…and I feel quite blessed to have seen a bit of this particular start, firsthand.

I must first give the disclaimer that this post has nothing whatsoever to do with voice acting or linguistics or anything of that sort…rather, as I just can’t help but be elated by today’s U.S. Gold in Women’s Beach Volleyball, I’d like to now relate the following story in celebration:

The other day, I received a note on Facebook from my lovely and talented friend Dana. Dana and I met for the first time in college, but we had both grown up in small Bay Area towns, both involved in similar activities, sports, etc. One of those sports was competitive club volleyball. We both played (same league, different clubs) throughout junior high and high school. At one point in her message Dana mentioned how, with the Olympics going on, she’s been thinking of me lately whenever “our old rival, Kerri Walsh” is featured. It was pretty fun to read that. Especially as my own attention has been rather glued to the set, every time Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor get out on that sand. Truly incredible athletes to watch.

And, yes, the teams that Dana and I each played on, respectively, did – at one time or another – both play against Kerri. I say, “Kerri” and not “Kerri’s team” because that’s how it first comes to my mind. Rather silly, I know – it’s always the efforts of the team as a whole, with each member contributing and playing her best, that truly wins the game. Obviously. But there is a very particular explanation for why it’s stuck in my brain like that.

From my earliest years playing club, I remember Kerri as a humble and gracious person, an excellent sport, and an even more excellent athlete. Focused, sharp, and with lighting-fast reaction time. She was already an impressive blocker – even in junior high. And I seem to recall her already being at least a head taller than the rest of us by the time she was in 9th or 10th grade. Everyone knew she was going places. BIG places. It was just a matter of time.

I clearly remember the gut-dropping feeling of being starting setter, poised there at the net as the game play commenced, knowing that the tremendously talented athlete who stood just inches away from me on the other side of that dividing line on the court, could, with just a small flick of the wrist and a brilliant and seemingly effortless placement, send me sprawling on the floor in a desperate attempt to keep the ball in play. Gut-dropping, I tell you. And I am happy to say that I do, in fact, remember at least a couple of times when I did successfully get a hand, arm – or even a couple of them! – back on the ball after one of Kerri’s blocks or dinks. I have to admit…I am, to this day, kinda’ proud of that. 😉

When it came to club play, Kerri was known throughout the league as the main rising star. So it’s little wonder that, when we’d reach that point in a tournament day at which we were set to play Kerri’s team, our coach would huddle us together and say something along these lines: “Well, we’re up against Kerri,” and here he’d emit a rueful and rather resigned laugh before continuing, “Just play your best out there, girls. Give it your all, keep the plays tight, and you’ll feel good about this match, regardless of how it turns out.” I remember those words, specifically…“Well, we’re up against Kerri…” And that’s why it’s stuck like that in my mind, even after all these years. Kerri Walsh’s presence on the court always told us that, beyond a doubt, this would be one of those games to remember.

I recall that same coach saying, after one particularly grueling match, “You gave it your all out there today, girls. Mark my words, someday you’re gonna’ be really stoked to be able to say that you played your heart out against Kerri Walsh.”

And he was certainly right.

So, with all of that said, here’s a huge CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! to Kerri and Misty – and to all of our stellar Olympic athletes. You make us all tremendously proud. Thank you for using your incredible gifts to give the world such a brilliant presentation of athleticism.

And thanks so much, readers – as always – for bearing with my ramblings. Have a lovely evening, all.