:08,840 Speaker 3: I'm going to just tape out Lea's area. But I'm 629 00:32:08,960 --> 00:32:13,080 Speaker 3: so so happy, especially because I've had like a couple 630 00:32:13,120 --> 00:32:15,160 Speaker 3: of years ago, i was working out. I was doing 631 00:32:15,160 --> 00:32:17,560 Speaker 3: camps with a Decatur rec area because I grew up 632 00:32:17,600 --> 00:32:20,040 Speaker 3: in a Decatur area. I'm always trying to do camps 633 00:32:20,640 --> 00:32:22,960 Speaker 3: or clinics in the area that I actually grew up 634 00:32:22,960 --> 00:32:26,200 Speaker 3: because I did not have the opportunity to get volleyball, 635 00:32:26,280 --> 00:32:27,920 Speaker 3: and so I'm trying to always put it in the 636 00:32:28,040 --> 00:32:30,680 Speaker 3: areas that I knew just didn't have volleyball as a 637 00:32:30,680 --> 00:32:33,480 Speaker 3: prevalent sport. And so I'm going to be reaching out 638 00:32:33,480 --> 00:32:35,800 Speaker 3: to those girls like, hey, like I'm back in town, 639 00:32:35,920 --> 00:32:38,480 Speaker 3: like I'm going to actually be playing. I was like 640 00:32:38,520 --> 00:32:40,480 Speaker 3: for you guys to come see if you can't come 641 00:32:40,480 --> 00:32:42,480 Speaker 3: to the game, like I would maybe come see you 642 00:32:42,600 --> 00:32:47,240 Speaker 3: before or after just to continue the like you said, 643 00:32:47,280 --> 00:32:51,640 Speaker 3: the awareness and the prevalence of the sport and so 644 00:32:51,720 --> 00:32:55,560 Speaker 3: that they understand and see firsthand like they can do 645 00:32:55,720 --> 00:33:00,320 Speaker 3: this and or there is representation because the first the 646 00:33:00,360 --> 00:33:02,880 Speaker 3: first step is being able to see your goal. And 647 00:33:02,920 --> 00:33:05,600 Speaker 3: if it's a person, then that's you know, that's even better. 648 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:08,120 Speaker 1: What's your goal for this upcoming season? 649 00:33:08,400 --> 00:33:15,680 Speaker 2: Hey, hey, hey, get the real questions right. 650 00:33:17,920 --> 00:33:20,280 Speaker 3: In all honesty, I I know who I'm playing with, 651 00:33:20,320 --> 00:33:22,320 Speaker 3: and i know who I know where I'm stacking on 652 00:33:22,360 --> 00:33:23,640 Speaker 3: the team, and I'm trying to get better. 653 00:33:23,720 --> 00:33:26,560 Speaker 2: Obviously as a player, obviously I want to play, Obviously 654 00:33:26,560 --> 00:33:27,360 Speaker 2: I want to be a starter. 655 00:33:27,760 --> 00:33:30,120 Speaker 3: But the main goal coming out of it is to 656 00:33:30,560 --> 00:33:34,080 Speaker 3: enhance my sports by three times for sure after this 657 00:33:34,120 --> 00:33:34,960 Speaker 3: season and the. 658 00:33:34,920 --> 00:33:36,080 Speaker 2: Following next season. 659 00:33:37,080 --> 00:33:39,840 Speaker 3: Obviously ill loft my team to win and win the championship, 660 00:33:39,880 --> 00:33:43,800 Speaker 3: but for me personally, it is to increase my skills 661 00:33:43,920 --> 00:33:46,760 Speaker 3: literally by three times by the end of that season. 662 00:33:47,160 --> 00:33:48,560 Speaker 2: Yeah, I love it. 663 00:33:48,560 --> 00:33:51,400 Speaker 1: Well, I'm so excited to watch you when you play 664 00:33:51,520 --> 00:33:53,360 Speaker 1: in this league. It's going to be amazing. I'm excited 665 00:33:53,400 --> 00:33:56,520 Speaker 1: to watch everybody. I'm excited to watch Chiaka and everybody 666 00:33:56,600 --> 00:34:00,720 Speaker 1: else play for every World on Sunday morning. Yes, sure, 667 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:06,520 Speaker 1: let's go. Yeah, Eliah, it was a pleasure speaking with you. 668 00:34:06,800 --> 00:34:09,080 Speaker 1: I can't wait, like I said, to watch you play, 669 00:34:09,160 --> 00:34:11,680 Speaker 1: And thank you so much for being on Serving Pancakes. 670 00:34:11,680 --> 00:34:13,920 Speaker 3: Of course, thank you so much for having me and 671 00:34:13,920 --> 00:34:17,160 Speaker 3: this was really really sweet. I loved it and we 672 00:34:17,200 --> 00:34:20,200 Speaker 3: will be chearing for Gold on Sunday. 673 00:34:23,960 --> 00:34:25,839 Speaker 1: By the way, if you're new to volleyball, make sure 674 00:34:25,880 --> 00:34:28,520 Speaker 1: you check out Kayles Stapleton, who played volleyball at San 675 00:34:28,560 --> 00:34:32,440 Speaker 1: Diego and professionally overseas for three years, and Devin Newberry, 676 00:34:32,440 --> 00:34:36,120 Speaker 1: who played beach volleyball for UCLA. They'll be posting volleyball 677 00:34:36,200 --> 00:34:39,600 Speaker 1: one on one on our social channels at love That's 678 00:34:39,719 --> 00:34:43,560 Speaker 1: at l OVB to help you understand the rules, positions, 679 00:34:43,600 --> 00:34:46,400 Speaker 1: and everything in between, so make sure to follow so 680 00:34:46,440 --> 00:34:50,320 Speaker 1: you don't miss. Serving Pancakes is an iHeart women's sports 681 00:34:50,320 --> 00:34:54,480 Speaker 1: production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You 682 00:34:54,480 --> 00:34:57,719 Speaker 1: can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or 683 00:34:57,760 --> 00:35:01,880 Speaker 1: wherever you get your podcasts. Production by League One Volleyball. 684 00:35:02,520 --> 00:35:07,160 Speaker 1: I'm your host, Tiffany Oshinsky, Amya Alvarez is our senior producer. 685 00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:12,160 Speaker 1: Our executive producers are Carrie Stett, Tamaradikey, and Lindsay Hoffman. 686 00:35:12,840 --> 00:35:16,880 Speaker 1: Our marketing leave is Jawara Parker. Sound editing and mixing 687 00:35:16,960 --> 00:35:21,239 Speaker 1: by Cody Nelson. Our theme music is Pancakes by Eric W. 688 00:35:21,400 --> 00:35:24,799 Speaker 1: Mask Junior. Stay tuned for our next episode where we 689 00:35:24,880 --> 00:35:28,400 Speaker 1: break down the gold medal match between Team USA and Italy. 690 00:35:28,960 --> 00:35:29,880 Speaker 1: Thanks for listening.