In Their Words is an exclusive, two-part series covering Kentucky volleyball players Kaz Brown and Ashley Duseks experiences with Team USAs volleyball training programs this summer. Brown was a member of the Collegiate National Teams China tour, while Dusek participated in the Collegiate National Team training program in Indianapolis.THE TRYOUTS:In February, Kaz [Brown], Darian [Mack] and I decided to try out for the USA Collegiate National Team (CNT) in Colorado Springs at the US Olympic Training Center.I knew coming in that having the experience from trying out last year would be very helpful. For liberos, you dont get seen as much as you would as an outside hitter or a middle attacker. One major key that helped me stand out was by communicating with teammates and being more involved with giving out information. Last year really helped me to be a better communicator and still be a great teammate. By knowing what to expect, I felt I had a better shot of being that player that the USA team coaches were looking for.The tryout process can be overwhelming the first time through. You dont really know how well you are doing through the coaches eyes. All you can do is give your all. One of the toughest parts for me is that I always like to know everyone Im playing with and their names, which is tough with so many people trying out. To achieve that, I had to be even more vocal as a defender. I may not have been with the same people every time, but I had to show my presence each time I stepped on the court. Throughout the tryouts, you definitely have your frustrations. It was great having Kaz and Darian there to talk through it and vent a little. We had some of the same feelings through the process so we were able to pick each other up. At the same time, in reality, all you can do is your best and having them there to remind me of that was really reassuring.THE MOMENT:When I found out about making the team for the CNT training program, I was pumped, but also a little disappointed. I was originally notified that I was an alternate for the team so I would not actually be training with the rest of the team in Indianapolis. As a fierce competitor, I always want to be with the best and play the best. Fortunately, one of the girls declined the offer and I was offered a spot. I got over the initial let-down of being an alternate and decided to make the most of my opportunity on the team. I wanted to prove to them that I deserved to be there.THE TEAM USA EXPERIENCE:I arrived pretty early on June 21st for check-in in Indiana at the campus of DePauw University, just outside Indianapolis. With check-in running until around 3 p.m., I was able to take some time to get to meet some of my potential future teammates or my competition as they arrived. This was very helpful. During this time, I also got to know a few of our UK rivals better. A few girls from Louisville were there and it was cool to get to meet them and some of our out-of-conference opponents. As intense as things may get on the court, theyre a great group of girls and it was good getting to know them.We had our first training session that afternoon, one of many in the few days we spent at DePauw. We competed in a minimum two sessions every day, just hashing everything out, getting the hang of Team USAs system and where they wanted the rotations to be and their mental approach to the game. All 36 of the players got mixed into different groups and we learned every detail we could about the teams system.During the final day at DePauw, the coaches had a draft to pick their squads for the upcoming tournament. They made sure to keep things fun, as the?coaches played ridiculous games to figure out who would get the first draft pick and the order in which they would pick their players. I got picked by Kayla Cole and Dennis Janzen who work with the Team USA staff as a part of their Red team. The coaching staff really made it a priority that we all had a great experience.The biggest adjustment for me during training was positioning. All my life Ive played left-back as a libero, but Team USA wants their liberos playing middle-back. It was a big transition. I sometime struggle to stay still and I know I can be a little antsy, so initially it was frustrating. As the practices and matches went on, I was more appreciative knowing I was becoming more disciplined and that these little changes will help me improve in my position.Once we selected teams, we moved down to IUPUI near downtown Indianapolis where we had practice sessions before starting the tournament. We would be playing on center court at the US Junior National Tournament in the Indiana Convention Center.After my first day of playing in the tournament I was admittedly a bit shaky. A lot of the members from my old club team were there for Junior Nationals and I wanted to make a good impression. Once I got past the nerves and remembered it was just volleyball, I settled down. Amie Held, our other libero, had been there last season and she got the start for the first set. It was a bit of a downer - you always want to start - but I understood why and I progressively got better. It just gave me more motivation to prove to the coaches once again that I deserved to be there.My team lost our first match in five, sending us down to a two-match elimination game against the White team. We won the first match, which gave us a nice confidence boost after seeing their offense and game plan in action. In the semifinal match, we played the White team again and swept them, before heading to the championship game against the Blue team. We normally alternated in between sets, but during the championship game, she played both the first and second set. After we dropped the first two sets, I played in the final three and did really well. I knew I had to embrace the opportunity I was given even though I didnt get to play in the second set, and honestly, I think its some of the best volleyball Ive ever played. We ended up losing in five sets, but it was an awesome experience and some great volleyball.Over the time in Indianapolis, I became pretty close with Amie, who plays libero for the University of Northern Iowa. She and I had a great connection. Shes the nicest person and we never ran into issues about playing time, we just wanted what was the best for the team. Wed critique one another and there were no hard feelings - just us trying to get better. It felt like we had been friends for a long time. Having that connection with someone in your position is special, and I cant wait to see her when we play them during the out-of-conference season.I think some of the biggest lessons I learned from my time with Team USA were about being the best teammate I can be. You cant get down when youre not doing well because other people need you. Even when youre not physically on the court, you can still help your team out. It was an adjustment for me only being on the court 50% of the time compared to here at Kentucky. I cant give enough credit to the girls who come off the bench and come in cold. Its hard to make an impression when youre not warm and ready to go.After this years experience I definitely hope to be invited back to try out again next year. I learned a lot, improved as a player, and think I can go even further next time. Cheap 49ers Jerseys Online . Their 38th instalment is arguably their biggest fight card to date, including three-title fights and a main event which was selected by the fans. The promotion boasts 14-straight years of business and is operated by MFC president Mark Pavelich, who is often overlooked in this country for the foundation hes established for MMA in Canada. Cheap 49ers Jerseys Authentic . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said. http://www.wholesale49ersjerseys.com/?tag=youth-kentavius-street-jersey . It just didnt show when he hit the ice. Berra made 42 saves and Kris Russell scored at 1:32 of overtime, lifting the Calgary Flames to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday night. Youth Tarvarius Moore Jersey . Vaives lawyer Trevor Whiffen claims the former 50-goal man wasnt provided with a copy of the claim beforehand and that he would not have agreed to the allegations made against the NHL had he been asked to review its contents. Youth Fred Warner Jersey . Tests earlier this week revealed a Grade 2 left hamstring strain for Sabathia, who was hurt in last Fridays start against San Francisco. Its an injury that will require about eight weeks to heal. He finished a disappointing campaign just 14-13 with a career-worst 4.Wakefield and Catalans kick off day two of the 10th Magic Weekend before Huddersfield take on St Helens. The final action at St James Park will see Hull FC and Hull KR dual for the city’s bragging rights. Wakefield v Catalan DragonsWakefield are fresh off the back of toppling league leaders Warrington and will be boosted by the news that skipper Danny Kirmond has signed a new two-year contract with the club. Chris Chester makes just one change to the side that ran out in Round 14 as Stuart Howarth returns to the squad after his time out injured and Anthony England drops out due to suspension.Max Jowitt knows the scale of the challenge thats ahead of his side but is confident theyre ready after a productive training week.Theyre really strong through the middle and to be fair theyve got a lot of strike around the edges as well. But, its nothing that we cant handle, Jowitt said.So were going to come out and put in a good performance for our fans and especially for ourselves.Catalans Dragons head coach Lauren Frayssinous is still having to contend with numerous injuries and the news this week that Richie Myler will be out for six weeks wasnt ideal. But, with nine wins in their last 10 matches theyre battling on well.Frayssinous welcomes back Dave Taylor and Jason Baitieri from suspension and young U19 hooker Alrix Da Costa is also set to make his return. Wakefields Max Jowitt & Catalans Morgan Escare look ahead to Sundays Magic showdown Looking ahead to the game Morgan Escare is aware of how confident Wakefield will be and knows home country advantage will be their opponents.Wakefield are a good team; theyve won quite a lot of matches. I think that Sunday is going to be a difficult game, said Escare. There are going to be a lot of Wakefield supporters and maybe only a few for Catalans but I hope that we are going to win and its going to be a good game.Both sides have lost just one of their last six First Utility Super League matches and head into the 2016 Magic Weekend on form.Wakefield: Scott Anderson, Chris Annakin, Tinirau Arona, Joe Arundel, Matty Ashurst, Jordan Crowther, Liam Finn, Craig Hall, Stuart Howarth, Tom Johnstone, Ben Jones-Bishop, Max Jowitt, Danny Kirmond, Jacob Miller, Nick Scruton, Mickael Simon, Mikey Sio, Anthony Tupou, Bill TupouCatalans: Lucas Albert, Louis Anderson, Jason Baitieri, Thomas Bosc, Julian Bousquet, Jodie Broughton, Todd Carney, Rémi Casty, Alrix Da Costa, Vincent Duport, Tony Gigot, Justin Horo, Antoni Maria, Willie Mason, Greg Mounis, Eloi Pelissier, Pat Richards, Glenn Stewart, Dave TaylorSt Helens v HuddersfieldGiants coach Paul Anderson has made two changes to the squad that lost to Catalans Dragons in Perpignan last week, with Scott Grix making his return to the side and new signing Sebastine Ikahihifo also coming into the fold. Tyler Dickinson and Sam Wood miss out.Saints have named a strong side with Jordan Turner, Shannon McDonnell and Calvin Wellington all called up. Dom Peyroux and Mark Percival miss out with knocks suffered in the win over Salford. Lama Tasi believes his side are in with a chance to push on for the League Leaders Shield, and is looking forward to taking the field on Sunday.The league is tight, said Tasi. We could be sat top in the next month or so and that is our aim. We have to concentrate, do what is best and play our footy. There arent any easy games.Sunday should be a good game. Most of the Giants players are back on deck and they play some good footy. They should have beaten Catalan probably too.Im looking forward to playing in that stadium an atmosphere. KKeiron Cunninghams side have won four of their last six Super League fixtures The Saints man is happy with his own form but insists his focus remains on the team and the direction set out by coach Keiron Cunningham.ddddddddddddI am still learning heaps and want to keep it up. I prefer to start matches but whatever KC thinks is best for the team I will do. I just want to contribute what I can to the team.The fans are fanatical here and ruthless in a way too! Without them the game wouldnt be what it is.St Helens: Kyle Amor, Jack Ashworth, Matty Dawson, Theo Fages, Morgan Knowles, Jonny Lomax, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Shannon McDonnell, Jack Owens, James Roby, Andre Savelio, Adam Swift, Lama Tasi, Jordan Turner, Atelea Vea, Alex Walmsley, Luke Walsh, Calvin Wellington, Jon Wilkin.Huddersfield Giants: Ryan Brierley, Danny Brough, Jake Connor, Eorl Crabtree, Leroy Cudjoe, Jamie Ellis, Scott Grix, Ryan Hinchcliffe, Sebastine Ikahihifo, Josh Johnson, Michael Lawrence, Nathan Mason, Jermaine McGillvary, Aaron Murphy, Sam Rapira, Oliver Roberts, Ukuma Taai, Joe Wardle, Kyle Wood.Hull FC v Hull KRHull KR head coach James Webster has named captain Terry Campese in his 19-man squad for Sundays derby against Hull FC.The skipper has been out of action with a hamstring injury since his sides victory over Leeds Rhinos at the beginning of April, but is in contention to face the Black and Whites in Newcastle this weekend. Webster has made two other changes to his squad for Sunday, with the experienced Chris Clarkson and Iain Thornley also returning to the side, while John Boudebza, Robbie Mulhern and Kieran Moran make way to accommodate the trio.Meanwhile Frank Pritchard returns to the Hull FC squad for the encounter after serving his one-match suspension for a high tackle in his sides match against the Dragons earlier in the month.The Black and Whites also welcome back Carlos Tuimavave, who had previously been sidelined for six weeks with a groin injury.Curtis Naughton comes back into the side after missing last weeks win against Wigan Warriors, with Steve Michaels dropping out of proceedings. Hull FCs Gareth Ellis and Hull KRs Shaun Lunt preview the derby between the local rivals on Magic Weekend Danny Houghton will make his 250th appearance for Hull FC when he takes the field.Im really honoured to be making my 250th appearance for the club, Houghton said.I didnt realise I had played so many games up until a few weeks ago. For it to fall on the Magic Weekend makes it extra special. Magic Weekend Derbies are massive games for me regardless.To play 250 times for a club I grew up watching and supporting is special. I never thought Id achieve something like that. Its a great milestone for myself and a bit of a shock that Ive played so many times.Hopefully we can get a special win to match.Hull FC: Josh Bowden, Gareth Ellis, Mahe Fonua, Chris Green, Danny Houghton, Sika Manu, Mark Minichiello, Curtis Naughton, Frank Pritchard, Leon Pryce, Jamie Shaul, Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Scott Taylor, Jordan Thompson, Carlos Tuimavave, Danny Washbrook, Liam Watts, Kirk Yeaman.Hull KR: Mitch Allgood, Maurice Blair, Terry Campese, Chris Clarkson, Ben Cockayne, James Donaldson, James Green, James Greenwood, Graeme Horne, Albert Kelly, George Lawler, Shaun Lunt, Matty Marsh, Thomas Minns, Ken Sio, Iain Thornley, Dane Tilse, Adam Walker, Joe Wardill.Watch the Magic Weekend live on Sky Sports 3 HD on Saturday and Sky Sports 1 HD on Sunday. Or watch the game without a contract for £6.99 on NOW TV. Also See: When is Magic Weekend on Sky? Phil Clarke on Magic Weekend Top 10 Magic Moments Follow @SkySportsRL Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys Wholesale NFL Womens Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Stitched Jerseys Cheap NFL Black Jerseys Wholesale Jerseys 2020 ' ' '