Early Days..

If you were to ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up as a little kid, I garauntee my answer would not have been "professional volleyball player". It would have been more along the lines of "Back up Dancer", "Figure Skater", or "Dolphin Trainer". I was born on July 3rd in the early evening at the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Torrance, California and raised in the popular coastal town of Manhattan Beach. The farthest I ever moved was from Ardmore to Laurel Ave in the tree section of MB. Not trying to sound to nostalgic or like some of our grandpa's, but back in the day before this town turned into a more upscale place to live, Manhattan Beach was a slow paced, quiet beach town. It was and still is one of the best places to be brought up in. To put it simply, Manhattan Beach is my paradise.

Visiting the night scene around town these days, I often am received by shocked tourists or new comers who can't believe that myself or some of my friends are actual locals. Some say "oh, never left the bubble huh?" or "Wow, not a bad place to grow up". The thing is, I did leave the bubble. I left for college. Many of my friends did the same or went far enough away from home so their parents would not have the freedom to "accidentally" drop by unannounced. Being the baby of the family, a momma's girl, and having a sister who went to school at UC Berkeley, every part of my future pointed towards staying in California for the next 4 years of my college experience. I was in my final year at Mira Costa High School, coming off a slightly disappointing yet personally satisfying volleyball season. I knew that I wanted to go to college and play. This was my top goal. But where? There were so many options and so many different schools, some I had never even heard of before. So, after 2 recruiting visits, one failed and one potential Div. 2 school really close to my sister, I took one last visit to a school in Boston, Mass. Of course it was after heavy persuasion from family members. They told me to give it a chance, "what is the worst that could happen", they said, "you hate it and then come home, no big deal". The exact opposite happened, I loved it. Maybe it was the romance of the city that got me or the two half naked Abercrombie and Fitch male models standing at the front entrance to one of their department stores in Fannuel Hall that did it. I was timid at first, but liked the school, the team, and the location, I was set. Once I signed the contract for a full 4 year athletic scholarship, my family and friends realized I wasn't messing around, this was actually going to happen, the baby was moving out and far away. Most were shocked others were excited and all were supportive of my decision, except maybe my Grandpa who insisted on calling me a Yankee from then on.

I can't tell you how great a decision it was to live in Boston. However, when I watched my parents drive away after settling me into what we liked to call "the prison cell" that was my dorm room, I was overwhelmed with sadness and longing for my friends, family, and the beach. Yes, Boston is on the coast but for most of the year its to cold to visit its beaches. In addition, trying to swim in the harbor or Charles river would most likely result in hypothermia and a mysterious looking rash somewhere on your body (not going from experience but since hearing that people are terrified to go in, this is what I assumed). My first time living in the snow was hilarious and a lesson learned, never hold coffee in your hand while walking on ice, something bad is bound to happen. My time in Boston was spent to the absolute fullest, I truly enjoyed my time there. Met a whole new style of people, played some great volleyball, partied, and made life long friends. I also met my first love as well who was a first for many things in my life. Living there made me appreciate Manhattan Beach all the more. I mean, imagine coming home during Christmas when it is 2 degrees there with wind chill, to a clear blue sky and a comfortable 70-75 degrees on the beach, heaven. My parents told me something that I will never forget, they said "go out and see things, live in different places, meet new people because you know this place and all that comes with it will still be here waiting for you when you come home." They were right, so that is exactly what I did. The girl who everyone thought was going to stay in the bubble and close to mom and dad's side broke out and began to grow.

I had heard about some volleyball players I knew taking their careers abroad and becoming professional volleyball players in different countries. I decided to talk to a few of them to understand what going abroad was all about, I was in my Junior year at Northeastern. Most told me that it was definitely something to consider if I wanted to continue to play at a competitive level after graduating, plus it was Europe, the experience alone would be gratifying enough. I planned to go on an "exposure tour" this popular agency funds in the beginning of August, taking place in Slovenia. For those who are globally challenged like I was, Slovenia is sandwiched between Austria and Croatia, and its 3 small towns on the coastline are across from Italy. The country resembles a chicken for some and a blob for others. As nervous as I was to embark on this new journey, I forced myself to be confident and strong. This was the first time I was to be traveling on my own in another country, one that was more foreign to me then any other place I had ever been. Luckily I crossed paths with another volleyballer who was on the tour as well in Frankfurt and from there we traveled together to the hotel in Maribor, Slovenia. Once I arrived, I had to quickly dust off the jet lag and prepare myself for the first practice. To my understanding there were to be a few coaches from different clubs attending the first couple practices. Yes, it was intimidating and nerve wrecking to say the least. As much as I anticipated this moment to really shine, I ended the practice in a full blown sweat and tears, I was horrible, I choked. I thought, "well, good job Whitney, did you really travel all this way to play like this?! Idiot!" The next day I was determined to play better and I did, things started to look up. I got offered a contract to play on a team located on the small coastline in a town called Koper and that is where my adventurous journey and new chapter in my life as a professional volleyball player began.