Questions With

Questions Withhttp://www.volleyball.com/questions/BlogRSS.aspVolleyball.comengabLibrary RSS Component v1.0Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:51:29 GMTAngela Lewishttp://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=22&yearnum=2008&monthnum=11vballphil@hotmail.com (Christine Phillips)

Questions with AVP Star

Angela Lewis

*When did you start playing volleyball?

 Started my freshman year in high school

*Did you have a volleyball star that you looked up to?

Not right away, but when I started club I used to get my butt kicked by Misty & Kerri…always wanted to play like them…nothing’s changed

*Where did you attend HS? Where did you play club?  

I attended Bella Vista High School in Fair Oaks, CA. I also played club volleyball for Delta Valley VBC in Stockton, CA.

*Any favorite HS or club memories?

Getting an All-American award (along with Keri Walsh:)

*Where did you attend college? Did you get a scholarship?

I attended Sacramento State on scholarship.

*What were some of your favorite drills for practice? Individual drills? Team practices?

3 on 3 downball, coach on 1, defense lines

*Any favorite collegiate memories?

Playing UOP… Elsa Steggman got an over pass…I ran up from middle back, slid on my knees & dug her in front of the ten ft line…perfectly up, we set our middle & crushed it!  

Angela w/exhibition partner, Christina Hinds PHOTO BY KEN DELGADO

*You have had some life threatening experiences. Can you tell us a few of them?

I had a brain aneurysm at 18, in the beginning of my freshman year. An experimental procedure & a great team of Dr.'s miraculously saved my life.  My senior year, a cyst ruptured on my ovary. The doctor missed diagnosed me & sent me home from the hospital. That left me about 20min away from bleeding to death internally. Six months later, scar tissue developed from all the blood that was in my abdomen, and ended up wrapping around my intestines. I was again about 20min from death by the time they figured out was was wrong. Dr.'s removed almost 3ft of my intestines & reattached them.Whoooo hoooo I’m still here!!!!!

*After college what were your options? Europe? AVP?

I thought I was done with volleyball because of all the surgeries. After about 3 years I started playing on the beach for fun… I kept trying more & more, seeing what my body could handle… & now here I am

*What are your thoughts on the evolution of the indoor game? 

The game seems faster & I love that, but the loose setting calls are awful. It makes the game look & feel sloppy. CALL THE DOUBLES

*What are your thoughts on the growth of the Collegiate Beach Championships?

I think its great. It allows college players to get into some competitive beach games…which could lead them into the Pro Beach life.

*What year did you start your professional career?

I qualified in 4 of 6 AVP tournaments in ’03, but ’04 was my first full committed season.

*Why do you think you have accomplished so much as a player?

Determination & heart. Having to overcome so much makes you realize that life it short… & beach volleyball & being able to play, is a very lucky thing for me… so I’m here to enjoy it.

*Have you had the opportunity to coach people now?

Yes, beach & indoor

*Do you have any other jobs?

Graphic Designer

Angela is engaged to AVP Star, Anthony Medel

*Where do you see yourself in the future?

Designing, playing for fun, married to my fiance' Anthony Medel, & teaching my kids how to play every sport

*What is some advise that you were given in the past?

The past is the past…learn from it & let it go.

*What advise would you give college volleyball players looking to get into the professional beach volleyball world?

JUST TRY IT. Don’t get discouraged when the sand gets you… be patient, work hard, & your body will adjust.

*What is some advice you can provide high school players looking to continue their volleyball career in college?

There is always more to learn…be coachable.

*What are some of your core values as an athlete and a person?

You get out what you put in. If you are negative or doubt yourself…you won't succeed.

*Who are your current sponsors?

A few companies give me product: ZUSZSI Swimwear & Oakley. Lewis Design & my own performance has kept me on the road.

Here is a video that features Angela Lewis & Michelle More:Volleyball.com video

Here is some footage from a match during the 2008 season: Hermosa Beach Action 2008

]]>http://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=22&yearnum=2008&monthnum=11Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMTPrentice Lewishttp://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=21&yearnum=2008&monthnum=8vballphil@hotmail.com (Christine Phillips)Questions with Texas Christian University Head Coach

Prentice Lewis

photo by TCU Sports Info

• When did you start playing volleyball?

Sixth grade was my first shot at a form of volleyball. It was a cool concept for beginners, having a bounce between each touch and the net was closer to tennis height. It really was a blast but you try this these days and parents get upset because its not Volleyball. Grasping the concept and have fun is pretty important. I only play for one session and then was able to try out for the Orange County VB club. Yes I did make it and that was when my volleyball career started.

• Did you have someone (an athlete) you looked up to when you were younger?

To be honest no. I loved to play baseball, soccer and volleyball. And yes, it’s not softball but baseball.

• What is some advise that has stuck with you over the years?

Early is on Time and Don't let yesterday take up to much of today.

• Where did you attend college? Did you play volleyball?

Long Beach State. Yes and it was the best experience of my life. 4 Big West Championships and 3 trips to the final four. What an experience. Were you on scholarship? I walked on my first year then had a scholarship my next three.

• You won a National Championship in 1993. What is a favorite memory from that season?

Serving the championship point and Danielle Scott blocking the ball for the win. We all ran to the middle of the court and made a pile. Joy Mckenzie-Fuerbringer, our setter, was the first I met up with. I will never forget those few minutes.

• Did you have another job before you entered the coaching world?

I worked at a surf shop on Balboa Island during by High school summers.

• Why did you enter the coaching profession?

Well I was planning on the high school route, teaching and coaching. But that all changed after participating in Charlie Brande annual summer league at the Bay Club in Newport Beach. I had played all through high school and college. After I graduated and summer was here again I wanted to play but most of my friends had stopped I was placed on a team and was pleasantly surprised not only because of the talent but what how this would change my future. One of my team mates was the head coach at UC Irvine, Merja Connelly. She was a stud middle at UCLA in the 80's with Liz Masakayan. Well I spent that summer setting and digging for this great team. I don't remember if we won the league or not but that was when I meet Mer and my coaching career began when she asked me to be her assistant.

• Did you have a coaching mentor? If yes, who?

I really had two people that helped shape my future in coaching. First was my High school and club coach Charlie Brande and the the second was Brian Gimmilaro, my college coach. I also learned the ropes from three different head coaches; Merja Connelly (UCI), Kathy Nelson (Oregon) and Mary Wise (Florida).

photo by TCU Sports Info

• What are some of your core values for your team?

Work smart, be on time and compete.

• What are some of your favorite drills for practice? Individual drills? Team Drills?

Short Court with my husband has always been great! But really all different kinds of defensive drills. If you can’t dig you can’t hit! For team drills any type of wash drill. Our players named there favorite the Nacho drill. One side gets a free ball if they win they get a down ball and if they win that either a serve receive ball or a served ball to score, a big point. You have to get all three. Each time you don’t the other side gets a notch. Once they get 3 notches they get a big point and rotate. You usually start the game at 22-22

• What is one of your favorite coaching memories over the past years?

This past season beating #17 in the nation Colorado State. It was a 5 game battle

• What is the hardest aspect of going into the 2008 season at TCU?

Every year new athletes get the opportunity to replace our graduated seniors. Will these athletes set us back, maintain our current level or push the program to the next level? I'll let you know after our season starts up ;-)

• The coaching profession is a hard profession to have longevity in. What is your advice on longevity?

Win would be the first thing that comes to my mind! :-) But really for me it is winning or losing with athletes you want to be around. No, really it’s different for everyone but for me I want a team of athletes that do things the right way. I’ve been in D1 coaching for 11 year, the last 6 has as a head coach and have loved every challenge that has been through at me. We’ll see how long I can go……

• As a spectator of the game, do you have any changes to the indoor game you would recommend?

Dang, they have changed enough since I have been in the sport. No more changes here please.

photo by TCU Sports Info

• What are your thoughts on the beach game?

Love it! The Beach Collegiate Championships? This is a great idea and something that would help our sport grow.

• As a spectator of the game, do you have any changes to beach game you would recommend?

The only thing would be if they are going to have indoor and outdoor players playing both, fall then spring, they really will need to make the two games more similar. Playing the ball with two hands on serves….but they could just eliminate that in the indoor game and I would be just fine with that too!

• What advice would you give college volleyball players looking to get into the coaching world?

Its long hours make sure you break you day up into recruiting calls, paperwork, returning recruiting emails then last make sure you eat so you are ready for practice. After practice continue with what you couldn’t finish and or get on the road to watch HS or club teams play or practice. Doesn’t sound too appealing but if you like the game of volleyball you usually enjoy coaching it.

• What is some advice you can provide high school players looking to continue their volleyball career in college?

Don’t pass up on a 2 or 3 year scholarship, which is a great thing. Also, there are hundreds of volleyball programs from D1 to NAIA. Winning a Final Four at any level is awesome!

• As a college coach/recruiter, do you prefer emails or letters? VHS/DVD, or Online videos? Phone calls?

Anything is great! Problem with VHS has been athletes not letting us know who they are and what side of the net they have started on. DVD’s are the same but also making sure it’s recorded on a disk that all types of DVD players can use. We have had several ones that don’t work in our equipment. Emailed videos are great as long as you can just play it. If you have to download a system most colleges are on network and they don’t have the freedom to download. Email is a little hard because if you are a sophomore or below we cannot contact you back till September 1st of your junior year is the first time. Before that Sept. 1st dates we are able to send you our questionnaire and camp information but that is all, D1 coaches cannot correspond to recruiting questions. If you come on campus, outside of a dead period, we can talk face to face and show you our campus and you can call us anytime. We just can’t call you back till after July 1st after your Junior year.

• What drives you?

The idea of being the 1st female coach to win the final four and then to have also been the first coach to win as a player and a coach. Not 100% on the accuracy of this but it’s one thing that I say often.

]]>http://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=21&yearnum=2008&monthnum=8Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMTTyra Turnerhttp://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=20&yearnum=2008&monthnum=7vballphil@hotmail.com (Christine Phillips)
Question with AVP/FIVB Star

& Volleyball.com Blogger, Tyra Turner

photo by the AVP

• At what age did you first pickup volleyball and when did you seriously start playing?

I played 2 years of volleyball in high school and was hooked. I wasn’t too serious about it until I found out it could pay for my college.

• Did you have a volleyball star that you looked up to?

    I was a huge fan of Natalie Williams. She was dominant in 2 sports in college and I always wanted to do that.

•    Where did you attend HS? Where did you play club?

    Cypress Lake High in Fort Myers, Florida and I played for Club Southwest.

•    Where did you play college?

    University of Central Florida (UCF). I’m a Golden Knight.

photo by Greg Weaver

• What did you get your college degree in?

Speech Language Pathology Communicative Disorders

• What is something that most people do not know about you?

I’m terrified of frogs. No joke. If my parents forgot to leave the outside lights on at night I would stay in my car and honk.

• You were inducted into the UCF Hall of Fame in 2004. How was that feeling being able to go back to your alma mater?

I was so appreciative and proud to be inducted to the Hall of Fame. I was able to give thanks to many of the coaches, advisers and staff that helped shaped me into the athlete and person I am today.

•    What were you options after college? Europe? AVP?

    I graduated in 1998 and the AVP wasn’t around. It didn’t matter, at that time I was in love with indoor and still healthy enough to play it. I     went to the Olympic training center to try-out for the national team and ended up staying for 2 years. That’s where I learned to play right         and left side.

•    What are your thoughts on the evolution of the indoor game?

    The girls are enormous. Front lines are well above the 6 foot mark. I used to be big at 6’1. There is one rule I would love to change. I         hate serve reception with the hands/fingers. Everyone needs to learn to pass with your forearms!!!!

photo by Greg Weaver

•    When did you start playing beach volleyball?

    My first season on the AVP was 2003. In 2004 I decided to move to LA and do it full time.

•    Where is your favorite place to play volleyball (indoor or outdoor)?

    Now that I’m 31 I’m going to say on the beach. The sand is forgiving which allows me to stay healthy.

•    What are some goals that you have set for yourself in regards to your career?

    Gosh, I feel like I’ve reached my goal. I’m playing for a living and contributing to my savings, so I must     be doing ok!!!! Really, I want to be ranked in the top 3 and playing to win every weekend!

•    What three things would you advise junior players to focus on now, to be more successful in their future volleyball career?

    #1 First and fore most be a volleyball player. Learn each and every position. Be flexible and respect every skill.

    #2 Don’t forget about other sports. Multi sport athletes make great volleyball players.

    #3 Don’t forget that watching is a great way to learn. Play copy cat.

•    What are your thoughts on the growth of the Collegiate Beach Championships?

    Yes, yes, yes, an additional sport for women to obtain scholarships!!!! I’m all for it, not to mention I would love to coach a team in                  Florida….

•    You are currently the USA Volleyball International Beach Player Representative (with Sean Scott). What does that mean?

I’m trying to help facilitate communication between the athletes and USAV. It’s a work in progress, but I’m very happy with the improvements we’ve made in a year. Both side have been bruised and battered, but we are helping each other heal. I have the utmost respect for our governing body (USAV). They are working their tail off to give the beach athletes the support, guidance and leadership they need. At the same time I respect the beach athletes for taking charge and dominating when in the past they were on their own…

photo by Greg Weaver

•    What advise would you give college volleyball players looking to get into the professional beach volleyball world?

    Yes, I’m a Floridian, but I still have to say this…. #1 piece of advice would be pack your bags. You’ve got to move to southern California. Only then will you truly learn how to compete at this level. I hope this changes, but for now it’s what you have to do. Look at both Phil Dalhausser and myself. We did just OK when we lived in Florida. As soon as we moved we began to climb the ladder.

•    What is some advice you can provide high school players looking to continue their volleyball career in college?

    There are hundreds of colleges to compete at. Don’t just go to a school because of the volleyball team. Check out the scholastics, surrounding city and student life. Look for some type of balance.

•    Who are your current sponsors?

    Hilton, Kaenon Sunglasses, Smart Water, AIM Sports Medicine

Check out the Videos with Tyra

http://video.volleyball.com/viewVideo.aspx?v=xrmfmkAaz

http://video.volleyball.com/viewVideo.aspx?v=hHnGGnuXd

Tyra and Chad Turner Visit Dig 4 Kids

Check out Tyra's Blog

]]>http://www.volleyball.com/blogs/default.aspx?mode=blog&id=20&yearnum=2008&monthnum=7Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT