Day 2

Well, lots of firsts today. I met my team today for the first time this morning. We all had breakfast together at the hotel. Breakfast was really good. It was a buffet of cereal, hard boiled eggs, fruits, meats and lots and lots of bread! I sat with two of the youngsters on the team...Freja and Petra. Freja is 18, and Petra is 17. They are both middles, too. Although, Petra isnt playing right now because she broke her middle finger. After breakfast we had a team meeting where Miyuki and I learned the sets and defense in under an hour...ahh..then we all went to catch the bus to the gym together. I was really nervous for our first game actually because I was just thrown in there and had to perform. We ended up losing our first game, but winning our second. But I think it went well, overall. I just have to learn a few key volleyball terms in swedish..and practice. Having a couple practices before our next game woild be helpful! The level is definetely different over here from that of University level in the states...but it is so so so much more relaxed. I've never had a coach tell me to smile so much in my life! haha..Our coach, Anders, is all about having fun while you play, and therfore playing well. All the girls smile all the time and have really positive attitudes. So being on the court with them..I felt comfortable and almost stress free. Most of my stress came from the fact that our spandex are tiny and have like an inch inseam! But I'll get over it! So, I think after today I have a general idea of what the girls are like...so i'll fill you in. I'll just go down the list: Isa-22, seems very mellow, and has a fun personality.
Yvonne-18, consistent player, kind of quiet, sweet, sincere.
Freja-seems mature for her age, 18, fun to be around
Caroline-always smiling, 18, innocent
Rebecca-youngest at 15, really, really good libero, very very shy
Petra-17, very quiet, dont know too much about her..
Josephine-19, good setter, really fun, intense player
Sara- team captain, 22, so genuine, very sweet, honest
Evelina-21, laughs alot, positive attitude
Anders-our head coach- emphasizes "always trying our best", "smiling, and having fun"...has worked hard to ensure that Miyuki and I are comfortable and happy.
Ann-Asst. coach, very nice..dont know too much about her yet.
Olav-2nd asst. coach, good sense of humor, speaks really good english. He's a pilot, and works for 2 weeks travelling, and spends 2 weeks with us.
More later!
xoxo Kerri