AF female volleyball team holds tryouts here

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tiffany DeNault
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  The Air Force female volleyball team is in town, bringing tryouts to Peterson AFB before the Armed Forces Volleyball Tournament held in Detroit, Michigan.

Beginning with 16 females from bases all over the world, the group came together from May 4-21 for try-outs and practice. By the end of their trip, the team will consist of 10-12 females that will go on to the tournament.

"The team has a lot of confidence but is also very humble, no one is better than the other and they vibe really well with each other," said Lani Kekahuna, the team coach.

Kekahuna has been a stateside Air Force volleyball coach for five years and an international Air Force coach for eight years. She is also a long time volleyball player herself.

While at Peterson the team played a match against Peterson chiefs and first sergeants, fitness staff and a few other teams for practice. They also had a scrimmage against the U.S. Women's Volleyball team May 15.

The team is a mix between players who have been on the Air Force team for years and some newcomers. But the reasons behind playing are unanimous -- the unity, trust and chemistry between the players, along with it being team based.

"Playing volleyball has transformed throughout life. In college it became a job and now it's more of a fun hobby," said Kristina Stewart, who has played for the team for four years. "You are also constantly growing, you're never going to reach your max potential because there is always something new to learn, it's a very mental game and not a lot of people understand that."

Before try-outs the coaches will get a list of places to hold the try-outs. For Kekahuna, coming to Colorado was a blast from the past.

"I wanted to come back to Colorado because training at this altitude will help us when we go to the tournament in Detroit," said Kekahuna. "But also, I used to live here and it is nice to come back and see the differences in the (Colorado) Springs area."

The Peterson Fitness Center staff provided lodging, set up scrimmages, yoga classes, swimming times and provided a home away from home for them during their grueling practices.

"Out of all the camps I have attended, the Peterson fitness staff is by far the most professional, helpful staff I have ever experience," said Kekahuna. "All the other facilities have been great too, but the Peterson staff is outstanding."

 

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