Question of the Day at USAV Girls’ Junior Nationals

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

ATLANTA (June 26, 2011) - USA Volleyball posed the question of the day – “What is the best aspect of the 2011 USA Volleyball Girls’ junior National Championships?” - to 11 players and a coach participating in the event taking place June 25-July 4 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Bethany Besancenez (St. Lous, Mo.), a member of Rockwood Thunder-141 club team in the 14 Open Division: “I like the fact that everyone had to qualify to get here. The competition is definitely tough. I also am enjoying playing in a really nice city like Atlanta. The Georgia World Congress Center is huge and we got to play on the championship court today, which was really neat. We hope to win nationals again this year since we won the 13 American Division last year.”

Amanda Carty (Fenton, Mich.), who is playing for Michigan Elite 3rd Degree 13-1 in the 13 National Division: “It’s very exciting to be here because there are so many competitive teams. It is fun to travel from Michigan to Atlanta and to compete against girls from all over the country. It is my first time being to Atlanta and I am having a great time.”

Samantha Specht (Overland Park, Kan.), a member of the Asics MAVS 14 Molten Team participating in the 14 National Division: “The best part of being here is reflecting on how hard we had to work to get here. We are undefeated (4-0) so far and it is my first time to Atlanta. Also, on our free time yesterday, we broke out into dance at the mall in front of everyone there.”

Katie Machi (West Allis, Wis.), a participant of the West Allis Lightning G14 Club team in the Girls’ 14 National Division: “I love the atmosphere of play here because it is very lively and exciting. This is my second time coming to Atlanta and it is so fun because there is so much to do here.”

Teagan Ferdinandsen (Fresno, Calif.), a member of the Central Cal Gold 14-1 team competing in the Girls’ 14 National Division: “I am enjoying being here with my team and we are having a lot of fun. The adrenaline of playing with such high competition is what makes this tournament so great.”

Danielle Sterba (Portland, Or.), who is on the Oregon Junior Volleyball Academy 14 Gold team participating in the 14 National Division: “We have become friends with the girls on other teams since we have been here. We are competing against one another, but we are cheering the other teams on during our off time. It is great to meet new people.”

Marina Padilla (Las Cruces, New Mexico), a member of the APAC 13 Black team in the 13 National Division: “Our whole team is enjoying being nationals for the first time. We have been a little nervous, but have been playing well. It has been exciting to travel too.”

Audrey Kan (San Francisco, Calif.), a member of the Frisco Bay All Stars 13 playing in the 13 National Division: “At each match we exchange gifts with the other teams, so we get to know people better because of that. I am also really enjoying competing with my team.”

Alecia Talley (Plano, Texas), a participant of the Madfrog 13 National Stef club team competing in the 13 National Division: “The experience being here in such a huge facility is really awesome. On our off time, our team is going to check out Stone Mountain today.”

Lake White (Lewiston, Idaho), who is on the Snake River U14-1 Volleyball Club team in the 14 Open Division: “I like how competitive the volleyball is. It is fun to be here and it was fun winning the Evergreen Region tournament to earn a bid to nationals. We went to the Georgia Aquarium yesterday and today we are going to the Atlanta Zoo.”

Barbara Trinsey (Wilmington, Del.), who is head coach of the Brandywine Bam team with competing in the 13 National Division: “Our favorite thing about this tournament is seeing the people from last year’s USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships. We made some great friends and it is great to see those faces again this year. Today, we are going to the Coca-Cola factory and we went to Underground Atlanta last night.”

Braya Hunt (Denver, Colo.), a participant of the Front Range 14 Amber club team competing in the 14 Open Division: “The best part of competing is reflecting on how hard we worked to get here. Knowing that we are one of the top 32 teams in the country by getting to the USAV Girls’ Junior National Championships is an amazing feeling. We toured the Georgia Dome and we have been doing a lot of swimming since being in Atlanta.”

For USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships results, click here. For more information on the tournament, visit usavolleyball.org/events/4873.

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Tags: 2011 Girls' Junior National Championships, junior, Junior Nationals, USA Volleyball Girls' Junior National Championships