“When it was all said and done, the first thing we talked about was that we’re not done – we’re hungry for more. For me, this is the mark of a great team on a significant path to success. When before the sparkle of winning even dies down we are already reflecting on how to get better and how much work we need to do. So, the first thought that comes to my mind when I think about the World Championship is excitement for the future, for writing more history.” Nicole Davis • Libero, Stockton, Calif.
“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. The day after the finals I flew home to Iowa and all of a sudden here I am in my hometown hanging out with my family thinking, ‘Did that really just hap- pen?’ It just didn’t feel real.”
Kayla Banwarth • Libero, Dubuque, Iowa
“I’ve been told numerous times since winning the World Championship how this gold has sparked the excitement of the volleyball community here in the USA. I believe this has not only added another level of confidence within our program, but has opened doors for us to share our stories and hopefully continue to grow the sport here in the U.S.” Christa Dietzen • Middle Blocker, Hopewell Township, Pa.
“What made this experience so special for me was that it was the outcome of hard work and 100 percent trust from every person involved. Everybody in the USA program was fully committed to the process of doing some- thing that had never been
done before. When I went home, I was able to go back to my high school and watch my old team play. All of the girls had so many questions and were so excited to talk with me. It was humbling to know that at one point I was in their shoes doing everything I could to get where I am today. This experience is one I won’t ever forget, and it has only left me wanting more for this program.” Kelsey Robinson • Outside Hitter, Bartlett, Ill.
“What hits me the most is how many great players have played this game both for the USA team and also in national teams around the world — and out of all those great players how few of them have been fortunate enough to experience win- ning a tournament like that. It’s surreal, and I’m just humbled and thankful to be a part of it.” Courtney Thompson • Setter, Kent, Wash.
“Over two months have passed since we were
crowned world champions and it still feels like a dream. The best part about our accomplishment is knowing that our story is not yet complete. We’re no- where near perfecting our craft, and we’re more hun- gry than ever before. I can’t wait to get back to work with my USAV family this coming summer. There’s more history to be made.”
Foluke Akinradewo • Middle Blocker, Plantation, Fla.
“I remember sitting on the plane on the way home from Italy the day after we
won World Championship. As I sat there in my aisle seat with my eyes closed, I played back moments from the summer — moments leading us up to the World Championship, moments we had as a team throughout the tournament, and, of course, the unforgettable moments we shared when the last ball dropped and we had done it. As I relived it, tears streamed down my face. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, pride and humility all at the same time — gratitude for having been a part of this moment in history competing alongside my extraordinary teammates, pride for the mere fact that we had worked so tirelessly for this and we had done it and humility for it all. When people ask me what it was that made the difference, the an- swer is so simple and clear; we were the best TEAM at that tournament. Our magic came from within, from the construct we’re building that we’ve infused with trust and hard work, together. One thing we talked about after the final match as we all sat around the dinner table toasting is that this is just the beginning for this team. We’re going to do special things.”
Kristin Hildebrand • Outside Hitter, Orem, Utah
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