Two days before their departure, the team learned that setter Candace McNamee would be called up for U.S. National Team duty in Taiwan, and middle blocker Sherisa Livingston would be unable to travel with the team. While the D.C. team was down to just nine players, with no starting setter, and did not win a game, they certainly had a ball in Brazil. 

     Middle blocker Malia Price marveled at the fans, “They were really into it! We felt like celebrities down there. Fantastic atmosphere!” Libero Jennifer Beall said the tournament was “fabulous, very professional, and our team was well received. We signed autographs and made a lot of new friends. The people were incredibly nice to us!” Right side Melissa McArthur agreed, “I loved the people, but it was a hard transition in four days without a starting setter and facing the world's best competition. The Japanese team displayed some incredible defense and the Brazilians were big and fast. If we are invited next summer, I want to go!” Outside Hitter Joy Kingsley-Ibeh thought the tournament was a “wonderful experience. It was a very high level of volleyball. The arena was packed, and it was fun to play in front of so many great fans. They just loved good volleyball.”

     Tryouts for the 2003 Washington D.C. Pro Women’s Volleyball Team will be held in February. The USPV (www.uspv.com) has also added a professional team in Philadelphia for 2003. Maybe an expansion team in D.C. is not that far off! If you’d like further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 703-757-1898.