Hi GMVA Crew,

I have spent the last two years at Webber International University located in the middle of Florida. 

Last fall our preseason began August 4th with team bonding scavenger hunts and team meals. We quickly got into the swing of things with practice 2 times a day with a weights session in between. The team quickly learnt new playing systems with our new coaching staff. I was unfortunately very restricted in my playing during preseason as I was still have issues with my ankle post surgery but my coaches were fantastic in working with my restrictions to put me in as many drills as possible. 

After two weeks of preseason classes and our normal schedule got set in place. Setters start training at 3:05 then the whole team starts at 3:30-5:30pm then weights session 5:30-6:30pm weekdays. Our games are played every Wednesday and Saturday. Home games are amazing because so many supporters come out to our games. Being around volleyball everyday is an absolute dream. Being able to work on specific skills and gaining game specific fitness enhances everyone’s game so much. Also spending so much of my day around other people that love the sport as much as I do is very inspiring. 

I was able to begin playing a week before our first conference game. I had to work very hard in rehab to make it happen but the hard work really did pay off. I was lucky enough to be selected to travel with the team for every game of the season. We got to travel all over Florida and had games in Georgia. The season’s schedule was tiring and full on but super exciting and allowed for no dull moments. We finished the regular season 2nd in our conference. We won our conference tournament in Miami and got our bid to play the first round of nationals in Ohio. 

We travelled to Ohio leaving Webber at 4am. We were told to pack our warmest clothes as it was predicted to snow when we landed. Majority of my team had never seen snow so it was a big deal once it started snowing. We unfortunately fell short in Ohio losing 1-3 to Lourdes University ending our nationals bid. 

I did not get any court time throughout the season but I am super grateful I got to train and travel with the team. I believe I learnt a lot from the experience.

Beach season is in full swing at the moment. We train two hours daily during the week with weights and conditioning sessions Monday-Thursday with Friday reserved for ice baths or an active recovery. I have been struggling with some minor stress fractures that held me from practice for a month. But with lots of rehab I was back playing in no time. I have been playing with a Finnish girl as our team’s 3rd seed which has been a good challenge for us. We have similar playing styles which make us a good match. I have really found a love for beach volleyball over here and my knowledge of the game has increased majorly this season. We have been playing against a few nationally ranked NCAA teams which has taught us a lot about our strengths and weaknesses.

My class schedule has consisted of mostly ‘general education’ classes which all students have to take in their first two years on university, but I have been able to take a few more course related classes which I have really enjoyed. I have classes every day during the week but Wednesday. The university doesn’t hold lectures on Wednesdays to allow for our sports teams to travel.

I have really enjoyed my experience so far in Florida. It has been tough handling so many injuries but the support from my teammates, friends and family I have been able to make it through. My teammates are my family over here and they are some of the most amazing and inspiring players I have met. 

I would encourage anyone who is interested in the “college experience” to talk to Luke, myself or any of the other athletes overseas. It really is a great experience and if you keep training hard and doing the right things it is a goal that is very achievable.

I injured my ankle during a training in early May 2016, after X-rays I got cleared of any serious breaks. I started treatment for a grade 2 sprain of the ligaments in the outside of my ankle. After little to no improvement after 8 weeks I went for a second opinion. At this time, I found myself being booked in for surgery in early August to repair a lesion in my bone and to have a reconstruction on the ligaments on the outer part of my ankle.
I had to then tell my coach at Webber International University that I was not going to be able to make it to the campus in Florida by late July for the preseason, nor would I be able to play volleyball for 6-12 months. I was extremely lucky in that Coach still wanted me to come this past semester and he would be supportive throughout my rehab. I did consider not going over to the USA and postpone for 12 months but my coach assured me that I would have a great rehab team and it would be good opportunity to get an insight to the college system without the added stress of playing. So after many discussions with physiotherapists, doctors and my family it was decided that I would travel to the states.
 3 weeks post-surgery I had a 24 hour transit to Babson Park Florida, still on crutches, in a moon boot and being in a wheel chair in the airport it was the longest 24 hours I have ever experienced. As soon as I arrived I was made a part of the family here at Webber International University being included in all the team activities and happenings even without stepping on the court. I met my roommates who also are on the volleyball team and they were so helpful, helping me settle in, carry books and make it to rehab every day.

 After the surgery I was on crutches for 8 weeks during this time it was 6 weeks on no walking and 2 weeks assisted walking. Rehab wise during the first 6 weeks I couldn't do much except for range of motion exercises (pointing and flexing my toes). At the start of week 6 I started doing pool rehab 4 days a week starting at 7:45am (which was quite cold in the pool) to work on strengthening and stabilising my ankle (as well as sneaking in some cardio), which consisted of me walking in the water, doing side steps, leg kicks, swimming and then progressing to light jumping and jogging in the water. In addition, I was also doing joint mobility 5 days a week.

 I was able to get out of the moon boot in early November (3 months post-surgery) and now I am wearing an ankle brace until the end of January. My rehab in December progressed to some light jogging in straight lines and to continue to build up strength in my leg (focusing mainly on the calf, quad and hamstring). Now I have started doing sprints, side shuffles and changing directions at a higher intensity to bring me back up to a level where I can do these things without thinking about my ankle. I am also doing conditioning with the beach volleyball squad with a modified program which I am super excited about as it makes it feel like playing is not too far away. The strength coach and the physical trainer have been great in making sure that I will be able to return to volleyball strong and have kept me motivated throughout the last 5 months.

 No injury is ever ideal but it is a part of playing sport. For any GMVA athletes that are facing an injury I would say it's important to keep your goals in mind both your long term goals and small short term goals. It's very easy just to become focused on the injury and the little setbacks that happen during rehab. For me watching my team train play every day and win the conference championship made me stay focused on where I want to be when I come back to playing volleyball. As a result it has motivated me to work hard in rehab and push through it even though at times it's scary and not much fun.

So far the whole experience has been tough but the college part of it has been amazing. From packed out volleyball games to traveling with the team, I have been able to enjoy my classes and meet some amazing people along the way. I am really glad I made it over here.
 My goal since I arrived in Florida was to be able to play the beach season over here and everyday I am working to get one step closer to playing. Our first beach round is against our "rival” school in late February and at this stage I may be able to play which I am really excited about! I have had amazing support from family, teammates and coaches both back in Australia and in America so I have no doubt I'll come back just as strong as I was before.

Remember to keep working hard and moving towards your goals no matter the adversity you face. Whether it be at training or in rehab, hard work won’t betray you.