Aviano Airmen help dethrone Army, take gold

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Whitney
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Three Aviano Airmen helped the Air Force go undefeated and win gold at the 2012 Armed Forces Women's Volleyball championship June 21-26 at Naval Air Station Great Lakes, Ill.

Capt. Elizabeth Hoeltje, team captain and libero from the 31st Force Support Squadron, Airman 1st Class Meghan Haas, team captain and outside hitter from the 31st Security Forces Squadron and Airman 1st Class Kristina Englebert, outside hitter from the 31st Mission Support Group, joined eight other women from across the Air Force to compete against the Army, Marine Corps and joint Navy and Coast Guard teams in the tournament.

"Coming together with other people from across the Air Force with totally different backgrounds and experiences was a great opportunity for me," said Englebert. "Working with other people who are as passionate about something as I am and building those new friendships was worth the trip, whether we won or not."

The tournament was a double round-robin schedule, in which each team played the other three teams twice. The team with the best record was then crowned champion in the closing ceremonies on June 26. This year, that team was the Air Force with a perfect 6-0 record.

To prepare for the tournament and form a true team mentality among the Airmen, all players selected for the Air Force team participated in a three-week training camp at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. During this training, the 11 Airmen performed two training sessions daily, as well as scrimmages against local volleyball teams, including the Utah State University varsity team.

"For us to go out with these eight other women that we have never played with before, and hold our own against a college level team, it really showed how talented our players were," said Englebert. "I was really honored to be selected for the team when I saw how good everyone was, and that made me try that much harder in practice."

Although practice is important, teams aren't built just on the court. Much of the cohesion and teamwork the Airmen developed came from interactions after practice.

"Everything we did during the training camp was with our team members, so whenever we were eating, practicing, playing, working out or just relaxing we were getting to know each other and what motivates everyone," said Haas. "Once we all got to know each other and find out what drives them, we were able to pull together and actually act as a team, not just a bunch of players."

Both Haas and Hoeltje were selected to the six-woman all tournament team to go on to compete in the Conseil International du Sport Militaire world championship in Amsterdam later in July.

While Hoeltje was unable to attend the world tournament due to a permanent change of station move, Haas was able to represent Aviano, the Air Force and the United States during the CISM tournament against teams from Brazil, Canada, China, Germany and Italy.

"Although we didn't win the CISM tournament, coming together with these women you just competed against and uniting under the same cause of representing your country made it all worth it," said Haas. "Representing the United States on such an international level in sports is definitely something I didn't think I would have the opportunity to do when I joined the Air Force."

Even though volleyball is something that both Haas and Englebert have competed in for most of their lives, they recommend anyone who is interested in competing at the Air Force and international level in any sport be prepared both physically and mentally for the work it entails.

They suggest Airmen begin training months in advance by not only practicing the sport as often as they can, but also making sure members are in peak physical condition.

"Volleyball is something I have played for a long time, but playing at that competitive level for a month straight really took a toll on me," said Haas. "You have to make sure you are showing up on the first day in the best shape possible or you will be fighting an up-hill battle the whole time."

Those interested should also work with their leadership to ensure they aren't going to place an unbearable strain on their work-center, since tournaments can remove Airmen from their workplace for months at a time.

"I am incredibly thankful to my supervisor and commander for working with me to allow me to go and play in the tournament," said Englebert. "I was hesitant to ask to leave, but they encouraged me and kept in touch and checked up on me throughout the whole process, and that support made it easier for me to focus."

The Air Force offers opportunities for interested athletes to participate in more than 20 competitive events, including wrestling, boxing, softball, swimming, tae kwon doe, and basketball. For a complete list of sports, visit http://armedforcessports.defense.gov/zvol.html or contact the Dragon Fitness Center at DSN 632-7459 to complete an Air Force Form 303.