Jenna's Month

A large part of Jenna's month has been homework and volleyball. She has been inspired by her art class from Freshman year and continues to experiment with sketching. She doesn't see her talent, but I think it's amazing. As for volleyball, we are sticking with the mindset of being grateful she is on Varsity. She isn't getting the playtime she started out with. In fact this month, she had people come to watch her play, and two of the three times they came, she didn't play.  At all.  We're not sure why except that maybe the coach is getting pressure from the other parents or she's trying to give the older girls some court time. We can't ask. We just have to be patient. Jenna feels like it's a reflection on her which we continually reassure her that it's not. Sometimes you just don't know. She is having great practices setting and hitting. The iron of the month was that near the end when we played Los Al, Jenna was a starter for three of the four games in the match.  She went from not playing to starting. We are not sure why, but she is grateful for the court time when she can get it. It's all good experience in the end, and she is keeping a positive attitude. She really likes the girls on her team, and she loves working out with them.  We'll take that.

Jenna - VB Game

Jenna had a second volleyball game while we were gone. It looks like her coach will use her as a hitter instead of a setter.  There is a senior setter who automatically gets to play (even if Jenna is a better setter), and a girl Jenna's age who set on varsity last year and is the primary setter. Jenna had a lot of experience hitting this past club year which is coming in handy. She especially loves the left side and can swing away with confidence. It's a bummer that she can't set, but it is great to see how she helps her team as a hitter.

Sweltering Saturday

Jenna had a tournament today. We pretty much survived the day. Jenna had a fever and didn't feel well, and on top of that it was sweltering. The gym was so old which was fun because of all the banners from the WWII era, but no air conditioning. Jenna is trying so hard to hang in there because she knows her spot on Varsity doesn't mean she'll always play. So being sick is hard, but she's doing a respectable job at hanging in there.

Summer Varsity League

Jenna was invited to play on the Varsity Summer League team. She was one of only two players from the Frosh/Soph teams asked to play. She's been working hard, and it was amazing for her to receive the invitation. It isn't a guarantee that she'll make Varsity, but it is a start to playing with more skilled girls. She'll definitely get some good experience in.

BYU Volleyball Camp

The original plan for BYU summer camp was to drop Jenna off each morning and then spend the hours she'd be at camp roaming around with Shelly exploring her stomping grounds, going to the Temple, etc. But Jenna ended up with the stomach flu on Sunday, and it was a bad one. She hadn't recovered by Monday morning when camp started.  We called the camp and let them know she'd be coming later. I had to accompany her because she was weak from throwing all night Saturday (six hours) and sleeping all of Sunday. She hadn't eaten, but this camp was SO important. We checked her in late and then found one of the buildings where the camp was located. After talking with someone on the floor and letting them know Jenna needed to watch today, we sat and watched the court nearest us. Just after getting situated, Heather Olmsted and her assistant coach came through to check on the courts. She came over to talk to us, and we let her know Jenna needed to sit today. She noticed Jenna's Tstreet attire, and we let her know Jenna was a setter and was looking forward to instruction at a higher level. She invited Jenna over to the Smith Fieldhouse which was where the top three courts were. We sat over there and watched the activity before leaving for the day. We returned the following morning. Jenna still hadn't eaten very much, but she was determined to get out there. Heather directed her to court three with Mary Lake, and they were so excited to have a second setter. I ended up staying because we weren't sure if Jenna was going to hurl or be okay. As the next few days progressed and Jenna got stronger, I was in the routine of going in with her. I felt like I might be a little obvious hanging out so I found a perch high up in the stands and hid while watching the activities. Jenna got pulled to play one night with the top court which was a great experience. She received instruction from Linsey Haddock, a setter on the team, Amy Boswell, the fantastic middle blocker, and Mary Lake who is one of the best Liberos in the country. The head coaches were there to watch the play and instruct as well. For all the frustration of being sick and the heartache of not being able to play at 100% (she did pretty darn good anyway), the week went well. I've learned that I say too many things to coaches that make me sound like a dork, and that I worry about the process and progress too much (Is she on the right court? Is she progressing fast enough to achieve her goals?). We also learned that prayer works and that the power of the priesthood is real.  Jenna had an amazing blessing from Sarah's grandpa. We carried that blessing through the week. Jenna also prayed on Tuesday that she would feel better and after resting during lunch, she was able to go back and play really well. Sometimes you can exercise faith through other people praying for you and a blessing, but Heavenly Father wants to hear from us too.  On our way out on the last day, we stopped by the BYU sign and grabbed a soda and sugar cookie from the famous Swig. This was a great experience. If Jenna hadn't been sick and sitting in the place she was at the time she was, we don't know if the coaches would have noticed her being from Tstreet or whether she would have been invited to the top courts. We think this all happened for a reason, maybe one that we won't understand for some time.

Phoenix Volleyball Festival June 28- July 4

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1 & 2 - Made it to Phoenix and all checked in. Dinner at the local Corner Bakery. Tomorrow begins the volleyball competition, and this girl will give it her all. She always does not matter what. A fierce competition and a great team player. We are very proud of your hard work and determination Jenna! 3, 4, 5 & 6 - Who has the greatest aunt and uncle ever?  We do! Aunt Michelle, Uncle Shane and Gavin arrived at the Convention Center before the last match started on the first day, and then they came back for two more days. What a great surprise! They were in the Phoenix area at the same time for a wrestling camp. After the games one evening, we went to Cooperstown, a local burger place owned by Alice Cooper. Not my favorite singer, but the food was good, and the company was even better. 7. My favorite side of Jenna is her silly side. 8. I don't know why, but I love huddle pictures. I love the unity and focus as the team heads on to the court or back into the game after regrouping. 9 & 10. Jenna joined the team after playing outside in Vegas to be a setter. She is back playing outside because the girl she replaced rolled her ankle. During day 3, our other outside tore her ACL. It's been a tough injury season for this team. They played really well together and were sad to say good-bye.

Player of the Month

After her first season at Tstreet, we were so proud to see Jenna nominated as Player of the Month for her team. Jenna did a great job this year discovering that her team wasn't the experience she had expected, but giving her all anyway. Then mid season she was moved to an older team to fill in for a different position, and she did great. She ended up staying on the older team and giving her all no matter where she was asked to play (she played setter/opp or outside depending on need). It was nice that her coach recognized her hard work and dedication to her sport. Good job Jen!

Last Track Banquet

Heather's last track banquet tonight. As a senior on the hurdle team she presented Coach Knowles with his gift. Heather lettered this year which was awesome. Track is a difficult sport to letter in. An athlete must win a Varsity race and/or post a time. Heather broke 50 seconds on the 300m Hurdles which earned her a letter, and she also placed a couple of times. The last photo shows all 4 years of track banquets.  This kid has stuck it out and made the most of each year in sickness and in health. This year was her healthiest, and this year she saw the most improvement in her time. She did such an amazing job and we couldn't be prouder!

This Is It - Heather's Last Meet

Today Heather competed in her last Sunset League Final. She did a great job, but it was all about the relationships that were made. The athletes ran their races, but in between they hung out together cheering each other on and reminiscing. The top picture is of Heather and Cora during one of their first meets together and then at this last meet. It was great to recreate that picture. They have been friends on track and at church. Taylor and Clarissa and Gina have also been with Heather since middle school. Such great girls. Can't wait to see what amazing things they do in the future. It's going to be so weird not to have track meets from January to May each year, but we have enjoyed every minute.

Sunset League Prelims and The Blairs

Uncle Shane and Aunt Michelle wanted to come to California and see Heather run in a track meet before her track season ended. She qualified for the Sunset League finals while they were here! Yay! They soaked up some sun and visited Grandpa Ron, too. Uncle Shane had to drive back to get back to work, but Aunt Michelle will stay a few more days.

Sports and Burgers

Jenna set at her tournament today and Heather ran at OC Champs (top runners in So Cal). Jenna's gym was air conditioned; Heather's track was not. It was a hot, hot day at about 100+ degrees. We met at Jerry's Wood Fired Dogs in Ladera Ranch near Jenna's tournament for dinner. It did not disappoint.

Last Home Meet for Heather

Last school home meet of Heather's high school track career. She did great, and the team's seniors soaked it in. We've spent 4 years in the track and field program, and it's going to be so strange not to be a part of this program anymore. We're so proud of you Heather!