First Time's a Charm

Becky Murdy
Assistant, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: 719-228-6800
E-Mail: becky.murdy@usav.org

TUCSON, Ariz. (July 27, 2011) – For Jazz Hallman his first USA Volleyball High Performance Championships has been an experience unlike any other.

“It has been crazy,” Hallman said. “It is my first time so I didn’t know what to expect but it has been awesome.”

The transition to the tournament can be overwhelming for newcomers with the number of teams, number of courts and energetic atmosphere. Players join teams with athletes they may not know under coaches they may have never played for.

“I was worried about what the coaches would think about me at first,” Hallman said. “But after a few days I realized that there was no reason to be worried, we are all here to learn. 

The USAV HP Championships is an international event allowing players the opportunity to compete with not only the best players in the country but some of the best players in the world. 

“The national experience is great but the international experience has had the greatest influence on me,” Hallman said. “I have been able to understand the game better through different perspectives.”

Outgoing is a common characteristic used for the 6-5 Denver native around the convention center. Coaches, players and parents feed off of his energy and never-ending positive attitude. Hallman has made it a point to meet as many people as possible, sit with new athletes at each meal and remember the names of those that hopefully he will be seeing again soon.

“Meeting new people has also helped be appreciate the sport more,” Hallman said. “I appreciate when other coaches take the time to make me better.”

The middle blocker earned a spot on the Boys’ Select A1 Blue team under head coach, Matt Diaz and assistant coaches Tim Johnson and Ken Shibuya. The team starts the day off with a thought of the day, something that Hallman was eager to be a part of. 

“For the first couple of days the coaches had mentioned the thought of the day,” Hallman said. “They said that usually they like to have the players come up with a little something to say in front of the group. They asked if I would be interested sometime this week and I told them I was interested now.”

Hallman expressed his gratitude for being at the tournament and shared how excited and privileged he felt to be there and to also be addressing the group.

“I think it made a big impact on the players,” Hallman said. “Its important to see this experience through the eyes of others. We all like gaining knowledge but sometimes even more so we like passing on the knowledge." 

Hallman’s team is 3-2 in the tournament with a preliminary match Friday morning followed by the medal-bracket rounds. Though the outcome for his team is not certain, one thing is; Hallman will be the one either on the bench or on the court cheering for his teammates during every point. Win or lose he will always maintain a positive attitude that exerts teamwork to its core definition.