|
Hi Otter fans!
This area has been my home for the last 18 years of my life so I just couldn’t leave! I grew up in Salinas and attended North Salinas High School where I spent the last four years on the volleyball and basketball court. Despite my love for both sports, playing collegiate volleyball was always my dream and I couldn’t have been more excited when Coach Jody and Coach Ryan started recruiting me in my senior year. My senior year was also memorable for so many other reasons, on and off the court. I was honored as the Monterey County Herald and Salinas Californian Volleyball Player of the Year while also being voted Female Athlete of the Year at North High. In addition, my high school volleyball team finished first in the Tri-County Athletic League, a feat never before accomplished in the school’s history. But my number one goal for high school was to succeed in the classroom and I did just that finishing first in my class as Valedictorian. So now that you know a little about me I hope that you will read this blog and get some insight into the life of a college volleyball player and student.
Go Otters!
-Julia
|
Blog #34 - May 8, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
The school year is now drawing to a close and I am faced with saying goodbye to my first year of college life. It has definitely been a year of ups and downs, meeting awesome professors and fellow students as well as managing the challenges of dorm life and independence. Knee surgery has definitely faced me with much adversity but I am determined to meet the task and rejoin my team on the court in the fall.
It was a year of firsts, memories to carry forever, and an overall awesome experience. Here are my top ten (not in any particular order):
1. (May 2, 2012) All-Athlete Banquet- Our president brought tears to my eyes as she talked about the pride that our faculty takes in the success of the student-athletes on this campus. President Harrison and her husband will be dearly missed Otter fans. She said it perfectly in her speech: “Nothing’s hotter than an otter.”
2. (October 7, 2011) Otter Volleyball beats #16 Nationally Ranked U.C. San Diego in the Kelp Bed.
3. (April 13, 2012) President Harrison and her husband graciously offered to host us for lunch at their home in East Campus. It was a time for them to find out more about each of us individually and share some words of wisdom for our futures.
4. Camping in Santa Cruz with the team during preseason was a great opportunity to connect off the court.
5. Cheered on our Women’s Basketball team as they won the Regional Championships wearing our Otter gear proudly.
6. Joining the main campus community was a great opportunity to meet new people, participate in sponsored events, and enjoy the perks of dorm life.
7. President’s Barbeque provided all student-athletes with an opportunity to connect and mingle in order to make friends even before the first class of the semester!
8. John Kaupp, our new strength and conditioning, has made a big impact in the short time he has been here. What athlete doesn’t like getting in shape!
9. We got another new face in our assistant Andrew Clifton and he brought a fresh perspective and coaching style to the table. As a freshman, we spend a lot of time together during study hall twice a week!
10. It is a privilege to be able to compete at the collegiate level and wearing the blue and gold was my dream after high school. When I put on that jersey I belong to something bigger than just me; I am playing with my sisters, my family.
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #33 - April 25, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
I just had a great weekend with the team at Del Monte Beach in Monterey. We spent Saturday morning teaming up with Save Our Shores in order to restore the beach to its pristine condition and prevent harm to wildlife due to the garbage on the shore. It was a gorgeous day and we all had fun knowing that we were benefitting the local community. We even had some beach goers thank us for our work!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #32 - April 17, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
A successful weekend and a great end to the team phase of spring training! We played four matches at the East Bay tournament and the coaching staff was pleased with the individual growth and competitive spirit of the team. Some players filled positions that they do not normally specialize in and it was great to see everyone step up and work together to help the whole team succeed!
Now we will start individual training so each player will be able to fine-tune skills specific to a certain position. I scheduled my classes for the fall semester today so I am on my way to finishing my first year of college! Tomorrow I will attend the Distinguished Freshmen Ceremony put on by the university for first-year students who achieved a 4.0 GPA in the fall semester of school. It is an honor to represent my school and team in the classroom and on the court as well. Off to finish up homework!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #31 - April 10, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
The last week of team phase is here and the team is getting prepared for our tournament this Saturday at East Bay. With our limited number of players, everyone is getting a lot of repetitions and it shows in practice. We are improving a lot, but now I am excited to see how well we can compete! It will surely be a long and tiring day but I am confident that we will have fun and relish the opportunity to refine individual skills without the pressure of conference standings.
The three of us who have had surgery are getting back into the swing of things. Today I served for the first time in months and it felt like I never stopped! The journey isn’t over yet but my teammates can help me overcome anything and the three of us who are injured use each other as a mini support system as well.
Look for some tournament highlights next week! Thanks for all your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #30 - April 3, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
No beach volleyball this weekend because of the weather but it was a good day for a movie! I took a
break from school and watched Mirror Mirror on Saturday – it was hilarious!
March Madness has reminded me a lot of my days of playing basketball in high school and how much
my volleyball game was affected because of it. Basketball definitely got me in shape and the muscle
strength I gained helped increase my jumping ability as well as increased stamina in grueling club
volleyball matches. I learned so much about working hard and pushing through pain, skills that I plan to
incorporate into my career here as soon as I am back on the court. Also, I saw what it meant for a team
to become a family. My teammates and I were really close, and I love that I have that here with all my
Otter sisters! Being on the sidelines definitely puts you somewhat out of the loop with the dynamic on
the court but a different perspective is a valuable teaching tool so I want to make the most out of this
time as well.
March is over now and there are less than two months of school left so getting pumped for beach
training in the summer! Time flies when you’re having fun!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #29 - March 27, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
Back to school after a fabulous spring break and hoping for some more sun this week! The team has
beach volleyball plans for this weekend so looking forward to that too.
After finding out the news about President Harrison’s move to Cal State Northridge next year, I thought
about all the contributions she has made to this school’s success and her commitment to athletics on
campus, especially her support of the volleyball team. She and her husband support us in so many ways,
and they will both be sincerely missed here on campus and in the community.
When I came on my recruiting visit last year, I met President Harrison for the first time and was so
impressed by her commitment to the student-athlete experience; I knew that I would be in good hands.
Now that I am a student here, I am even more convinced. She keeps the campus informed about current
news and encourages informed student expression.
Thank you so much President Harrison!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #28 - March 13, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
Spring is a time for improvement and focusing on the “little things” that will make us better in the fall season. With this comes success and hurdles to overcome, but I am confident that we are growing closer as a team and breaking down the barriers that hold us back at times.
This week the team is maxing out in the weight room. Today was squat testing, and it was awesome to see the girls pushing themselves and actually being able to put a number on the hard work we have put in these past two months. We also tested jumping ability so that we can have numbers to look back at and compare when we reach the end of spring.
We have big goals for next season, and I can see the determination in the weight room when we all pull together and encourage one another. Testing is an exciting time for everyone because success is fun! And success requires hard work, something we are all willing to put in week in and week out.
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #27 - March 6, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
To give you a different perspective of the spring volleyball training season and the overall experience of going through it for the first time, this week I am interviewing Anne Baker, a freshman defensive specialist.
Julia: “What has been the most challenging aspect of spring thus far?”
Anne: “Definitely would have to say going to sleep on time. You would think it would be waking up so early in the morning, but I have to wake up at a certain time while I decide when my head hits the pillow.”
Julia: “‘Big Blue’ is a test of mental and physical toughness that might include running dunes or track sprints that each player must participate in several times during the spring season. What was the anticipation like?”
Anne: “I prepared for the worst and was basically up all night worrying. I went to bed early but was unable to get a wink of sleep, with my thoughts constantly straying to the tough morning ahead.”
Julia: “Is your class load different than the first semester, and does this have any effect on your preparation for workouts?”
Anne: “I have more homework due to a heavier class load but it is not detrimental to my workouts, and I find myself able to adequately prepare for each coming day.”
Julia: “What do you hope to improve in by the fall?”
Anne: “I would like to become a better serve receive passer as well as better able to return opponent’s hits. I am getting stronger in the weight room and taking in some good feedback from the coaching staff which I think will really help my development as a player.”
Thanks Anne!
Go Otters!
-Julia
P.S. Big shout out to the Otter Women’s Basketball team for their CCAA Championship win over Cal State L.A. this Saturday! Keep following the Otters as they move on to their second-straight NCAA Division II Regional Tournament.
Blog #26 - February 28, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
Are you ready for some basketball! The Women’s Basketball team will take on Cal State East Bay tonight at 7 PM in the Kelp Bed to kick off the first round of the 2012 CCAA Basketball Championships. The Otters come into the game with an overall record of 18-8, and we are all excited to watch them play in the quarterfinals!
Last year the basketball team won a CCAA regular season championship and earned a national ranking. Other otter sports teams are continuing to make a name for themselves as well with a National Championship for the Men’s Golf team and a CCAA title for Women’s Softball in 2010-2011.
We are expecting a large incoming freshman class and are eager to see the future of the Women’s Volleyball team. With a great coaching staff and dedicated players, we hope to lead the Otter community to bigger and better things as we continue to improve. We will continue to work hard in the weight room and on the court this spring and get back into action with some new pieces to the puzzle in the fall.
Hope to see you all at the game tonight! Wear your blue and gold, and get ready to cheer the Otters on to victory!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #25 - February 21, 2012
Hi Otter fans!Team sports have shaped my life because of the relationships with teammates that I have built over the years. Spring is a great time for some team bonding and what better way to do that than over bowling!
Heading over to Monterey Lanes, I knew that it was going to be a great night. I had more gutter balls than actually hit the pins so that certainly was a cause for some laughs. We all made up funny names to put on the screen and tried different bowling techniques.
It was a great night of laughter and team fun and I had a blast! We may not be bowling all-stars but we sure know how to have a great time as a team!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #24 - February 14, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
This spring the Otter volleyball team welcomed a new addition to our coaching staff so this week I will be introducing our new Assistant Coach “AC” with some fun interview questions!
Question: “Did you have any nicknames growing up (besides “AC”)?”
Answer: “In elementary school I was called “Stilts” because I was so tall and then graduated to “Bird” when I got to junior high and started playing basketball. Larry Bird was one of my favorite players so it worked. Then, in high school I became “Big Bird” and my mom used to come to my games with a stuffed Big Bird wearing a sweatshirt with my name on it. When I got to my senior year, I got “AC” and that has been the same ever since which is great because it is easy for people to remember.”
Question: “What are some of your favorite hobbies (besides coaching all of us, of course)?”
Answer: “I really enjoy taking pictures and even was a photography teacher at one time. Video games were always fun but I don’t really have the time anymore. I am such a volley-nerd that I watch volleyball clips on YouTube. Also, I like watching men’s college basketball and playing sand volleyball (just don’t know if I will be able to do it up here because of the weather but it’s probably good for my light complexion). ”
Question: “What is something unique about you?”
Answer: “I started shaving in the seventh grade and the next year I was 6’4”. I have had the same haircut and beard since my senior year in high school- I guess I’m pretty consistent. ”
Question: “So you used to teach high school. What subjects did you teach? Any funny stories?”
Answer: “I was teaching high school in North Long Beach and one of the students blurts out something unintelligent, and I responded with one of the oldest magic tricks in the book-the disappearing thumb. A girl in the back of the class gasped in amazement and asked me to do it again which instigated another shocked reply. This and other incidents convinced my students that I would be a great standup comedian.
When I was teaching photography, I used to put up scary pictures in the dark room to freak out my students and some of them even refused to reenter the room until the lights were turned back on.
Sometimes the students would teach me new dance moves so I now know how to do the reject and the shuffle.”
Question: “What was your first car?”
Answer: “My first car was a Rabbit and it was so small that I had to open the sunroof so that I could peer over the top of it to see where I was going.”
And there you have it! We are so excited to have “AC” and are looking forward to getting to know him this spring.
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #23 - February 7, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
As a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, I am excited to be part of a group that really takes action on campus and works for the advancement of the community as well. During the holiday season we bought gifts for children in need of some holiday cheer and we have more exciting upcoming events that you will definitely want to be a part of.
SAAC organizations at the twelve CCAA campuses are working together to battle hunger and raise awareness. This week is the second annual CCAA Canned Food Drive so come out to a basketball or baseball game with your canned food and you will receive raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes!
Also, buy your lunch or dinner at Chipotle on Monday, February 13th to raise money for the various activities SAAC hosts or participates in here on campus and in the community.
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #22 - January 31, 2012
Hi Otter fans!
Waking up early and finishing workouts strong is a challenge in itself, but recovering from surgery is new territory for me. On November 22, I had a patellar repair performed on my left knee and have been working hard to rehabilitate it for about two months now.
Since I was a little girl, my whole world revolved around sports so not having the thrill of competition and the sore muscles from playing is hard to swallow. During the beginning stages of the painful recovery, I was discouraged and angry that even the smallest task seemed to be an impossible feat. Then, I learned to set small goals for myself to work toward in order to feel good about my progress. I wanted to be able to get off the couch by myself and when I did that I was ecstatic!
When I began therapy, we worked on getting my range of motion back and each day I could bend my knee more and more. It was so exciting to come home and tell my parents that I progressed by over 10 degrees! That may seem insignificant but, for me, it was something I had worked hard for and I was pleased with my progress.
John Wooden said, “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” At home I became more independent; in therapy, I gained more mobility each day; and now I have the opportunity to encourage, inspire, and motivate my teammates – and all you need for that is a desire to watch others succeed.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the help of an awesome physical therapy staff and members of the athletic department. Thanks for all your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #21 - January 27, 2012
Hi Otters!
After a great fall semester, we are all back to work in the classroom and on the court. Keeping our grades up is definitely at a premium for student-athletes and this fall 11 athletes, including myself, earned a 4.0 G.P.A. GOOD WORK OTTERS! And a big shout out goes out to the women’s soccer team with the highest overall team G.P.A.
Spring semester presents us volleyball players with a chance to improve our individual skills while also challenging ourselves academically. From early morning workouts to late nights of homework, we all have to be very dedicated to our studies and work tirelessly to gain every inch of improvement.
It’s going to be a fun road ahead! Make sure to check back here every Tuesday afternoon to get more updates!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #20 - November 12, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
So…no big deal…but we took a game off the #1 team in the nation last night. What am I saying…IT WAS AWESOME!! We won the third game 31-29, and it was an amazing feeling. Of course, we wanted to win the match, but I thought that everyone really gave everything they had.
I am excited for tonight, as we take on San Diego at their place. This is the last match of our six seniors’ collegiate career so we all want to go out with a bang. And it’s also the last match of my first collegiate season!
I’ll let you know how the match goes. Thanks for all your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #19 - November 5, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
Hope all of you are coming to the game tonight to support all of our fabulous seniors! They will be dearly missed. We are now on a winning streak (yes, two wins in a row counts as a streak).
We have our last two matches next weekend down in SoCal so we will be changing climates for the last weekend of my freshman volleyball season. My how fast time flies! I have made my wish list for spring classes so that is a load off my chest and… hmm… lost my train of thought because of turkey, cranberry sauce, and pie. Yum!!!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #18 - November 1, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
HEADLINE: OTTERS BEAT CAL STATE EAST BAY IN FOUR GAMES! We are back on the winning train and it feels great. We all worked really hard for this win and it was so cool to see all our hard work pay off.
I can’t believe how fast this season is going! This weekend is already senior night! My classes are in full swing and I have projects left and right to get ready for the end of the semester. And now I have to prepare for the next semester! It’s exciting, though, and college is only getting better.
Come out and support us this weekend for our last two matches at home! You won’t want to miss it!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #17 - October 26, 2011
Hi Otters!
We had a tough weekend but coming up with some new ways to make ourselves better. Coach Jody always reminds us that when the whistle blows, each team is on equal ground and both have to work hard to win.
So … I got an A on my first midterm of college! And I get to draw a self-portrait in art (notice I didn’t put an exclamation point by that one). I have been feeling under the weather lately but I guess that just comes with the territory of a new life in a new place, and it’s so worth it!
We have five home games coming up so we are all excited to be back in our own gym! These next few weekends are big ones for us so please come out and support.
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #16 - October 14, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
We are staying in Torrance this weekend as we prepare to take on Cal State L.A. tonight and Dominguez Hills tomorrow. I am super excited because these are two teams that will challenge us to play our best and continue to fight until the final whistle blows.
We watched “Bridesmaids” on the bus which was a lot of laughs, and I got to read a lot of my book so I enjoyed the ride. Breakfast was yummy- eggs, potatoes, cereal, muffins, yogurt, fruit, and toast. Then, we got to rest for a while (so more reading for me) before study hall. I have an art project this weekend that requires ink so Molly and I spent some time figuring out how to make the pen work because, trust me, it is not as easy as it looks!
It sure is great being a freshman because you get a chance to see each team’s gym for the first time. I get to see two new ones this weekend alone! Stay tuned for the results of the matches! Thanks for all your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #15 - October 9, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
Just finished a long weekend at home against two really good teams in our conference! We came out on top the first night and got back on the “W” train! Then, we faced San Bernardino and lost in three but fought all the way, and Coach Jody recognized that we never gave up.
I have my first college midterm this Wednesday in my Environmental Science and Politics class so am super excited and slightly nervous about that! My teacher is great and even let us take a break from sitting in a classroom for two hours by taking us all to Del Monte Beach to see the ocean in action! Also, I am working on my “ellipses” in art class so I will be able to draw the lid of a jar like a pro (well… that’s the goal!).
A shout out to Coach Ryan and Coach Dane for all the work they do for the program! You both help us all so much. Thanks! And thanks to all of you fans out there that did the wave in the stands and cheered us on all night!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #14 - October 7, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
For those of you who missed the match tonight… well, bummer for you because it was AWESOME!! We beat the Titons of UC San Diego in four games and got back into our stride!
We have been struggling in our last few matches on the road so it was great to be back in OUR gym in front of our family, friends, and fans. Coach Jody reminded us of this fact when we were in the huddle about to start the fourth game, and I thought it was really inspirational and brought a lot of fire back into us.
It is Antoinette’s (Netty’s) birthday weekend so we are excited to be able to give her a special birthday win! Happy Birthday Netty! Come out and watch the match tomorrow against San Bernardino. Thanks for all of your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #13 - October 1, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
We are in Turlock now getting ready to take on Stanislaus tonight! We had a five-game battle with Chico last night so it was awesome to see the whole team really fight together (and I am excited to see that fire again tonight!)
Last night there were three Salinas girls in volleyball uniforms- two on our team and one from Chico. Lacee and Ellie (the player for Chico) played on the same team at Salinas High and I played club volleyball with Ellie as well. That’s what is so great about volleyball- all the great connections and relationships you make. My dad still sees people he played with or coached thirty years ago!
We were really into eating at places that started with a “P” yesterday so we kicked off the day with lunch at Pluto’s and then grabbed some dinner at Pita Pit after the match. It was so much fun walking around downtown and looking in the cool little shops up and down the street. Some of us even took pictures with the Beatles! (So what if they were only drawn onto a wall!)
Hope to see you all at the games next weekend at the Kelp Bed! Thanks for all your support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #12 - September 28, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
We took on Cal State East Bay yesterday and it did not have the outcome that we had hoped for but it presents us with another opportunity to grow as a team. The team dynamic is so special in volleyball and this team is so unique because all of us, including the coaches, care about that.
The bus rides are the most fun part of the trip for me (well, except the actual match, or course). Yesterday some of the girls shared their childhood memories of past Halloween costumes and even their ideas for this October! Then, on the way home we watched Monsters, Inc. MIKE WAZOWSKI!
School is still going as usual. I am actually really enjoying my art class now! I even created something on Monday that I could look at and think, “Wow, I did that.” My teacher is fabulous and she is so helpful in getting us to really look at what we are seeing rather than just draw what we have already preconceived to be there.
Well, off to do some more work in my sketchbook! Ta-Ta for now!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #11 - September 25, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
Another tough weekend for the Otter volleyball team but a fun one nonetheless! It was the first road trip of the season so it was really fun getting to ride in the bus and plane with the team. MY FIRST COLLEGE ROADTRIP!!!
After playing San Francisco State on Friday night, we headed to Chevy’s for postgame meal. Yum! Food always picks up my spirits after a loss so I was grateful for my chicken quesadilla (of course, being around 14 of your closest friends helps too)!
Then, on Saturday after the Cal Poly Pomona match I went out to dinner with my best friend from high school and her dad. She plays volleyball for Pomona-Pitzer so we got to share our experiences in college so far. She even made me a cool sign to hang up in my dorm room to cheer up the white walls!
When I got back to the hotel, it was off to bed to catch the 8:20 A.M. flight the next morning. The beds were incredible… so comfy, and I even got my own! This really excites me because when I played club we had to share beds, and when you are 6’1” sleeping on a double bed with someone else it’s not the most restful night.
We are back now and getting ready to take on Cal State East Bay this Tuesday at their place so we will be on the road again soon. Thanks to all of you who came to support us on the road!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #10 - September 16, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
It’s a great day because my Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seahawks! My whole family loves the Steelers because my grandpa went to the University of Pittsburgh so there are some strong ties to that area. My mom has two “terrible towels” in our house and enough team clothing to not do a load of wash for a week! Okay, I’m exaggerating… but really- she does have a lot.
I miss my family, but I am having a ton of fun here! Being on the volleyball team makes everything a little easier—adjusting to college life, meeting new people, keeping off the “freshman 15”, and dealing with all the other minor stresses that come from living in a new environment. I always know that there is someone who can just let me vent or calm down after a long day or class and practice: and that makes all the difference in the world.
This weekend did not have the outcome we had all hoped for but it is definitely a new challenge for us to step up the intensity in practice. As Coach Jody wrote on the board before the match versus Sonoma, "The past is knowledge, today is opportunity, the future is possibility." Tomorrow begins a new opportunity to bring out the best in each other this entire week in order to be ready to take on San Francisco and Cal Poly Pomona this weekend.
Thanks for all your support! Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #9 - September 15, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
Wow did we have an exciting past weekend! Dominguez Hills- check; L.A.- check! My body was definitely feeling Saturday’s match but it was tons of fun getting back in the action.
One of the things I love about this team is how close all the girls are - and the surprise birthday dinner for Kate definitely showed how much we all care about each other. Food and fun is definitely a great night in my book!
School is going well, too. My drawing skills are definitely improving—now I can scribble and barely look at the paper! I’m sure I got some funny looks in study hall because my hand was moving so fast. I enjoy going to study hall because I don’t feel stressed about finishing my homework knowing that I have a place that I can work quietly twice a week (this will definitely come in handy now that I am getting involved with other groups on campus).
Once such group is SAAC (Student Athlete Advisory Committee), and last night was the first meeting and, since I am one of the volleyball representatives, I attended. It was really neat getting to learn about six year old Josiah (who was born with a rare genetic disorder) be a part of the Make-a-Wish foundation and get to meet his favorite Phillies player, first-baseman Ryan Howard. It made me even more excited to be a part of the committee because the CCAA is partners with the Make-a-Wish foundation so I hope we are able to help make a little boy or girl’s dream come true as well!
Hope you can all make it to the games this weekend and cheer us on! We open up with Sonoma State on Friday night and then take on Humboldt State on Saturday. Come out and support!
Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #8 - September 9, 2011
Hi Otter Fans!
If you read my last blog, you know that tonight is Gen Giammanco night at the Kelp Bed so all of the money collected at the door will go to the scholarship foundation in her name.
Gen was not only a wonderful young woman, student, and volleyball player: she was my friend and teammate. I met her when I was 12 years old at tryouts for Salinas Valley Volleyball Club (13 and under), and she immediately fit into the team as if she had always been there. And from that day forward she became part of the “VIBE Tribe”, the family that we created for the next three years.
It’s not every day that you come into contact with someone as full of life as Gen. She had a constant smile at each tournament, and we all shared tons of laughs. The most vibrant memory I have of Gen off the court came when our team travelled to Reno to play in a qualifier. I don’t remember any of the wins or losses, but I do remember Gen’s laugh as we all ate pizza and ice cream in the Grand Sierra Hotel. I can still see her standing there in her white shirt and jeans smiling ear to ear. I miss that.
I was at home when I heard the news that my friend had been killed in a tragic car accident the night before. My parents were already on the road to get to one of my sister’s club volleyball tournaments, and my mom was really quiet as she told me over the phone. I sat there on my bed and tears came to my eyes; I was in total shock. I cried a lot that day.
At the funeral, my friend Ellen (also one of Gen’s teammates) and I held each other and cried over the loss of such a unique person. We each shared our most special memories of our beloved friend and they made us laugh and cry at the same time.
This game is so special to me because we are honoring her legacy. I am blessed to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this young woman’s life and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all the people she touched.
Here’s to the Power of Gen.
-Julia
Blog #7 - September 6, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
The long weekend is over and hopefully everyone is feeling relaxed and rejuvenated! The team has our first three games under our belt, and we came out on top each night; these are all the games we play in preseason so this coming weekend we begin conference play with Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday night and Cal State LA on Saturday.
Coach Jody hosted a team barbeque over the weekend for the players and all of our families, and it was awesome to see everyone talking and having fun catching up on life. In fact, I was so distracted by all this that I neglected to step high enough to clear the backdoor step and almost face planted into the kitchen (where all my teammates were sitting at the time). Needless to say, they had a lot of laughs.
I also got a chance to go home on Friday night and spend some time with my family. My sister, our foreign exchange sister Angel, and I started this impossible puzzle with candy all over it; finding the edges was a challenge in itself! Oh, right- I haven’t told you about Angel yet! Angel is a 15-year-old foreign exchange student from Taiwan who is currently staying in my room at my parents’ house. When we first met her she was very shy and timid but she warmed right up once she got used to all four of us towering at least a foot over her (Yes, my parents are both 6’4”)! She is so friendly and curious about American culture and is a great addition to our family. My parents love having her around, and she is even helping out with the high school volleyball team that my sister plays on and my dad coaches.
It was a great weekend! Hope to see you all at the game on Friday for a night dedicated to the memory of Gen Giammanco, a young woman whose life was taken tragically in a car accident on River Road at the age of 17. Come support the scholarship foundation dedicated to her lasting memory. Go Otters!
-Julia
Blog #6 - September 2, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
OTTERS WIN! OTTERS WIN! The volleyball team beat Notre Dame de Namur yesterday morning in three sets and is preparing to take on William Jessup this evening at 7 P.M. at the Kelp Bed. It was the first game of my collegiate career, and I was just so ecstatic to be a part of all of it. Even though I am unable to hit the court this weekend, I had so much fun watching, keeping stats, and cheering so loud I was sure I would lose my voice.
This week was a first for many other reasons as well. Last night was the first time I watched my high school team play from the bleachers, my first college presentation, and my first college essay. I know this doesn’t seem like such a big deal but I have been waiting for college (especially volleyball) for a loooonnggg time.
But college isn’t only about school and athletics. I have learned very quickly how much socialization goes on around campus, and especially in the dorms. On more than one occasion, my roommate has had to put her foot down when it comes to noise while she’s trying to sleep. (And I don’t mind because I am trying to sleep too!) Hope all is well. Happy Labor Day weekend! Enjoy the time off! GO OTTERS!
-Julia
Blog #5 - August 29, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
I am definitely ready for our three games this weekend! The team has been practicing so hard, and it will really be beneficial to see what we can do in a game situation. Coach Jody’s goal for our season can be summed up in these words: “Little things done well is probably the greatest secret to success. If you do enough small things right, big things can happen.”
We have really been focusing on the little things lately! For blocking alone, we have so many keys: low and loaded at the net, watch the setter, see the set before you move, and press hands low and over. Film really helps us see whether or not we are taking the skills we learn during the drills and applying them in the scrimmages.
We are also working on the mental side of our game, and anyone who has participated in athletics can vouch for me when I say that this is as equally important as the physical. Dr. Glen Albaugh, a sports psychologist, is working with the team this year and he is giving us some great tools to evaluate our own personal mindset during play. The first time he spoke to us he emphasized “being in the present”. The next day when I walked into practice, this was written on the board: “The present is the time we waste pondering the past and worrying about the future.”
That’s what’s up on the court these days! For those of you who have a Facebook…oh who am I kidding-who doesn’t have a Facebook? Well anyway, all of you make sure to “like” the Cal State Monterey Bay Volleyball page so you can get the latest news on what’s happening in women’s volleyball!
TTYL!!
-Julia
Blog #4 - August 26, 2011
Hi Otter Fans!
My first week of school is officially over and I already feel at home here. Okay, so it’s not my dad’s cooking but it’s still pretty good. So far I think I have eaten at least one bowl of Special K cereal every day I have been here! And the library is amazing! I walked in the other day only to realize I had no idea how to print using the computers so should consider asking someone for help. I’m sure it will become my home away from home, though, because libraries are such peaceful spaces to study. (This will come in handy since dorms are not the quietest places to live.)
I have also learned a lot about my roommates. Kelsey (setter) is in love with chocolate milk and I am super jealous of her colorful running shoes. Anne (defensive specialist) gets super crazy when she’s hungry and has now found a new game in the DC- counting how many times people try to walk into her during a meal.
Have you signed up to be a part of the Blue Crue yet? We need all of you to wave those rally towels at our matches! Hope to see you Thursday!
-Julia
Blog #3 - August 21, 2011
Hi again Otter fans!
I would just like to go on the record right now by saying that normally nature and I don’t mix; however, my recent experience was quite the opposite. The team left Thursday after an am practice and headed to New Brighton State Park for some quality bonding time. Let me just tell you, when you get 18 girls in the woods at night, anything is possible.
The day started out with a walk to the beach and some fun games in the sand. Oh yea, and then we decided that Kelsey looked too clean to be on a camping trip so we decided that burying her in the sand would do the trick. She was completely covered (except for her head of course!) and was packed in so tight she couldn’t get up! I don’t think I have laughed that hard in a while! Then, we headed back to the campsite for some chili and yummy Costco bread-whole wheat of course because, despite the fact that we were on vacation, we were still in training. Oh wait, then we brought out the smores. Well anyway, it was tons of fun and I think we all enjoyed the mental break from volleyball for the day.
The next morning we woke up and started our team bracelets. We each picked a random name and made the bracelets for that person with CSUMB colors. I think it’s an awesome idea because there are so many different ways to make them so each of ours is unique!
Happy beginning of the school year to all those fellow otters out there! Talk to you soon with some more updates.
-Julia
Blog #2 - August 17, 2011
HI OTTER FANS!
Ants! Ants everywhere! My roommates and I were surprised to discover that these pesky little ones had taken over our bathroom last night and this morning they seem to have tripled in magnitude. Also, BREAKING NEWS: THE TACO BAR WAS OPEN IN THE DC FOR LUNCH TODAY! But wait… there’s more! The team is great and everyone is so excited to begin another season. Preseason is definitely a challenge for all-coaches included-with the long days and early morning practices. For the past three days, we have practiced for three hours in the morning, eaten lunch as a team, practiced for another three hours, and finished off the day with team dinner in the DC.
To some of you reading this, we might seem a little crazy (or a lot) but to us, this is just another fun day of volleyball. Plus, we keep ourselves busy during break time by singing Taylor Swift songs at the top of our lungs in our dorm while Anne accompanies on the guitar. Anyway, I will be keeping you updated on all the happenings of the volleyball team and the life of a freshman here at CSU Monterey Bay. And remember… NOTHING’S HOTTER THAN AN OTTER!
GO OTTERS!
-Julia
Blog #1 - August 16, 2011
Hi Otter fans!
Me again! This is my first time writing a blog so bear with me and I promise they will get better and better. Just a reminder, our first game is Thursday, September 1 at 10:00 A.M! I know this is pretty inconvenient for most students but please come if you can and support your lady otters. And don’t worry if you miss that one because you can come the next night at 6:00 P.M or Saturday at 7:00 P.M.
I can’t believe it’s only a few more days before my first day of college EVER!! It’s been pretty uneventful in the dorm room since we have regained control of the bathroom and I figured out how to work the washing machine downstairs (thanks to Kelsey). Hey! It’s not my fault that someone decided to write the words in white on a white surface!
Ta-ta for now!
-Julia
