1 00:00:02,800 --> 00:00:06,000 Speaker 1: Hi, I'm Tiffany Oshinsky, and this is serving Pancakes with 2 00:00:06,120 --> 00:00:09,160 Speaker 1: League One Volleyball. Over the past few episodes, we've been 3 00:00:09,160 --> 00:00:12,160 Speaker 1: following Team USA's quest for gold at the Paris Olympics 4 00:00:12,280 --> 00:00:15,560 Speaker 1: while also talking with talented people in and around volleyball 5 00:00:15,600 --> 00:00:19,119 Speaker 1: and women's sports. The US women's national team will come 6 00:00:19,160 --> 00:00:21,960 Speaker 1: home with a silver medal, and who better to talk 7 00:00:22,000 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: about this remarkable feat with than former Olympian Kim Hill 8 00:00:25,600 --> 00:00:29,680 Speaker 1: and Love Houston Middle blocker Amber Igdi. Kim is a 9 00:00:29,720 --> 00:00:33,240 Speaker 1: former outside hitter for Team USA and two time Olympic medalists, 10 00:00:33,320 --> 00:00:36,800 Speaker 1: winning the Bronze and Rio and Golden Tokyo. Kim's career 11 00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:40,440 Speaker 1: also extends from the hardwood to the sand. While at Pepperdine, 12 00:00:40,479 --> 00:00:43,479 Speaker 1: she became the first college volleyball player to earn ABC 13 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:47,320 Speaker 1: All American First Team honors in both indoor and beach 14 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:50,479 Speaker 1: and Amber played at the University of Hawaii and was 15 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:54,680 Speaker 1: instrumental in propelling the Wahinis into perennial Big West champions 16 00:00:55,000 --> 00:00:57,280 Speaker 1: In twenty twenty two, she was selected for the US 17 00:00:57,320 --> 00:01:00,760 Speaker 1: women's indoor volleyball national collegiate team and has been training 18 00:01:00,800 --> 00:01:04,000 Speaker 1: with the US national team since twenty twenty three. Amber 19 00:01:04,040 --> 00:01:06,880 Speaker 1: played professionally overseas and we'll be coming back to the 20 00:01:06,920 --> 00:01:15,360 Speaker 1: States to play in Houston for League one. Ken Amber, 21 00:01:15,440 --> 00:01:17,080 Speaker 1: Welcome to Serving Pancakes. 22 00:01:17,319 --> 00:01:18,240 Speaker 2: Thanks for having us. 23 00:01:18,760 --> 00:01:21,280 Speaker 1: Yeah, thank you, Yeah so excited. 24 00:01:21,400 --> 00:01:21,960 Speaker 2: Have you too? 25 00:01:22,160 --> 00:01:24,759 Speaker 1: Now, have you guys met in person before? 26 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:28,440 Speaker 3: Well, I don't know if it's like officially meet, but 27 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:31,800 Speaker 3: we know each other. I coached at Lung Beach State 28 00:01:31,880 --> 00:01:34,720 Speaker 3: for Steven as an assistant and we played against Hawaii, 29 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:38,160 Speaker 3: so I've scouted Amber and watched her dominate us and 30 00:01:38,280 --> 00:01:40,080 Speaker 3: all that stuff. And also I should say even before 31 00:01:40,120 --> 00:01:42,640 Speaker 3: we played you, I had heard excellent things not about 32 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:44,720 Speaker 3: I mean about you as a player, but also about 33 00:01:44,760 --> 00:01:46,240 Speaker 3: you as a person. So I just want to say 34 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:48,080 Speaker 3: that I've liked you from the start. 35 00:01:50,000 --> 00:01:53,760 Speaker 4: That means so much, guys, because literally, like obviously leaving 36 00:01:53,880 --> 00:01:56,920 Speaker 4: like yeah, like I just always I'm not even just 37 00:01:56,960 --> 00:01:59,280 Speaker 4: saying that's always like looked up to the camp. He's 38 00:01:59,320 --> 00:02:01,520 Speaker 4: not my position, like an out dive, but still like 39 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:04,440 Speaker 4: there's still awesome, an amazing player and person, like you said, 40 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:07,280 Speaker 4: and when you were coaching against us, like I was 41 00:02:07,320 --> 00:02:08,959 Speaker 4: just looking at you across the net like, oh my gosh. 42 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:13,120 Speaker 5: I literally to watch. I'm glad that we're doing this together. 43 00:02:13,960 --> 00:02:14,320 Speaker 2: Me too. 44 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:17,840 Speaker 1: That's amazing. I love this. We're bringing everybody together, right, 45 00:02:18,639 --> 00:02:24,840 Speaker 1: Volleyball brings people together. Well, let's dive right into the Olympics. 46 00:02:25,160 --> 00:02:29,160 Speaker 1: Team USA lost to a dominant Italy in three straight 47 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:32,760 Speaker 1: sets twenty five eighteen, twenty five, twenty twenty five, seventeen. 48 00:02:33,240 --> 00:02:36,360 Speaker 1: But stepping back for a second, the US wasn't even 49 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:39,400 Speaker 1: expected to meddle in these games, and they're coming home 50 00:02:39,400 --> 00:02:43,600 Speaker 1: from Paris with the silver medal. Talk about the good 51 00:02:43,840 --> 00:02:45,680 Speaker 1: that you saw during these summer games. 52 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:48,080 Speaker 3: I mean, I think you said it like, I think 53 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,799 Speaker 3: expectations were not that they were low, but there they 54 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:54,320 Speaker 3: were different than maybe past Olympics. And the team I 55 00:02:54,360 --> 00:02:57,600 Speaker 3: think is still growing and still figuring out things. And 56 00:02:57,639 --> 00:03:01,040 Speaker 3: so I mean, I think just looking at their expressions 57 00:03:01,080 --> 00:03:03,440 Speaker 3: after every match that they won and like the like 58 00:03:03,639 --> 00:03:06,120 Speaker 3: pure joy and like oh my gosh, you know, like 59 00:03:06,200 --> 00:03:09,120 Speaker 3: this is happening. Versus the past Olympics. There's almost a 60 00:03:09,160 --> 00:03:11,320 Speaker 3: sense of relief when you win because you're expected to 61 00:03:11,360 --> 00:03:13,760 Speaker 3: win gold, you know, and it's like a okay, next step, 62 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:17,640 Speaker 3: next step versus the Silmpics. Was like every game they 63 00:03:17,680 --> 00:03:19,639 Speaker 3: were like oh, my gosh, we're doing it. We're doing 64 00:03:19,639 --> 00:03:21,960 Speaker 3: it kind of thing, and I think that's special. Silver 65 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,680 Speaker 3: Metal is like so freaking nuts and you can see 66 00:03:24,720 --> 00:03:27,040 Speaker 3: in the girl's face they're so proud of it, which 67 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:30,640 Speaker 3: they should be. And also when you lose to a 68 00:03:30,720 --> 00:03:32,920 Speaker 3: team like that, that Italian team, they were dominant, they 69 00:03:32,919 --> 00:03:36,080 Speaker 3: were dominant, so you have to be totally proud of 70 00:03:36,080 --> 00:03:37,720 Speaker 3: everything they did and not just what they did, but 71 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:39,440 Speaker 3: like who they are as people and how they did it. 72 00:03:39,480 --> 00:03:43,040 Speaker 2: I think, yeah, I totally agree with Kim. 73 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:46,520 Speaker 5: I think as athletes, we love that feeling of almost 74 00:03:46,600 --> 00:03:50,120 Speaker 5: building and I think the US almost like peaked at 75 00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:53,080 Speaker 5: the right time because like after each game it was 76 00:03:53,120 --> 00:03:54,880 Speaker 5: like a sense of joy, just like you said that. 77 00:03:54,960 --> 00:03:57,120 Speaker 5: I love that and instead of just like you know, 78 00:03:57,160 --> 00:03:59,000 Speaker 5: like really it's like oh God, thank god we want 79 00:03:59,000 --> 00:04:01,080 Speaker 5: but like just like joy, like the things that they 80 00:04:01,200 --> 00:04:04,280 Speaker 5: were practicing and working towards are actually coming together. So 81 00:04:04,280 --> 00:04:05,800 Speaker 5: I think it was a beautiful thing to see. And 82 00:04:06,520 --> 00:04:09,920 Speaker 5: Silver is like amazing, like it's it's obviously like one 83 00:04:09,960 --> 00:04:12,760 Speaker 5: step behind gold, but it's as close as you can get, 84 00:04:12,800 --> 00:04:16,040 Speaker 5: you know. So I think they should be proud, And yeah, 85 00:04:16,120 --> 00:04:18,240 Speaker 5: I think the coach's actually be proud as well. 86 00:04:18,320 --> 00:04:19,720 Speaker 2: So that's awesome for sure. 87 00:04:19,800 --> 00:04:21,640 Speaker 1: Now, Kim, you got to play in Tokyo and when 88 00:04:21,680 --> 00:04:23,520 Speaker 1: gold with a bunch of the players on this current 89 00:04:23,560 --> 00:04:27,480 Speaker 1: Olympic roster. But things were a little different then because 90 00:04:27,520 --> 00:04:30,960 Speaker 1: they were zero fans and you also played for Brons 91 00:04:31,000 --> 00:04:33,960 Speaker 1: and Rio, so you expect it. You experienced that crowd. 92 00:04:34,240 --> 00:04:36,640 Speaker 1: So how much of a difference is it do you 93 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:39,919 Speaker 1: think to go from playing for gold in front of 94 00:04:39,960 --> 00:04:42,080 Speaker 1: no One to all of a sudden being in this 95 00:04:42,120 --> 00:04:43,679 Speaker 1: gold medal match in front of everyone. 96 00:04:44,120 --> 00:04:47,760 Speaker 3: Uh, very different. I will say COVID volleyball was weird. 97 00:04:48,160 --> 00:04:51,040 Speaker 3: Tokyo was always weird. It was dead quiet. I mean 98 00:04:51,040 --> 00:04:52,880 Speaker 3: Amber's played in front of she put Hawaii, so she 99 00:04:52,920 --> 00:04:54,599 Speaker 3: was put in front of thousands and thousands of fans 100 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:56,680 Speaker 3: all the time. You feed off that a a You 101 00:04:56,720 --> 00:04:59,839 Speaker 3: feed off it winning or losing or whatever, even just 102 00:05:00,080 --> 00:05:03,800 Speaker 3: every second of the game feels very different. So I mean, 103 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:06,159 Speaker 3: as much of a bummer it is as it is 104 00:05:06,200 --> 00:05:08,440 Speaker 3: to lose in a gold medal match, like I bet 105 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:12,800 Speaker 3: their experience was incredible the whole time playing, especially playing 106 00:05:12,800 --> 00:05:16,000 Speaker 3: in front of your family and friends. Professionally, we don't 107 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:18,480 Speaker 3: get to do that as athletes, you know, as volleyball players. 108 00:05:18,480 --> 00:05:21,760 Speaker 3: We were playing overseas all year. Maybe your parents come 109 00:05:21,839 --> 00:05:24,240 Speaker 3: and visit, you know, one week out of the year, 110 00:05:24,279 --> 00:05:25,760 Speaker 3: but like to play in front of your you know, 111 00:05:26,040 --> 00:05:29,120 Speaker 3: your sisters and brothers and husbands and boyfriends and everyone. 112 00:05:29,920 --> 00:05:32,640 Speaker 3: That's it's magical. It's so special. I remember in Rio, 113 00:05:33,279 --> 00:05:35,760 Speaker 3: like seeing my family up there and crying after every match, 114 00:05:35,800 --> 00:05:38,120 Speaker 3: almost tearing up. Could be like, this is so wild. 115 00:05:38,160 --> 00:05:40,440 Speaker 3: My whole family's right there, you know. So it's a 116 00:05:40,480 --> 00:05:43,960 Speaker 3: big difference, and it adds I mean, it heightens emotions, 117 00:05:43,960 --> 00:05:46,159 Speaker 3: of course in a different way, but it just adds 118 00:05:46,279 --> 00:05:48,880 Speaker 3: so much to the experience. So I'm so glad, especially 119 00:05:48,920 --> 00:05:51,200 Speaker 3: the girls that played in Tokyo. I'm glad that they 120 00:05:51,279 --> 00:05:52,960 Speaker 3: got experience in this way for sure. 121 00:05:53,440 --> 00:05:56,839 Speaker 1: Yeah, and Kim, you played in Italy overseas. Amber, you 122 00:05:57,120 --> 00:06:00,839 Speaker 1: just played overseas in Italy, and you know, watching this match, 123 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:04,800 Speaker 1: there were so many Italian fans at this match, right, 124 00:06:04,839 --> 00:06:07,480 Speaker 1: which also helps when the host country is literally right 125 00:06:07,520 --> 00:06:12,240 Speaker 1: next door. So Amber, from your experience just being in Italy, 126 00:06:12,320 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: how big is volleyball over there? Yeah, volleyball is cuge. 127 00:06:15,800 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 5: I would say, it's like one of the top, like, 128 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:19,760 Speaker 5: if not one of the top leagues in the country, 129 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:23,600 Speaker 5: and so are in the world. And so I feel like, when, 130 00:06:24,160 --> 00:06:28,800 Speaker 5: like Kim said, compared to Hawaii, I've never played in 131 00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:30,880 Speaker 5: front of a crowd as close as it was like 132 00:06:31,880 --> 00:06:34,400 Speaker 5: in Hawaii and Italy like sort of really matched that. 133 00:06:35,000 --> 00:06:39,400 Speaker 5: And I played for Roma and their whole like stadium 134 00:06:39,520 --> 00:06:42,440 Speaker 5: is pretty condensed and when they have all the fans, 135 00:06:42,480 --> 00:06:44,279 Speaker 5: like you can like feel the rumble and it just 136 00:06:44,320 --> 00:06:48,080 Speaker 5: like electrifies everyone, and like him says, it can hide 137 00:06:48,120 --> 00:06:51,000 Speaker 5: in emotions and it's almost like the perspective, like the 138 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:52,880 Speaker 5: way you look at it, like a lot of people 139 00:06:52,960 --> 00:06:55,400 Speaker 5: might kind of you know, sort of like strength to 140 00:06:55,480 --> 00:06:57,800 Speaker 5: that and things like that. But if you let it 141 00:06:58,680 --> 00:07:00,560 Speaker 5: feed off your energy in the best way, then I 142 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:03,080 Speaker 5: think it can really help you. So I love playing 143 00:07:03,080 --> 00:07:05,200 Speaker 5: in Italy. It's one of my favorite places to play 144 00:07:05,240 --> 00:07:07,520 Speaker 5: because of how awesome the crowd is and how passionate 145 00:07:07,520 --> 00:07:07,800 Speaker 5: they are. 146 00:07:07,880 --> 00:07:11,080 Speaker 1: So how much do you both of you love playing 147 00:07:11,120 --> 00:07:13,600 Speaker 1: in front of that just that large crowd, even if 148 00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:15,920 Speaker 1: the fans aren't really for you, but just how much 149 00:07:15,960 --> 00:07:18,360 Speaker 1: how exciting is it to play from that many people. 150 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:21,360 Speaker 3: It's the best even if they're cheering against you, it's 151 00:07:21,360 --> 00:07:23,440 Speaker 3: the best. It's so fun either I mean it's cheering 152 00:07:23,440 --> 00:07:26,280 Speaker 3: for you, it's way better, but like it's it's so 153 00:07:26,520 --> 00:07:28,840 Speaker 3: fun either way. There's even when they cheering against you, 154 00:07:28,880 --> 00:07:30,960 Speaker 3: there's this sort of like, oh oh yeah, you're gonna 155 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:32,280 Speaker 3: cheer for them. In terms of you know what I mean, 156 00:07:32,320 --> 00:07:34,120 Speaker 3: there's a little bit of something I don't know, extra 157 00:07:34,280 --> 00:07:34,760 Speaker 3: motivates you. 158 00:07:34,840 --> 00:07:36,360 Speaker 2: I think it's it's just so fun. 159 00:07:36,720 --> 00:07:39,080 Speaker 5: Yeah, I think it's one of those things that never 160 00:07:39,160 --> 00:07:42,080 Speaker 5: gets old. Like it happens at every level you play, 161 00:07:42,440 --> 00:07:46,080 Speaker 5: like a club, college, you know, professional, Like there's always 162 00:07:46,200 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 5: a crowd that's like I can do that. I don't 163 00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:52,480 Speaker 5: know for me personally, just like him says like it's 164 00:07:52,520 --> 00:07:56,200 Speaker 5: almost like really fun, Like it almost like can motivate 165 00:07:56,240 --> 00:07:58,400 Speaker 5: you in a sort of way, you know, And I 166 00:07:58,440 --> 00:08:01,680 Speaker 5: think that makes sports fun in general when you have 167 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:04,960 Speaker 5: like competition in the crowd almost so I think that's 168 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:05,480 Speaker 5: really cool. 169 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:09,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, feeds you get like fed that energy to just 170 00:08:10,040 --> 00:08:14,720 Speaker 1: dominate knowing that people are against you. Now, Carch has 171 00:08:14,800 --> 00:08:18,320 Speaker 1: been amazing this entire Olympics with his game plans and rotations. 172 00:08:18,320 --> 00:08:20,720 Speaker 1: We really saw that, especially in the match against Serbia 173 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:23,720 Speaker 1: during full play, but you know, Italy just seemed like 174 00:08:23,880 --> 00:08:28,280 Speaker 1: a whole other beast. So seeing how they played throughout 175 00:08:28,360 --> 00:08:31,440 Speaker 1: this torment, is there a rotation or a lineup that 176 00:08:31,480 --> 00:08:34,200 Speaker 1: you wish you could have seen the US try to 177 00:08:34,960 --> 00:08:37,360 Speaker 1: use in this match against Italy to attempt to stop them. 178 00:08:37,640 --> 00:08:42,400 Speaker 2: Oh, interesting question. I mean it seems like they tried. 179 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:44,520 Speaker 3: A lot a lot of different you know, they were 180 00:08:44,520 --> 00:08:46,920 Speaker 3: throwing in a lot of different people. And I would 181 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:49,120 Speaker 3: love to see all the girls get a chance, because 182 00:08:49,200 --> 00:08:51,160 Speaker 3: when you're on the bench and you're like you're losing, 183 00:08:51,200 --> 00:08:52,800 Speaker 3: you're like, come here, I'm gonna do it, you know 184 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:55,160 Speaker 3: what I mean kind of thing. All I will say 185 00:08:55,400 --> 00:08:59,080 Speaker 3: is that I don't think I think anyone they would 186 00:08:59,080 --> 00:09:01,720 Speaker 3: have put in couldn't have matched up against Italy today. 187 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:05,880 Speaker 3: I mean, Italy was so incredible. They were dominant, and 188 00:09:05,920 --> 00:09:08,240 Speaker 3: there was there's a point I think sometimes when you know, 189 00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:10,680 Speaker 3: when you're playing, you're like they are Everything they touch 190 00:09:11,000 --> 00:09:14,080 Speaker 3: is going down, you know, and they're swinging freely and 191 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:17,439 Speaker 3: big and once that's a hard beast to stop. 192 00:09:17,160 --> 00:09:18,679 Speaker 2: Once it gets rolling. So I don't know, I don't know. 193 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:21,080 Speaker 2: I think Carts and the coaching staff did an amazing 194 00:09:21,120 --> 00:09:21,959 Speaker 2: dumb this whole Olympics. 195 00:09:22,040 --> 00:09:26,120 Speaker 5: Really Yeah, I totally agree with Kem with that, Like 196 00:09:26,160 --> 00:09:29,040 Speaker 5: you could. I feel like with any you know, a team, 197 00:09:29,080 --> 00:09:30,960 Speaker 5: you can play like the what if game, But I 198 00:09:31,000 --> 00:09:35,400 Speaker 5: feel like when your competition starts rolling, then it's hard 199 00:09:35,400 --> 00:09:38,360 Speaker 5: for any position to you know, like match up against them. 200 00:09:38,760 --> 00:09:42,480 Speaker 5: But yeah, I feel like the US team like worked 201 00:09:42,520 --> 00:09:45,120 Speaker 5: really hard and they we honestly saw, like earlier in 202 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:47,240 Speaker 5: the tournament too, that he tried different lineups as well. 203 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:50,000 Speaker 5: So I feel like everyone that is cant to prove 204 00:09:50,080 --> 00:09:53,679 Speaker 5: themselves and towards the last game, we definitely saw, you know, 205 00:09:53,720 --> 00:09:57,000 Speaker 5: how dominant Italy was. But it's a hard environment to 206 00:09:57,040 --> 00:09:59,600 Speaker 5: play in. I feel like, especially when Italy's kind of 207 00:09:59,640 --> 00:10:01,360 Speaker 5: rolling and there was a lot of a ton of 208 00:10:01,360 --> 00:10:04,959 Speaker 5: Italian fans in the crowd. But I agree with Cam, 209 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:07,280 Speaker 5: like the one it's game is, it's hard when it 210 00:10:07,320 --> 00:10:08,600 Speaker 5: comes to that those moments. 211 00:10:08,600 --> 00:10:12,760 Speaker 1: You know, so mm hm, Cam, you played against Paula 212 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:16,439 Speaker 1: Igano and seder Alessio Ro among other players on the 213 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:18,720 Speaker 1: team who you know, this is like their third Olympics. 214 00:10:18,720 --> 00:10:21,960 Speaker 1: But what is it like trying to block that offensive attack? 215 00:10:22,400 --> 00:10:23,199 Speaker 2: It is not fun. 216 00:10:24,880 --> 00:10:27,480 Speaker 3: It's what's interesting about the Italian team right now is 217 00:10:27,480 --> 00:10:30,520 Speaker 3: they've always like had Paula and she's amazing, and you're 218 00:10:30,559 --> 00:10:33,120 Speaker 3: kind of like honeing on Paula, but now they have 219 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:36,240 Speaker 3: weapons in every Their middles are nuts right now. They're 220 00:10:36,280 --> 00:10:40,000 Speaker 3: both so far and on en Asia are like dumb good. 221 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:43,920 Speaker 3: Their outsides are both amazing, and Alessia Orro is playing 222 00:10:44,040 --> 00:10:46,520 Speaker 3: incredible too. I mean like I've been playing against his 223 00:10:46,600 --> 00:10:49,120 Speaker 3: girls for years and they were always good. And I 224 00:10:49,559 --> 00:10:52,120 Speaker 3: just messaged an Italian teammate, Miriam Silla, this is a 225 00:10:52,160 --> 00:10:53,560 Speaker 3: little bit ago, and I was like, you guys have 226 00:10:53,640 --> 00:10:58,200 Speaker 3: been like this volcano this past like like probably six 227 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:01,360 Speaker 3: or seven years of like building building, like we all 228 00:11:01,440 --> 00:11:03,400 Speaker 3: know there's something there, but I haven't really quiet, and 229 00:11:03,400 --> 00:11:05,559 Speaker 3: then suddenly it just like exploded and you're like, this 230 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,800 Speaker 3: is unstoppable. It's really incredible, all the weapons they have. 231 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:11,280 Speaker 3: It's just it's frustrating the play against. 232 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:25,559 Speaker 1: One of the announcers was saying that, you know a 233 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:28,000 Speaker 1: few years ago, if you said that the women's Italian 234 00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:30,280 Speaker 1: team were gonna win the gold medal before the men's 235 00:11:30,360 --> 00:11:32,480 Speaker 1: that they would have laughed in your face. And I 236 00:11:32,559 --> 00:11:35,600 Speaker 1: think we just saw how amazing they are Now, when 237 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:38,079 Speaker 1: both of you are watching these games, are you kind 238 00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:40,200 Speaker 1: of like I wish I was out there so I 239 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:44,040 Speaker 1: could attempt to, you know, block Palla or I could 240 00:11:44,040 --> 00:11:47,000 Speaker 1: be part of that that game, or are you kind 241 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:48,800 Speaker 1: of watching this as a fan now? And n Amber, 242 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:51,440 Speaker 1: let's start with you, because you know this is you're 243 00:11:51,440 --> 00:11:53,440 Speaker 1: You're on the trajectory right, You're on the up and 244 00:11:53,520 --> 00:11:55,920 Speaker 1: up kenso to him decided to retire even though we 245 00:11:56,000 --> 00:12:00,360 Speaker 1: want to see her keep playing, like a lot. 246 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:03,560 Speaker 5: Of like the Italian teams too, So I'm interested to 247 00:12:03,679 --> 00:12:07,520 Speaker 5: hear your take as well. But yeah, me just starting off, 248 00:12:08,160 --> 00:12:10,280 Speaker 5: when I played in Italy, actually played against Sarah Far, 249 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:13,720 Speaker 5: and I like she's an awesome meddle to play up against. 250 00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:18,000 Speaker 5: I think just giving like her her flowers too, Like 251 00:12:18,040 --> 00:12:20,960 Speaker 5: both of the middles on in Italy did a great 252 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:24,720 Speaker 5: job during the last game. And obviously I love Chiowk, 253 00:12:24,800 --> 00:12:27,440 Speaker 5: I love Haley like they did amazing too, So I 254 00:12:27,480 --> 00:12:29,520 Speaker 5: love watching like two strong middles to go up against 255 00:12:29,520 --> 00:12:33,600 Speaker 5: each other. But yeah, I think I think the only 256 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:37,480 Speaker 5: player I've played against for Italy wise is was Far. 257 00:12:37,600 --> 00:12:40,000 Speaker 5: I believe with Sarah, so I think that's for me, 258 00:12:40,080 --> 00:12:42,439 Speaker 5: but for me it's not even more so like oh, 259 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:44,920 Speaker 5: put me in. It's more so like she's like, how 260 00:12:44,960 --> 00:12:47,200 Speaker 5: great is it that they're playing like two strong teams 261 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:52,000 Speaker 5: playing against each other and and they're all like stepping 262 00:12:52,040 --> 00:12:56,400 Speaker 5: up high level play and just watching Paula and and 263 00:12:56,520 --> 00:12:58,480 Speaker 5: and Drews and JT go up against he because I 264 00:12:58,559 --> 00:13:01,360 Speaker 5: just love like matchups. So I I think it's more 265 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:05,160 Speaker 5: so in my admiration sort of looking at it from 266 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:05,719 Speaker 5: a point of view. 267 00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:07,720 Speaker 1: So how about you, Kim. 268 00:13:07,920 --> 00:13:11,200 Speaker 3: All I will say is I played with Paula for 269 00:13:11,240 --> 00:13:12,599 Speaker 3: a couple of years. I played against her for a 270 00:13:12,640 --> 00:13:14,480 Speaker 3: couple of years. It is a whole different thing. I'm 271 00:13:14,520 --> 00:13:17,600 Speaker 3: six four maybe six five and shoes, and like it's 272 00:13:17,640 --> 00:13:20,520 Speaker 3: a whole different thing me blocking and looking up at 273 00:13:20,600 --> 00:13:23,800 Speaker 3: her hitting. It's like such a wild thing where I'm 274 00:13:23,840 --> 00:13:26,880 Speaker 3: watching them try to block her, and like especially now 275 00:13:26,920 --> 00:13:28,880 Speaker 3: like I played, you know, four years ago, and she 276 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:31,640 Speaker 3: was very good and still developing, and now you're just 277 00:13:31,640 --> 00:13:33,200 Speaker 3: like you don't know where she's going to go, you know, 278 00:13:33,760 --> 00:13:35,559 Speaker 3: and before maybe you could try to read her some. 279 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:38,760 Speaker 3: But I'm watching these blockers today and you know, they're 280 00:13:38,840 --> 00:13:40,280 Speaker 3: moving a bit trying to figure o where she's going 281 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:41,760 Speaker 3: to go. And then she hit the opposite and I'm like, 282 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:45,600 Speaker 3: that's I'm not envious of that right now, because that's 283 00:13:45,640 --> 00:13:49,320 Speaker 3: so frustrating to play against because she's so good. But 284 00:13:49,400 --> 00:13:52,120 Speaker 3: besides that, I'm just I'm only envious of the feeling 285 00:13:52,120 --> 00:13:54,160 Speaker 3: of playing in front of a big crowd like that 286 00:13:54,200 --> 00:13:56,560 Speaker 3: in a gold Midal match, because there's nothing like it 287 00:13:56,600 --> 00:13:57,439 Speaker 3: in the world for sure. 288 00:13:58,360 --> 00:14:01,280 Speaker 1: Well, we have a twenty sixteen bronze and your former 289 00:14:01,320 --> 00:14:04,120 Speaker 1: teammate Kim Courtney Thompson, who has been on the ground 290 00:14:04,120 --> 00:14:06,400 Speaker 1: in Paris since she has a little insight for us 291 00:14:06,440 --> 00:14:06,960 Speaker 1: on the game. 292 00:14:08,160 --> 00:14:08,880 Speaker 2: What's up, guys. 293 00:14:08,920 --> 00:14:12,839 Speaker 6: Courtney Thompson here on serving Pancakes with League One Volleyball, 294 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:17,880 Speaker 6: reporting in live from Paris after a very tough defeat 295 00:14:18,280 --> 00:14:23,320 Speaker 6: to Italy in the finals. Man, you know, Italy was 296 00:14:23,600 --> 00:14:26,600 Speaker 6: unbelievable tonight and it just seemed like they could do 297 00:14:26,720 --> 00:14:27,160 Speaker 6: no wrong. 298 00:14:27,280 --> 00:14:28,920 Speaker 2: And really from the get go. 299 00:14:29,040 --> 00:14:33,000 Speaker 6: They came in, their pins played amazing, their middles are incredible, 300 00:14:33,040 --> 00:14:35,520 Speaker 6: their setter and La Barro are two of the best 301 00:14:35,600 --> 00:14:37,800 Speaker 6: to ever do it, and they all just kind of 302 00:14:37,800 --> 00:14:40,640 Speaker 6: bawled out tough go for the USA like we co 303 00:14:40,840 --> 00:14:43,240 Speaker 6: just couldn't ever kind of find our rhythm and lock 304 00:14:43,320 --> 00:14:44,120 Speaker 6: into anything. 305 00:14:44,800 --> 00:14:46,120 Speaker 2: But man, I. 306 00:14:46,040 --> 00:14:47,840 Speaker 6: Think if you would have told most of these guys 307 00:14:47,840 --> 00:14:51,040 Speaker 6: that they this team, that they would win a silver medal, 308 00:14:51,560 --> 00:14:54,640 Speaker 6: you know, three weeks ago, six weeks ago, they've just 309 00:14:54,680 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 6: been in it, and so for them, it was an 310 00:14:56,480 --> 00:15:01,320 Speaker 6: incredible tournament. Really, to win a medal in the Olympics 311 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:04,160 Speaker 6: is so hard, and to make up finals in the 312 00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:08,280 Speaker 6: Olympics is amazing. So we're super happy for these guys. 313 00:15:08,760 --> 00:15:11,200 Speaker 6: I think the athletes are really proud of what they've done, 314 00:15:11,240 --> 00:15:15,120 Speaker 6: as they should be, and we all are so incredible. 315 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:18,360 Speaker 6: Few weeks of a tournament, it's pretty special when you 316 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:20,400 Speaker 6: get to tap into your best on the world stage, 317 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:24,360 Speaker 6: and the US for sure did that, and Italy did 318 00:15:24,360 --> 00:15:26,440 Speaker 6: it a little better today. But they're an incredible team 319 00:15:26,480 --> 00:15:30,520 Speaker 6: and well deserved gold for them. So, signing off from Paris, 320 00:15:30,680 --> 00:15:33,600 Speaker 6: thanks for reading in it with us, go USA. 321 00:15:36,280 --> 00:15:39,120 Speaker 1: It was a well deserved gold for Italy, and although 322 00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,920 Speaker 1: we all hoped the US would win the gold medal, 323 00:15:41,960 --> 00:15:44,960 Speaker 1: they did get silver, as we said, and that's absolutely amazing, 324 00:15:45,080 --> 00:15:47,720 Speaker 1: and especially since, as we said earlier, you know, they 325 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:50,840 Speaker 1: weren't expected to medal at all, and if you look 326 00:15:51,240 --> 00:15:53,760 Speaker 1: back over the last four Olympics, do you got ten? 327 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:58,200 Speaker 1: USA went silver, bronze, gold, silver, So what does this 328 00:15:58,360 --> 00:16:02,000 Speaker 1: say about our player in the game in the States? 329 00:16:02,400 --> 00:16:05,560 Speaker 5: I would say I heard of a lot about the 330 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:08,840 Speaker 5: USA's depth, and I think we have, like compared to 331 00:16:09,480 --> 00:16:12,000 Speaker 5: a lot of other countries, like, we have great depths. 332 00:16:12,040 --> 00:16:14,360 Speaker 5: So I he can take anyone from the bench and 333 00:16:14,400 --> 00:16:16,840 Speaker 5: it's like another team starting lineup, do you know what 334 00:16:16,880 --> 00:16:21,640 Speaker 5: I mean? So, I think the longetty longevity of the 335 00:16:21,720 --> 00:16:26,120 Speaker 5: volleyball of the USA is just so strong and it's growing, 336 00:16:26,360 --> 00:16:30,840 Speaker 5: and I feel like it shows from the five medals 337 00:16:30,880 --> 00:16:33,760 Speaker 5: that we've done in the past, So I think we 338 00:16:33,800 --> 00:16:34,680 Speaker 5: have a great depth start. 339 00:16:34,720 --> 00:16:38,720 Speaker 3: Honestly, yeah, I didn't realize until today I saw that post. 340 00:16:38,840 --> 00:16:40,640 Speaker 3: I mean, like I knew we had won those medals, 341 00:16:40,640 --> 00:16:43,880 Speaker 3: but I hadn't like thought about how five consecutive is 342 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:44,920 Speaker 3: kind of nuts. 343 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:46,720 Speaker 2: Actually, when we think about how hard. 344 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:48,920 Speaker 3: It is to win a medal, I mean, it's a 345 00:16:48,920 --> 00:16:55,160 Speaker 3: testament to use volleyball really in the USA and how 346 00:16:55,480 --> 00:16:58,480 Speaker 3: good that foundation is. And you know, when you play overseas, 347 00:16:58,480 --> 00:17:00,680 Speaker 3: everyone's like, how is it possible you doesn't have a league? 348 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:02,760 Speaker 3: You have so many good players and blah, blah blah blah, 349 00:17:02,760 --> 00:17:04,480 Speaker 3: and you know you guys, I'm like, yeah, I don't know. 350 00:17:04,560 --> 00:17:06,840 Speaker 2: I don't know how how's not happened. 351 00:17:07,080 --> 00:17:10,400 Speaker 3: So I mean not to feat into love perfectly, but like, honestly, 352 00:17:10,680 --> 00:17:13,000 Speaker 3: this is it's amazing that it's happening because it's just 353 00:17:13,000 --> 00:17:15,240 Speaker 3: been like years in the waiting. We have so much 354 00:17:15,280 --> 00:17:19,040 Speaker 3: depth because so much success internationally and everything, and it's 355 00:17:19,080 --> 00:17:21,360 Speaker 3: exciting to see that something's coming now. 356 00:17:21,840 --> 00:17:25,399 Speaker 1: Yes, yeah, I mean it is a perfect segue, right 357 00:17:25,400 --> 00:17:26,960 Speaker 1: because I mean I've said this before on the pod, 358 00:17:27,000 --> 00:17:29,280 Speaker 1: but like nine of these women are going to be 359 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:32,520 Speaker 1: playing in League one. So seeing these girls compete on 360 00:17:32,520 --> 00:17:34,760 Speaker 1: the world stage. How pumped are you to see them 361 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:37,720 Speaker 1: play here? And Amber you're gonna be playing with Jordan 362 00:17:37,800 --> 00:17:40,240 Speaker 1: Thompson and Michael Hancock who was an alternate and we 363 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 1: got to see a little bit in pair, So I mean, 364 00:17:41,800 --> 00:17:42,920 Speaker 1: how excited is this? 365 00:17:43,720 --> 00:17:43,920 Speaker 6: Yeah? 366 00:17:43,960 --> 00:17:46,840 Speaker 5: I think it's super excited. Oh my gosh, I can't 367 00:17:46,840 --> 00:17:50,399 Speaker 5: talk smiling when I talk about love, just because I 368 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:53,760 Speaker 5: think it's a great opportunity like this, This whole league 369 00:17:53,800 --> 00:17:56,119 Speaker 5: is starting off with like the youth, and then you 370 00:17:56,200 --> 00:17:57,760 Speaker 5: work up all the way to like them pars Our 371 00:17:57,840 --> 00:18:01,600 Speaker 5: senior team and being able to play with Jordan Thompson 372 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:06,399 Speaker 5: and Micah who literally play at the highest stage is 373 00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:09,840 Speaker 5: just so rewarding to see where we are as you know, 374 00:18:10,280 --> 00:18:13,159 Speaker 5: a volleyball world now. So I'm super excited and I'm 375 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:15,919 Speaker 5: super fortunate to be a part of this and to 376 00:18:16,160 --> 00:18:18,439 Speaker 5: see where it goes, because I think we definitely have 377 00:18:18,480 --> 00:18:20,160 Speaker 5: the potential to be like one of the best leagues 378 00:18:20,160 --> 00:18:22,000 Speaker 5: in the world. So I'm super excited about that. 379 00:18:22,880 --> 00:18:23,080 Speaker 2: Kim. 380 00:18:23,359 --> 00:18:26,639 Speaker 3: Yeah, man, it's so it's so exciting. I'm I'm jealous 381 00:18:26,640 --> 00:18:28,280 Speaker 3: and sad that i won't be playing it Because's just 382 00:18:28,280 --> 00:18:32,280 Speaker 3: such a crazy, incredible thing. But I'm already like planning trips. 383 00:18:32,280 --> 00:18:34,439 Speaker 3: I'm like with my I'm like, we're going to Austin 384 00:18:34,480 --> 00:18:36,520 Speaker 3: and we're going to We're gonna go all these trips 385 00:18:36,600 --> 00:18:39,040 Speaker 3: and watch every game we positively can because it's I 386 00:18:39,080 --> 00:18:40,960 Speaker 3: already know, like the first mention, See, I'm gonna be 387 00:18:41,280 --> 00:18:44,280 Speaker 3: an emotional and rep because it's so special. And I'm 388 00:18:44,320 --> 00:18:46,600 Speaker 3: just hoping for a Seattle team because I live in Seattle, 389 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:49,440 Speaker 3: so I'm like, nice, I mean, people take a holder 390 00:18:49,480 --> 00:18:50,320 Speaker 3: for sure, you know. 391 00:18:51,640 --> 00:18:53,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm hoping for expansion because I'm on the East coast. 392 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:57,000 Speaker 1: So I'm like, I grew up in Pennsylvania, live in Jersey. Now, 393 00:18:57,040 --> 00:18:59,760 Speaker 1: I'm like, you know, penn State, Like they got some 394 00:19:00,320 --> 00:19:03,520 Speaker 1: big players, right, I mean, I think it's something at eight, 395 00:19:03,760 --> 00:19:06,280 Speaker 1: I believe or nine of the team USA played in 396 00:19:06,320 --> 00:19:08,679 Speaker 1: the Big Ten. So I'm like, come on, let's get 397 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:09,840 Speaker 1: a little little pa Love. 398 00:19:10,080 --> 00:19:11,320 Speaker 2: Yeah, I thought it'll happen. 399 00:19:11,359 --> 00:19:12,800 Speaker 3: I'm like, give a little time and we'll be all 400 00:19:12,840 --> 00:19:14,120 Speaker 3: over the place, man watch out. 401 00:19:14,280 --> 00:19:17,879 Speaker 5: Yeah. 402 00:19:18,119 --> 00:19:20,240 Speaker 1: Now, Kim, you served on the Athletic Council for League 403 00:19:20,280 --> 00:19:23,080 Speaker 1: One and have seen Love from its infancy staged where 404 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:24,919 Speaker 1: it is now. So what made you want to be 405 00:19:24,960 --> 00:19:25,760 Speaker 1: part of the league. 406 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:30,160 Speaker 3: I remember I vividly remember having a conversation with Kelsey Cook, 407 00:19:30,440 --> 00:19:32,720 Speaker 3: like I don't know how many years ago, and she 408 00:19:32,840 --> 00:19:34,800 Speaker 3: was like, no, I'm talking to these people who are 409 00:19:34,800 --> 00:19:36,320 Speaker 3: like doing it real time. 410 00:19:36,359 --> 00:19:38,040 Speaker 2: And I was like what. And then she explained to me. 411 00:19:37,960 --> 00:19:39,800 Speaker 3: A little bit and how they're doing the eurosystem of 412 00:19:39,880 --> 00:19:42,320 Speaker 3: like you know, feeder feeding from the club level, and 413 00:19:42,359 --> 00:19:43,280 Speaker 3: I was like, what the heck? 414 00:19:43,920 --> 00:19:45,120 Speaker 2: And then I got on a couple. 415 00:19:44,960 --> 00:19:49,520 Speaker 3: Of calls and the feeling from the beginning was like 416 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:52,320 Speaker 3: we're doing this right, we're making it special. We're doing 417 00:19:52,320 --> 00:19:55,199 Speaker 3: this for the athletes kind of a thing which felt 418 00:19:55,320 --> 00:19:58,399 Speaker 3: different than any other league talks that I had heard. 419 00:19:59,240 --> 00:20:02,879 Speaker 3: And it's really wild right now. Like every call that 420 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:06,280 Speaker 3: I've been on, you know, when they announce like the marketing, 421 00:20:06,320 --> 00:20:08,200 Speaker 3: like the logos for each team and all that stuff, 422 00:20:08,200 --> 00:20:10,040 Speaker 3: I've just been like mind blown it, like, oh my gosh, 423 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:13,359 Speaker 3: it's happening. And they announced like a sponsorship or a 424 00:20:13,359 --> 00:20:15,960 Speaker 3: partnership and I'm like, what you just partnered with SPANKX 425 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:18,280 Speaker 3: or like whoever, And it's all real and happening, And 426 00:20:18,280 --> 00:20:22,679 Speaker 3: it's so cool because from the beginning they've been so 427 00:20:23,040 --> 00:20:26,119 Speaker 3: intentional about like doing it the right way and asking 428 00:20:26,160 --> 00:20:28,040 Speaker 3: our opinions and be like what do you guys need? 429 00:20:28,119 --> 00:20:30,399 Speaker 3: And then they make sure it happens, which you know, 430 00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:32,359 Speaker 3: there are a lot of focus groups like what do 431 00:20:32,400 --> 00:20:34,600 Speaker 3: you guys want? And then like nothing ever comes of it. 432 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:37,360 Speaker 2: So this is wild. All the things that I hear 433 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:39,479 Speaker 2: are happening with it. I'm just like, this is unreal. 434 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:40,160 Speaker 2: It's so cool. 435 00:20:40,640 --> 00:20:42,960 Speaker 1: And Amber, we talked about, you know, you playing in 436 00:20:43,000 --> 00:20:45,440 Speaker 1: Italy last season, but what about love made you decide 437 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:47,120 Speaker 1: to come back and play in the States. 438 00:20:47,359 --> 00:20:49,959 Speaker 5: Oh my gosh, Like it's almost like a why when 439 00:20:49,960 --> 00:20:52,359 Speaker 5: I come back in the States, you know what I mean, Like, 440 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:55,680 Speaker 5: who wouldn't I think this is like one of the 441 00:20:55,760 --> 00:20:59,840 Speaker 5: first places that I felt really you know, houl again 442 00:20:59,880 --> 00:21:02,000 Speaker 5: on our players, like asking, oh, what do you guys want? 443 00:21:02,119 --> 00:21:05,080 Speaker 5: Like how are you guys? Like very personal and I 444 00:21:05,119 --> 00:21:08,040 Speaker 5: think that makes a lot of us as players comfortable 445 00:21:08,119 --> 00:21:11,520 Speaker 5: and it really attracts younger people too because we feel 446 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:13,920 Speaker 5: like cared about and you know, things like that. So 447 00:21:14,320 --> 00:21:17,080 Speaker 5: I think that's definitely going to help the longevity at 448 00:21:17,080 --> 00:21:19,639 Speaker 5: this club, and I think we're doing all the right things. 449 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:23,320 Speaker 5: But for me personally, just having my family not to 450 00:21:23,359 --> 00:21:25,600 Speaker 5: have like a thousand miles to go to Hawaii, you know, 451 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:29,919 Speaker 5: in Italy, and so just coming here and taking a 452 00:21:29,960 --> 00:21:33,159 Speaker 5: five hour drive, it's just I'm going to probably like 453 00:21:33,200 --> 00:21:36,080 Speaker 5: cry the first time they come. So I'm gonna it's 454 00:21:36,400 --> 00:21:38,520 Speaker 5: it's I can't ask for more, you know, I can't 455 00:21:38,560 --> 00:21:39,040 Speaker 5: ask for better. 456 00:21:39,080 --> 00:21:42,000 Speaker 1: So oh my gosh, Yeah, it is like traveling to 457 00:21:42,080 --> 00:21:44,399 Speaker 1: Europe kind of with your family in Louisiana. I have 458 00:21:44,440 --> 00:21:46,760 Speaker 1: to go to Hawaii for your games. I didn't even 459 00:21:46,760 --> 00:21:50,840 Speaker 1: think about that. So yeah, they're probably like finally, and 460 00:21:50,920 --> 00:21:52,200 Speaker 1: they are they are. 461 00:21:54,359 --> 00:21:54,479 Speaker 2: Well. 462 00:21:54,560 --> 00:21:57,719 Speaker 1: One thing I noticed a lot was, you know, some 463 00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:00,040 Speaker 1: chatter on social media about how fun it is to 464 00:22:00,040 --> 00:22:03,159 Speaker 1: watch women's volleyball and us here and a bunch of 465 00:22:03,240 --> 00:22:06,320 Speaker 1: other people are like, yeah, of course, look for the 466 00:22:06,359 --> 00:22:09,600 Speaker 1: casual fan. What kind of momentum can the sport take 467 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:10,760 Speaker 1: from this Olympic bump? 468 00:22:11,040 --> 00:22:14,080 Speaker 2: Oh yeah, we'd like ride the wave, baby. 469 00:22:14,119 --> 00:22:17,040 Speaker 3: You know, like this moment, this moment for women's sports 470 00:22:17,240 --> 00:22:21,840 Speaker 3: is insane. It's just like exploding, and you just you're like, yeah, 471 00:22:22,000 --> 00:22:24,000 Speaker 3: like get on our backs, because we've been telling you 472 00:22:24,520 --> 00:22:27,640 Speaker 3: we're amazing, you know, and so yeah, and with these 473 00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:30,680 Speaker 3: Olympics and the hype around even not just women's voeyball 474 00:22:30,760 --> 00:22:32,520 Speaker 3: or with women's sorts, but the Olympics as a whole. 475 00:22:32,680 --> 00:22:35,920 Speaker 3: This time around, we're just like, I feel like, really 476 00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:37,080 Speaker 3: exciting for the country. 477 00:22:37,119 --> 00:22:37,840 Speaker 2: I don't know what it was. 478 00:22:37,960 --> 00:22:40,679 Speaker 3: More people were watching, more people were into it, And 479 00:22:40,840 --> 00:22:43,000 Speaker 3: so I'm hoping and I think it would be the 480 00:22:43,040 --> 00:22:46,320 Speaker 3: perfect segue into a new league. And people are like, wait, Olympics, 481 00:22:46,440 --> 00:22:48,439 Speaker 3: when if vy ball's over, I kind of like that, like, 482 00:22:48,640 --> 00:22:49,720 Speaker 3: you know, where do I see more? 483 00:22:50,119 --> 00:22:52,359 Speaker 2: So hopefully that will work out. Perfectly. I think it 484 00:22:52,400 --> 00:22:53,360 Speaker 2: will perfect time. 485 00:22:53,720 --> 00:22:58,440 Speaker 5: Yes, I hope it's people's curiosity, and like she said, 486 00:22:58,640 --> 00:23:01,520 Speaker 5: not just for like you know, VOLBA before sports in general. 487 00:23:02,280 --> 00:23:04,760 Speaker 5: Watching the Olympics, it's like the most attention I've seen, 488 00:23:04,960 --> 00:23:08,080 Speaker 5: So I really hope this fikes curiosity and we'll just 489 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:10,560 Speaker 5: have interest in our new league and volleyball in general 490 00:23:10,600 --> 00:23:29,160 Speaker 5: because that's what we for sure needs so. 491 00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:24,240 Speaker 6: Well. 492 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:26,480 Speaker 1: With this being the end of the twenty twenty four 493 00:23:26,520 --> 00:23:30,520 Speaker 1: Paras Olympics, who would you say was the MVP of 494 00:23:30,600 --> 00:23:31,920 Speaker 1: tem USI. 495 00:23:31,640 --> 00:23:37,800 Speaker 5: Ooh ooh, I think I have my answer it. Okay, 496 00:23:38,600 --> 00:23:41,320 Speaker 5: maybe I'm biased as a middle but I really feel 497 00:23:41,359 --> 00:23:44,520 Speaker 5: like Chiaka she I am pretty sure she even set 498 00:23:44,560 --> 00:23:46,960 Speaker 5: the record or match the record for like most blocks 499 00:23:47,000 --> 00:23:50,280 Speaker 5: in not Olympic tournament. I'm not sure, but I just 500 00:23:50,359 --> 00:23:54,199 Speaker 5: the way she played. She was just so efficient in 501 00:23:54,240 --> 00:23:59,120 Speaker 5: her blocking, so efficient and her offense, and I think 502 00:23:59,160 --> 00:24:02,360 Speaker 5: she really made big points, clutch plays at the end 503 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:05,800 Speaker 5: of each game when they were really tight, and I 504 00:24:05,840 --> 00:24:07,399 Speaker 5: don't know, I just love her energy. I think he's 505 00:24:07,440 --> 00:24:11,480 Speaker 5: a great leader, and yeah, I think she's an amazing person. 506 00:24:11,480 --> 00:24:14,800 Speaker 5: And I just middle power in general, so I think 507 00:24:14,880 --> 00:24:17,240 Speaker 5: taker for sure. I want to hear Tim's dancers. 508 00:24:18,240 --> 00:24:19,560 Speaker 3: I feel like I could name a bunch of them 509 00:24:19,560 --> 00:24:22,840 Speaker 3: at different times and be like Avery Skinner like go girl, 510 00:24:23,040 --> 00:24:25,560 Speaker 3: like you know, But then I was like Haley and 511 00:24:25,640 --> 00:24:29,000 Speaker 3: Jordan Pulder in there's like everyone has our moments. My 512 00:24:29,280 --> 00:24:31,000 Speaker 3: what I'm who I'm gonna fan girl on right now 513 00:24:31,119 --> 00:24:35,119 Speaker 3: is Justine Wung around test because yeah, sweety, Justine is 514 00:24:35,160 --> 00:24:39,040 Speaker 3: just a freaking rock and she she's always on, she's 515 00:24:39,119 --> 00:24:41,560 Speaker 3: always playing well, she's always gonna smile on her face, 516 00:24:41,680 --> 00:24:43,760 Speaker 3: and it's just like, I don't know, I think she's 517 00:24:43,760 --> 00:24:46,320 Speaker 3: incredible and she played incredible this Olympics, and I'm like, 518 00:24:46,480 --> 00:24:48,720 Speaker 3: I'm such a big fan of her, so she's still 519 00:24:48,760 --> 00:24:49,320 Speaker 3: be my MVP. 520 00:24:50,280 --> 00:24:53,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, I feel that I was gonna say Ambras as 521 00:24:53,720 --> 00:24:57,040 Speaker 1: a five foot three libro, I uh have a little 522 00:24:57,040 --> 00:25:00,640 Speaker 1: bias to towards Justine. But my defense is Kim also 523 00:25:00,640 --> 00:25:02,720 Speaker 1: said Justine. I'm like, okay, I am, I'm not being 524 00:25:02,760 --> 00:25:07,959 Speaker 1: too biased. Now I'm gonna ask you guys to put 525 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:10,840 Speaker 1: your fortune teller hats on for a second. The twenty 526 00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:13,639 Speaker 1: twenty eight Olympics are going to be in our backyard 527 00:25:13,680 --> 00:25:16,119 Speaker 1: in Los Angeles. So with the talent coming out of 528 00:25:16,160 --> 00:25:19,280 Speaker 1: colleges and the ability now for women to be playing 529 00:25:19,320 --> 00:25:21,960 Speaker 1: in the States. What do you think we can expect 530 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:25,399 Speaker 1: from Temusa. I don't know. 531 00:25:25,480 --> 00:25:27,800 Speaker 5: I think we honestly saw like a little glimpse of 532 00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:31,560 Speaker 5: it in this Olympic tournament. I felt like Harts, you know, 533 00:25:32,080 --> 00:25:34,040 Speaker 5: and the coaching staff taking a lot of chances, putting 534 00:25:34,040 --> 00:25:37,439 Speaker 5: in younger players, like you know, like avery and tapping 535 00:25:37,480 --> 00:25:39,639 Speaker 5: and everything like that. And I think we saw like 536 00:25:39,720 --> 00:25:41,960 Speaker 5: little glimpses of that, and I feel like it's gonna 537 00:25:42,880 --> 00:25:45,639 Speaker 5: keep growing, like of just taking chances on the roster, 538 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:48,600 Speaker 5: and I think it really worked towards the end. So 539 00:25:49,560 --> 00:25:51,600 Speaker 5: I'm excited about that. I think, like you said, we're 540 00:25:51,640 --> 00:25:54,520 Speaker 5: getting in an age where we're seeing professional in the 541 00:25:54,640 --> 00:25:58,200 Speaker 5: US now, and I think that's definitely gonna almost it's 542 00:25:58,200 --> 00:26:01,440 Speaker 5: almost gonna like be like a testament that you can 543 00:26:01,520 --> 00:26:05,080 Speaker 5: for sure to take Kansas and you can presures like 544 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:07,520 Speaker 5: bet that young people can pull through, you know what 545 00:26:07,560 --> 00:26:09,440 Speaker 5: I mean. So I'm excited to see what the future 546 00:26:09,440 --> 00:26:10,000 Speaker 5: will hold with that. 547 00:26:10,520 --> 00:26:11,720 Speaker 2: I love that. That's so true. 548 00:26:11,840 --> 00:26:14,960 Speaker 3: That's so true, risking on, you know, developing a young talent, 549 00:26:15,040 --> 00:26:17,880 Speaker 3: and so many people it's so crazy, Like so much 550 00:26:17,920 --> 00:26:20,880 Speaker 3: can happen in four years and Olympics cycle it's nuts, 551 00:26:20,920 --> 00:26:23,880 Speaker 3: you know, so like you can be year two be like, oh, 552 00:26:23,960 --> 00:26:26,439 Speaker 3: we're winning gold, like we are solid, and then and 553 00:26:26,520 --> 00:26:29,879 Speaker 3: then things happen and you just never know. But what's 554 00:26:29,920 --> 00:26:32,080 Speaker 3: what will be nuts about LA and I'm so excited 555 00:26:32,119 --> 00:26:33,439 Speaker 3: for it, is that they're gonna be. 556 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:34,240 Speaker 2: So many returners. 557 00:26:34,280 --> 00:26:36,040 Speaker 3: The team is like really young right now, but all 558 00:26:36,040 --> 00:26:37,760 Speaker 3: the girls that was their first Olympics and they were 559 00:26:37,840 --> 00:26:40,720 Speaker 3: starting and killing it in LA. It'll be a lot 560 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:44,080 Speaker 3: of the girl's third Olympics. They'll be seasoned vets by then. 561 00:26:45,320 --> 00:26:47,840 Speaker 3: So I don't know what will happen, but they're gonna 562 00:26:47,840 --> 00:26:49,520 Speaker 3: be solid. I already know they're gonna be solid, and that'll 563 00:26:49,680 --> 00:26:52,440 Speaker 3: centers again, and I'm already pumped to watch. 564 00:26:52,480 --> 00:26:53,040 Speaker 2: I can't wait. 565 00:26:53,960 --> 00:26:56,879 Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm so excited. So now that the Olympics are 566 00:26:56,920 --> 00:26:59,680 Speaker 1: over and we can all return to our regular lives 567 00:26:59,840 --> 00:27:02,560 Speaker 1: not loose to a screen anymore, shame for Team USA. 568 00:27:03,440 --> 00:27:05,040 Speaker 1: What is next for both of you? 569 00:27:05,880 --> 00:27:09,080 Speaker 5: Okay, I'll start, Well, what's next for me is you know, 570 00:27:09,760 --> 00:27:12,919 Speaker 5: training and being excited and getting ready for you know, 571 00:27:13,080 --> 00:27:17,040 Speaker 5: pre season for Love Houston. So I'm super excited for 572 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:20,359 Speaker 5: our debut and yeah, that's what's next for me. I'm 573 00:27:20,440 --> 00:27:24,160 Speaker 5: kind of very focused on the next post season right now. 574 00:27:24,200 --> 00:27:26,240 Speaker 2: So oh, that's so exciting. 575 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:29,080 Speaker 3: I'm I've veered away from the volleyball world a little 576 00:27:29,080 --> 00:27:30,879 Speaker 3: bit and I have a nine to five job. So 577 00:27:31,600 --> 00:27:34,520 Speaker 3: now the Olympics, I know, I'm like bummed they're over 578 00:27:34,600 --> 00:27:36,520 Speaker 3: because I had it on my computer screen every day, 579 00:27:36,640 --> 00:27:38,800 Speaker 3: just like kind of watching when I work, which is amazing. 580 00:27:38,840 --> 00:27:42,320 Speaker 3: But yeah, I'm living Seattle and working, but I'm very 581 00:27:42,320 --> 00:27:46,400 Speaker 3: excited to still be highly involved in love and so 582 00:27:46,440 --> 00:27:48,680 Speaker 3: excited for the season to starting to watch and see 583 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:49,199 Speaker 3: how it all go. 584 00:27:49,400 --> 00:27:51,800 Speaker 1: So you're an interior design now, right, Kim. 585 00:27:52,280 --> 00:27:55,200 Speaker 2: Yeah, Oh that's so cool. 586 00:27:55,400 --> 00:27:56,240 Speaker 5: That is so cool. 587 00:27:56,560 --> 00:27:59,240 Speaker 1: I was gonna say you can help Amber for a 588 00:27:59,280 --> 00:28:01,639 Speaker 1: Meshion design her new apartment in Houston. 589 00:28:02,320 --> 00:28:07,000 Speaker 5: Up, I'm designing. I truly believe like interior designers for 590 00:28:07,119 --> 00:28:09,399 Speaker 5: like really creative people. I feel like you're still creative. 591 00:28:09,440 --> 00:28:12,479 Speaker 5: So that's awesome. You need to I'll hit you up 592 00:28:12,520 --> 00:28:14,480 Speaker 5: actually for my designing. 593 00:28:14,680 --> 00:28:15,800 Speaker 2: Semi photos, I'll help. 594 00:28:16,720 --> 00:28:18,879 Speaker 1: I want to see it before and after picture, like 595 00:28:18,920 --> 00:28:20,880 Speaker 1: what it looks like when you first got the place 596 00:28:20,960 --> 00:28:22,760 Speaker 1: and what it looked like with Kim Hill touch. 597 00:28:27,640 --> 00:28:29,120 Speaker 2: You don't know, you don't know if I'm any good yet. 598 00:28:29,119 --> 00:28:33,680 Speaker 2: We'll see Amber. 599 00:28:33,680 --> 00:28:36,080 Speaker 1: I mean you told me before we actually started recording 600 00:28:36,080 --> 00:28:38,120 Speaker 1: on this call that you, you know, love food and stuff. 601 00:28:38,120 --> 00:28:39,720 Speaker 1: You have a food blog, right, No. 602 00:28:39,880 --> 00:28:43,440 Speaker 5: I literally love food. I recorded I recorded a food 603 00:28:43,480 --> 00:28:46,200 Speaker 5: video with love hopefully it comes out soon. So but 604 00:28:46,720 --> 00:28:47,400 Speaker 5: I love food. 605 00:28:47,440 --> 00:28:47,800 Speaker 2: I love that. 606 00:28:47,880 --> 00:28:48,600 Speaker 5: Yeah, I have a blog. 607 00:28:50,560 --> 00:28:52,640 Speaker 1: Are you going to be working on that during this 608 00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:53,320 Speaker 1: time period? 609 00:28:53,720 --> 00:28:56,080 Speaker 5: Just like I'll take my talent and kind of go 610 00:28:56,160 --> 00:28:58,680 Speaker 5: on that pool a little bit, so I might do 611 00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:00,720 Speaker 5: that as an athlete. You know, it's kind of hard, 612 00:29:00,760 --> 00:29:03,800 Speaker 5: you know, eating what I like, really good food with 613 00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:06,680 Speaker 5: being healthy. So I'm gonna try to be in the 614 00:29:06,720 --> 00:29:07,760 Speaker 5: middle with that. 615 00:29:08,840 --> 00:29:10,960 Speaker 1: Oh I like to quote parks and recreation when it 616 00:29:10,960 --> 00:29:18,440 Speaker 1: comes to that, and I just say, treat yourself. Oh well, ladies, 617 00:29:18,520 --> 00:29:21,800 Speaker 1: it's been such a pleasure talking with you again. Congrats 618 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:24,720 Speaker 1: to Team USA for winning silver. Not a goal, but 619 00:29:25,080 --> 00:29:27,640 Speaker 1: love the silver, love the hardware. Coming back and excited 620 00:29:27,680 --> 00:29:31,240 Speaker 1: to see all these girls in the States come January. 621 00:29:31,520 --> 00:29:34,280 Speaker 1: Thank you to so much for being on serving pancakes 622 00:29:34,320 --> 00:29:36,240 Speaker 1: and well, you know, we'll talk soon. 623 00:29:36,720 --> 00:29:39,400 Speaker 2: Thanks for having us. 624 00:29:42,640 --> 00:29:46,400 Speaker 1: Serving Pancakes is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership 625 00:29:46,400 --> 00:29:49,479 Speaker 1: with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us 626 00:29:49,480 --> 00:29:52,680 Speaker 1: on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get 627 00:29:52,680 --> 00:29:57,200 Speaker 1: your podcasts. Production by League one Volleyball, I'm your host 628 00:29:57,360 --> 00:30:02,520 Speaker 1: Tiffany Oshinsky. Anya Alvarez is our senior producer. Our executive 629 00:30:02,520 --> 00:30:07,360 Speaker 1: producers are Carrie Stett, Tamaradike, and Lindsay Hoffman. Our marketing 630 00:30:07,440 --> 00:30:11,640 Speaker 1: lead is Jawara Parker. Sound editing and mixing by Cody Nelson. 631 00:30:12,240 --> 00:30:15,880 Speaker 1: Our theme music is Pancakes by Eric W. Mast Junior. 632 00:30:16,560 --> 00:30:18,960 Speaker 1: We hope you enjoyed our Olympics coverage. We're going to 633 00:30:19,000 --> 00:30:20,720 Speaker 1: be taking a little break, but we'll be back with 634 00:30:20,760 --> 00:30:23,320 Speaker 1: a new season of Serving Pancakes where we'll continue talking 635 00:30:23,360 --> 00:30:26,920 Speaker 1: to interesting people in and around volleyball and women's sports. 636 00:30:27,320 --> 00:30:28,160 Speaker 1: Thanks for listening.