Trojan Candy walked into the Galen Center Founder's Room with the Women of Troy Volleyball Team. They are absolutely already so tall, but each one of them was even taller in her heels!
As soon as I could put my stuff down at the table, I got my camera and notebook. Then, Trojan Candy was off to take pictures.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take pictures of every team member, because the program started.
Our first speaker was Leland Waters. He said, "We were in a position to control our destiny. That's why they came to USC...to be the best, they can be! Today is a celebration!"
Next, Coach Mick Haley spoke. He said, "Coach of the Year is great. What it means is...it's a Team Award. Your journey together is what is important."
Our guest speaker was Women of Troy volleyball alumna Kelli Tennant. She competed at USC in 2005-2007. Trojan Candy was able to interview her before the program started. Kelli, who first loved to dance, started playing volleyball when she was ten years old. She played on the Junior National Team. At sixteen Kelli committed to play volleyball at Stanford, but changed her mind and chose USC. She said that she felt more comfortable at USC. Thank goodness she became a Trojan! Kelli graduated with a degree in Public Relations in 2009. Professionally, Kelli has worked for ESPNU, Fox and the Pac-12 Networks. She has won an Emmy Award for her broadcasting. More personally, Kelli's favorite food is her mom's chicken tacos. Her favorite movie is "Pretty Woman," and her favorite musician is John Mayer. Her brother Steven is an athlete also. He played water polo in college. Kelli stays active with her broadcasting and playing beach volleyball. For hobbies, Kelli loves to hike and to write. She has written a book titled The Transition for Athletes. It is a handbook for athletes as they go into the real world. Here is a picture of Kelli with her mom Viviana.
In her motivating speech, Kelli gave the team many "words of wisdom." She said to not be jealous of your teammates but learn to be the biggest "cheerleader" of others. You are more than your sport. Surround yourself by people who want to make a difference. Your parents are your greatest advocates. Create a team to help you along the way. Giving back is your purpose in the world. Kelli related how fibromyalgia cut her playing career short at USC. Tearfully, she told us that Coach Haley stayed by her side and told her, "Don't worry, Kelli, we've got your back!" Tearfully, Kelli said, "That's why I came to USC!" FIGHT ON, Kelli!
Next on the program was the introduction of the team. A nice tradition is that each team member introduces the next member. Coach Haley always interjects some personal information about each team member.
Then, two Seniors spoke. Alicia Ogoms said that her parents helped her with her speech. She said that each year was a new challenge for her. She will not miss the "ice baths" or the "zip lining." She will miss seeing Coach Haley in his orange Halloween wig. Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Alicia!
Samatha Bricio spoke briefly. Sam admitted that she wanted to leave USC after her freshman year. She was in a new country, and it was hard on her parents when she left home. She said that she made "sisters" here, and Trojans became her family. Sam said that she found her love of the game of volleyball here at USC. She learned how to pass, share, be a better teammate and speak English. Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Sam!
The third Senior, Eve Ettinger, chose not to speak. She has been injured all season. Congratulations and FIGHT ON, Eve!
The final agenda item on the program was the presentation of the awards. They were as follows:
Congratulations to all the winners!
FIGHT ON, Women of Troy Volleyball!
Our men opened up their Pac-12 home conference game against the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Bring on the Arizona Wildcats!
