It has been a while.....

Wow!!! Where do I even start? The last time I blogged I was just starting my Professional Volleyball Career in the Maldives and Paris in December 2010. Where has the time gone? So much has happened since then and I cannot wait to share my adventures with you all!

After finishing my first professional indoor season in Paris I moved to Hermosa Beach, CA where I began my beach career and training with the USAV Beach National Team. My first official season on the beach was definitely an eye opener for me. I knew playing beach was a totally different game than indoor, but how was I suppose to know all the obstacles that came with it? I was beyond excited to be living in California, right on the beach, and to have one of my friends from high school as my teammate. We had talked about playing together for a while and when it finally happened, we were "living the dream." Before too long reality set in. As most of you probably know living in California is not one of the cheapest places to live, especially being two blocks from the water. Our rent was outrageous, neither one of us had jobs, outside of volleyball, we did not have a coach, training facility, trainer, etc. Yes, we were having a blast, but funds starting running low and we were not training consistently. In time, we both found jobs working in the restaurant industry, which made it even more difficult to train on a regular basis. Sure the money was good, but this is not how we pictured our "professional volleyball career" turning out. I did not understand how all these other girls were making ends meet. After talking to some of these players, and my family, I decided going overseas and playing another indoor professional season would be the best way for me to make good money. Within a week I was on a plane headed to a little place called Pihtipudas, Finland. And when I say "little" I mean small small town consisting of 2 grocery stores, a gas station, and a couple of restaurants (one of which burnt down while I was there).

Upon arriving in Finland I was very excited about this adventure and the many experiences it would bring to my life. I was in Finland for about 7-8 months playing for Pislaploki Volleyball Club. Instead of telling you EVERYTHING that happened within that 7-8 months period I'm just going to give you the gist of it. Most days were long, dark, and cold, but I met some amazing people, learnt a little Finnish, and went on some crazy, once in a lifetime adventures (dog sledding being one of them). Our season was kind of a roller coaster ride, but in the end we finished in the top 4 of our league and felt overall it was a successful year.

On my return back to the states, I was eager to get back to California and continue my training on the beach. I saved all the money I made and was ready to focus solely on my training. I continued training with the USAV Beach Team and on my days off started working with another coach, so I was touching a ball just about everyday. I played in multiple tournaments over the summer including CBVA's, Jose Cuervo, NVL, EVP, and USA sanctioned events. My teammate and I were having a pretty successful summer and were able to receive some sponsorships here and there. However, summer was once again nearing its end and so were my funds. Going back to Europe to play was not in my plans, but after contemplating getting a real job in the states or playing volleyball for money, you can guess what my final decision was.

It was not as easy to find a team in Europe this time, because once I made my decision to play the season was a couple months underway. Thank goodness for my agent's hard work and determination to help me, I was able to sign a contract with Lindesberg Volley, in Lindesberg, Sweden. As always, it is a fast process and I was in Sweden within a week of signing my contract. I am now coming up on my two week mark of being in Sweden and everything is great thus far. The town is super cute and everyone is very friendly. I played in my first matches last weekend and we ended up going 1-1, taking 3rd place at the Grand Prix tournament. I am very excited about this journey I am about to embark on, and know there will be many new and exciting adventures that will take place along the way.

I am so blessed and so thankful for all the opportunities I have been given and hope that you will all continue to enjoy this amazing journey with me!!! Thank you for all the love and support from my family, friends, fans, and teammates....this would not be possible without all of you!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS!!!