There are a plethora of choices for each sports fan every time they turn on the television. With major sports such as football, baseball, basketball, hockey and soccer dominating the air waves, what room is there for other sports to shine?
Volleyball — both indoor and beach — is one sport that certainly deserves more attention than it gets. What’s puzzling to me is how magnetic the sport is during the Olympics yet it hardly gets a turn in television programming outside of the summer games. The power, athleticism and intensity in volleyball is second to none, and through our new department LWOS Xtra, we are determined to bring our readers regular coverage of wonderful sports such as volleyball, by featuring some of the game’s greats as they share their stories with us.
Having already interviewed several beach volleyball teams (Chaim Schalk/Ben Saxton), LWOS Xtra is thankful to USA Volleyball player Nicole Davis for giving a few moments of her time to discuss the sport, its future, and a bit about her own triumphs as well. Nicole has twice represented the USA at the Olympic level, winning silver in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Championships in 2014 where she helped the team win gold. She has also played professionally overseas.
M: When you first began playing at USC at the collegiate level, what aspirations did you have? Did you feel at that time that there were many opportunities to play beyond college volleyball at the pro level?
Nicole: When I went to USC, I wanted to win national championships. I didn’t know much about the opportunities to play beyond college, and had done some junior national team training, but did foresee making a career out of volleyball or understand that going to an Olympics could be within my grasp.
M: At what point in your career did you, or your coach, decide to begin playing the libero position? What do you enjoy most about that defensive position compared with more offensive spots on the court?
Nicole: I committed to USC with the hope of playing the libero position. The libero rule wasn’t in effect yet when I started college. My junior year they finally changed the rule and I played two years of libero before being invited to the national team. I enjoy most being able to change the momentum of the game by making plays that tend to rip the hearts out of the other team. I also enjoy the subtle nuances of the position. It’s an opportunity to lead, to connect, to direct. Great liberos can be the x-factor in the same way that a great hitter can take over a game.
M: I’ve heard some of your team mates describe you as extremely passionate on the court, doing whatever it takes to win the point. Is that something that is a necessity at the libero position?
Nicole: I think it’s inherent in the position. Defense is about courage and effort to make the play. Reception is about creating opportunities for our hitters to show how great they are. I’m out there showing my teammates that I’ll run through walls for them. They, in turn, know that they can trust and depend on me. A foundational component of all great teams is trust.
M: Having played volleyball overseas, I’m wondering what your experience was like, and how would you compare how volleyball is appreciated there versus back home in the US? Are you happy with your decision to travel abroad to play? Would you recommend that to others who are going through collegiate programs now?
Nicole: I loved my experiences playing overseas. I played in 8 different countries. I would say that in most countries, volleyball is more popular than it is here in the US. In some, it’s the top or 2nd most popular (female) sport and you can reach some degree of stardom there. It’s also just a great environment being away from home, confronting different challenges, living in different cultures, and so on, for personal growth. I feel like a did all of my growing and really solidifying who I am, while I was overseas. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything else in the world. I would definitely recommend it. It does come with some sacrifices though – like all good things!
M: You’ve had some very impressive results at the club level, as well as your national championships at USC and US silver Olympic medals and World Championship. Is there one of those that stands out to you as being more special than the others?
Nicole: Gold at World Championships was historical, so it will stand out. Also, just the way we went about doing it all – really felt like we were doing and saying everything we could to help the team win. That’s special. Going to an Olympic Games is special, walking away with any color medal is rare. So, despite both occasions ending in a loss, they are moments that especially now being so far removed from them, I will hold dear in my heart. Each time we were on a podium, it was a different battle. So, they are all special in that regard because in retrospect, the medals represent the story behind getting there to me. At this level, nothing comes easily. Lots of great lessons learned!
M: With the FIVB World Cup in Japan upcoming, which teams do you think might pose the biggest challenge for the US?
Nicole: I think China is a stand out for me in terms of being a threat and a challenge for us. I have a lot of respect for their talent and their system. I think all the European teams can be great, but they have a tendency to ride the emotional roller coaster during the match, so if you can stifle their heat early, they can be very manageable.
M: Finally, apart from major international competitions like the Olympics, volleyball doesn’t get the audience that other big sports get. Is there something you would like to see happen that might make it more visible in mainstream circles?
Nicole: I think USA Women’s Soccer and Nike do a phenomenal job of promoting the sport and the personalities of that team, which make them relatable to the public and have helped expand their audience and the popularity of the sport and team. On top of that, they have had a lot of success and are worthy of their recognition. I think the same type of recognition is possible for the USA Women’s volleyball team. Being a World Cup year for us, it would be so “cool” to see people huddled around the tv to watch some of those matches, even if they don’t typical watch the sport.
LWOS thanks Nicole Davis for her time, and we wish USA Volleyball — and all teams for that matter — a successful World Cup in Japan.
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