LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --
After selective tryouts, women of different ranks came together May 5 through 22 at Luke Air Force Base to practice for two major titles, the Armed Forces Championship for which they won silver and the overall USA Volleyball Adult Open Championship.
"Our coach told us to not take this lightly; this is an elite team," said Katherine Meinig, 25th Operational Weather Squadron weather operations officer. "I think that statement took some time to sink in. We are getting an opportunity to represent our branch of the military, so I think it's really exciting and is a privilege."
Of the women who tried out for a position on the team, only nine were selected. The top nine had to quickly ban together and work twice a day practicing for hours. Throw in some weight training to complete a stressful and fast-paced day that the team agrees they all love in spite of sore muscles and fatigue.
"It's a good core group of girls," said Nicki Holmes, the team's head coach. "They have learned a lot, and handled stress and a fast tempo very well, and it's going to be a good opportunity for success."
Participating in competitive sports creates the opportunity for camaraderie between the services. Being a joint championship, the Air Force women's volleyball team will compete against not only the Army and Navy women's volleyball teams, but 19 other teams within the competition.
The Armed Forces Championship will be taking place May 23 through 28 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix.