The season might have ended the way she and her team did NOT want it to be but playing for Volei Amil was no doubt an amazing experience for Kristin Richards Hildebrand.
Per Kristin…
“Our team ended up losing the 2nd semi-final in 5 sets, 14-16. One of the most heartbreaking losses of my career. I am so sad my journey with this team is over. I have had the most incredible and special experience here in Brazil with Vôlei Amil, and will keep it close to my heart forever. Heading home to my love this week. See you soon USA.”
The heartbreaking match she is talking about…
She continues…
I don’t have the words to express everything in my heart but want to thank everyone who had a part of my journey here in Campinas with Amil. It was the best year of my professional career and I am so sad it’s over. Apart from our result, I’m so proud to have been a part of this team, and to have had the opportunity to be a part of such a special project like Amil. We fought TOGETHER until the last moment.
My experience here has been so special and I will remember this team, these fans, and will keep it all close to my heart forever.
The biggest kiss.
She also wrote it in Portuguese:
Eu não tenho palavras para explicar tudo o que eu sinto no meu coração, mas eu quero agradecer a todos que teve uma parte da minha experienca aqui este ano em Campinas com Amil. Foi o melhor ano da minha carreira profissional, e eu estou tão triste que acabou. Além de nosso resultado, estou tão orgulhoso de ser parte deste time, e de ter parte de um programa tão incrível como Amil. Nós lutamos JUNTOS até o último momento. Eu caí no amor com o Brasil como um país, como uma cultura, e encontrei companheiros de equipe e pessoas que serão meus amigos para o resto da minha vida. Minha experiência aqui foi tão especial, e eu vou lembrar esta equipe, esses fãs, e manter tudo perto do meu coração para sempre.
A maior beijo, e #VAIAMIL #coração #sempre
We had a brief chat with Kristin and asked her the most valuable lesson she has learned from her journey with Amil and how will it help her as she moves forward.
Her reply:
This past season in Brazil playing for Volei Amil has been exceptionally special, and I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I had to be a part of this amazing team and project here in Campinas. This country is full of people who love the sport and that’s a big part of what makes the volleyball culture here so special.
As I get ready to close this chapter and head back to the USA, I am overwhelmed with nostalgia and gratitude as I think through what I’ve been able to take part of these past 7 months. Meeting and competing side by side with my wonderful and talented teammates, being coached by and learning so much from one of the best coaches in the world, and competing in front of the worlds best fans – and being able to make connections with them – has been very impactful on me as a person and a player.
The biggest thing I’ve learned here was really more of a deep reinforcement of something I already knew. You determine the depth of satisfaction and fulfillment you will get out of what you’re doing by how much dedication and effort you choose to put in. Whether it is relationships with teammates/coaches/ fans or repetitions on the court, the level and sincerity of effort you choose to put in will determine what you take away.
I chose to dedicate myself day in and day out to Volei Amil, gave my blood sweat and tears to this team, and it’s made this experience and all of my memories that much sweeter.
What a beautiful answer.
The future looks bright for this hardworking athlete.
We wish you the best Kris!
In case you didn’t know, Kristin was name in the 2013/2014 All Star Team of the Brazilian Superliga.
The All Star Team:
Outside Hitters: Tandara (Vôlei Amil) e Kristin (Vôlei Amil)
Setters: Dani Lins (Sesi-SP) e Yael Castiglione (Maranhão Vôlei)
Opposite Hitter: Sheilla (Molico / Nestlé)
Middle Blockers: Thaísa (Molico/Nestlé) e Roberta (São Cristóvão/São Caetano)
Libero: Verê (Brasília Vôlei)
Knowing that Kristin was the top digger and 4th best spiker during the Regular Round, she truly deserves this recognition!
Congrats!
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