Question of the Day at USAV HP Championships

Candice Kasischke
Intern, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: (719) 228-6800
E-Mail: candice.kasischke@usav.org

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. (July 28, 2010) - USA Volleyball posed the question of day – “What is the best aspect of the 2010 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships?" – to nine participants and a parent of the event taking place July 26-30 at Wisconsin Dells, Wis.

The consensus from the correspondents was that the athletes enjoy playing at such a high level at this event and interacting with international teams. The USAV High Performance Championships has provided an opportunity for them to improve and learn while competing at an elite level.

Below are the responses.

Kelly McNamara (Hendersonville, N.C.), who is playing for the Carolina Region Select Team in the Girls’ National Select Division: “The best aspect of the HP Championships is being able to compete against some of the best athletes in the country. Some of us are future Olympians in the making. I am enjoying playing in Wisconsin and playing with teams at such a high level.”

Robert Chilcoat (Mechanicsville, Va.), a member of the U.S. Boys’ Youth A2 Team participating in the Boys’ International Youth Division: “This event unites everyone under the name of USA Volleyball and allows for us to speak the same language through sport, regardless of what part of the world we are from.”

Mikaela Gunderson (Luxemburg, Wis.), a participant of the Badger Region Girls’ International Youth Team in the Girls’ International Division: “The greatest part is bringing everyone together from all over the world. Experiencing this event with players from other states and countries is a great opportunity.”

Zack Parik (Woodridge, Ill.), a member of the U.S. Boys’ Youth A2 Blue Team participating in the Boys’ International Youth Division: “I think that the High Performance brings the best out in every player. At nationals you play against best players - not just against them - but they are on your same team. It’s fun to see the girls play as well. We cheer them on at their matches and then they come cheer for us. It gets your pumped and really excited to have that support.”

Kelly Feigh (Plainfield, Ill.), who is playing for the U.S. Girls’ Youth Continental Blue Team in the Girls’ International Youth Division: “The USAV HP Championships allows for you to do something you don’t get the chance to do with a club team. It is really cool in that aspect of being able to meet people from everywhere and competing with the best kids in the country.”

Celine Rosenwald (Rockville, Md.), a member of the Chesapeake Region Girls’ Youth National Team competing in the Girls’ National Youth Division:“Meeting people from all over who love the same sport is awesome. Everyone who is here cares about the sport and wants to be the best. The boys’ teams are really awesome to watch too, it’s some intense volleyball.”

Tom Beckman (St. Louis, Mo.), who is playing for the U.S. Boys’ Youth Continental Red Team in the Boys’ International Youth Division: “I’ve been excited to play against some of the best people within my age group and with other players within USAV pipeline. It is more challenging play and helps you raise your game.”

Hana Nakajima (San Francisco, Calif.), who is on the Northern California Volleyball Association Select Red Team competing in the Girls’ National Select Division: “I think the best part is getting to play volleyball and bonding with people from your region both on and off of the court. It is a great opportunity to play people from all over the country. USA Volleyball’s High Performance Championships is a big event.”

Pamela Buzo (Lodi, Calif.), mother of Nicole Buzo, who plays on the Northern California Volleyball Association Junior Red Team in the Women’s International Junior Division: “The level of competition is incredible to watch. The play at a continually high caliber is what makes this event stand out. Every single athlete’s talent here is at a high level. The tournament has been run professionally and very efficiently. The officiating has been excellent and there are not many complaints from the parents at all.”

For more information on the 2010 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships, click here. To view the match schedule/brackets and live results, click here.

Event photos taken by OSIR/Debbie Reber can be viewed and purchased by clicking here.

Tags: USA Volleyball, USA Volleyball High Performance, USA Volleyball High Performance Championships, USAV High Performance