It was so cold outside at Merle Norman Stadium, but Beach Volleyball must go on! Our USC team was playing the team from Washington.
The first flight consisted of two matches. Pair 2 played on Court 1, and Pair 4 played on Court 2.
Now, the dual score was 1-1 after the first flight.
Three teams played in the second flight. On Court 1 was Pair 1, on Court 2 was Pair 3, and on Court 3 was Pair 5.
After Nicole and Audrey won, our team beat Washington 4-1.
KEEP FIGHTING ON, USC Beach Volleyball!
My husband Jim and I attended the USC Trojan League of Los Angeles (TLLA) “Go for the Gold Event.” The Trojan League supports our USC Track and Field Program and USC TLLA philanthropies.
What a surprise! Trojan Candy saw two USC track friends who have both won Olympic medals, Michael Norman (4/28/2019) and Rai Benjamin (8/9/2021). Both are now Volunteer Assistant Coaches and training at USC for the next Olympics in Paris in 2024. Friend Larry Jung insisted on taking this picture of Michael, Rai and me. Thanks, Larry!
To Trojan Candy’s surprise, two young ladies walked up to me and introduced themselves. They were USC Helenes, Chichi Okeke and Kyra Ashley Aligaen. Trojan Candy was an Amazon my junior year at USC in 1967, then in 1968 the Amazons became the Helenes. I had the privilege of meeting current Helenes now!
My next picture was of the President of the USC Trojan League of Los Angeles D’Arcy McLeod who is also a USC TGLA member. She posed with Kimberly Doder.
Trojan Candy finally got to three stations. I walked left to right to the stations.
While going to get my lunch, Trojan Candy saw another USC TGLA friend.
Ann Palmer let me take her picture with her daughter Sunny and two granddaughters Charlotte and CeCe. They are Adorable!
Nearby, Trojan Candy took a picture of several USC Track and Field athletes. From left to right in the front row were Tamaal Myers, Samirah Moody, Laysi Smith, and Jassani Carter. Then in the back row were Johnny Brackins, Earnest Sears III (12/1/2019), Tade Ojora, Brendon Stewart, Max Thomas, Malik Mixon, and Justin Braun.
I was able to talk to Earnest Sears III for a short time. He told me that he is training in the high jump in Las Vegas. He intends to compete in the Paris Olympics in 2024. Good Luck, Earnest, and KEEP FIGHTING ON!
Next, Trojan Candy returned to my table. It was time to interview the track athlete who was sitting at my table. Alexis Brown and her family live in Diamond Bar. Her mom attended the USC School of Pharmacy. Alexis is a senior who runs the 400m and will run in the relays. She likes to run when it is warm. Alexis also likes to travel. She spent one year in Thailand teaching English. More personally, Alexis’ favorite food is dill pickles. Titanic is her favorite movie, and NCIS is her favorite television show. FIGHT ON, Alexis!
[Video] Samirah Moody, a transfer from Baylor, talked about why she came to USC.
Sitting right next to Trojan Candy at our table was Matteo Mitchell. He is from Clayton, CA. Matteo told me he competed in the Shotput and Discus at Clayton Valley High School. The rest of his family played football. At USC, Matteo competes in the Hammer Throw. Matteo is majoring in Business Administration. More personally, Matteo’s hobbies are snowboarding and exploring Los Angeles. His favorite movie is “Stepbrothers.” Why did Matteo choose USC? Matteo said, “It is prestigious in academics and for its athletic excellence.” FIGHT ON, Matteo!
What an informative and enjoyable afternoon for USC Trojan League of Los Angeles members and guests.
KEEP FIGHTING ON, USC Track and Field!