Sunday, November 29, 2015---Women of Troy Volleyball Practice and Selection Show

My husband Jim and I were invited to attend the Women of Troy volleyball practice and the telecast of the National Selection Show for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.

The team practiced in the Galen Center Arena.

Then there was a team huddle at the end of the practice.

In the Galen Center Founders Room, Coach Mick Haley welcomed us and then had to leave for a live interview across campus.

Everyone was treated to pizza. As the team entered, Trojan Candy realized that this was the perfect time to interview Samantha Bricio. I met Samantha four years ago, but never was able to interview her. She was sitting at a table with her parents. Sam majored in Psychology and aspires to earn a Masters Degree in Criminal Psychology after she plays professionally in Europe. She started playing volleyball at the age of seven. Her mom was a volleyball player and her dad played basketball. Her uncle and brother played professional volleyball in Switzerland. What an athletic family! On a personal note, Sam told me that she likes to do anything that is outdoors. Hiking and going to the beach are two of her favorite things to do. Her favorite movie is "Transformers." Sam said that she has gone to see the movie eight times in the theater. An action movie buff, just like yours truly! FIGHT ON, Sam!

After the Women of Troy were announced as the number #1 seed in the upcoming NCAA tournament, the team posed for this picture.

Then the team posed with the San Gabriel Elite Volleyball Club's 12 Roshambo Team, who attended the USC practice and pizza party. This Roshambo Team is the #1 team in their league.

Tara Quarrie sat at our table. She has been on the job as a USC Athletic Director of Development for seven weeks now. Tara graduated from USC in 2007 and majored in Business and Business Law. She was a sprinter at USC just like her dad, Don Quarrie. My husband Jim mailed Don his Heritage Hall Medallion last year. Now, back to Tara. She likes to spend time with her family. Her hobby is doing origami. Tara's favorite movie is "Forest Gump." Her favorite music is dance hall and 50's and early 60's music. Unbelievably, Tara likes "pizza" flavored ice cream! FIGHT ON, Tara!

My last interview of the day was Samantha's roommate and teammate for four years, Alicia Ogoms. Alicia is from Canada, and she chose USC for its academics, athletics and weather. Alicia has an athletic family, just like Sam. Her mom and dad played volleyball, and her brother played basketball. Alicia actually started playing volleyball at the late age of fourteen. Her major at USC is Real Estate. On a more personal note, Alicia likes to swim and play soccer and basketball. Her hobby is to go to movies. Just like Sam! Two friends and roommates! FIGHT ON, Alicia!

Quite an exciting day! USC is seeded #1!

Several days later on December 6, Trojan Candy took these pictures of the Women of Troy Volleyball Team at the Women of Troy Basketball game vs. UNLV. The volleyball team had just finished their practice and stopped by to root on for their fellow Trojans.

Back row: Elise Ruddins, Sam Bricio, Alicia Ogoms, Tatum Harvey; Front row: Sarah Livingston, Niki Withers.

Taylor Whittingham

Saturday, November 28, 2015---Senior Day at the USC-UCLA Game

As my husband Jim and I were walking towards the Coliseum, we saw two groups of friends.

We saw friend Sunny Shepherd with USC football alumnus Omar Nazel (4/13/2013) and Marquis Jackson. Trojan Candy always seems to see Sunny at away games. The last was at the Notre Dame game. But today's game was our home game. FIGHT ON, Nazel!

The next two friends were sitting by their huge RV. Georgia and Doyle Hanchera posed with Jim.

Trojan Candy and Jim entered the Coliseum gates two hours before game time. Once inside, we saw two more friends at the entrance gate. Mary Haltom and Sue Cimbaluk posed with Jim.

We were lucky to be able to walk on the field before the game started. Thanks again to my sister Pat for giving us the pre-game field access passes. Mary and Sue also had pre-game field passes.

We put our stuff in our seats on row 69 and walked all the way down to the field.

Trojan Candy saw three more friends right away.

J.K. McKay smiled for this picture. When I teasingly asked him to predict the final score, he said, "101-0 for SC. SC will win!" I'm with you there, J.K.! FIGHT ON, J.K.!

Jim and I saw good friend and USC Tight Ends Coach Lenny Vandermade (6/24/2010). Lenny always greets us with his big, warm smile. FIGHT ON, Lenny!

Next, I took a picture of another good friend, Bill Beasley. I have known Bill for years. He works at the door or gate of every athletic event at USC.

The first Senior was friend Kris Albarado (9/16/2011). Trojan Candy has interviewed these Seniors. It has been so nice meeting them four or five years ago. Check out their interviews. Lamar Dawson (7/14/2011), Cyrus Hobbi (2/9/2012), Cody Kessler (9/8/2011), Tre' Madden (8/4/2011), Anthony Sarao (7/14/2011), Kevon Seymour (8/16/2012), Cody Temple (5/3/2012), Greg Townsend (4/26/2012), Max Tuerk (8/22/2015),Soma Vainuku (1/21/2011) and Antwaun Woods (1/26/2012). FIGHT ON, Kris! FIGHT ON, Lamar! FIGHT ON, Cyrus! FIGHT ON, Cody! FIGHT ON, Tre'! FIGHT ON, Anthony! FIGHT ON, Kevon! FIGHT ON, Cody! FIGHT ON, Greg! FIGHT ON, Max! FIGHT ON, Soma! FIGHT ON, Antwaun!

After the Seniors were introduced, the rest of the team ran out of the tunnel. They were led by alumnus and wide receiver Mike Williams. FIGHT ON, Mike! Trojan Candy stood in the right place to get this video.

Then it was time for Trojan Candy to leave the field. I did manage to take this picture of our team getting ready for the opening kickoff.