American opposite hitter Nicole Fawcett takes us to ride on Memory Lane and talks about the DAY she and her amazing teammates became World Champions for the first time in the history of USA Volleyball.
What did you feel before the match?
I was really calm. I know it was going to be a tough, high level match, but I really trusted the work that we had put in as a team to get where we were.
How was the atmosphere in the arena?
The atmosphere in the arena was something I don’t think I will ever be able to forget. The crowd was amazing, very knowledgeable, and really getting into it. It made you realize how big this tournament really is and more importantly, reminded me how grateful I was to have USA on my heart.
How was the match? (anything special in particular?)
There wasn’t a single point in that match that was easily made. It was a tough fight from start to finish, especially in set four. I think set four was the most intense set for the match from the lead changes, to China pushing to get to the fifth set, and our team being down 22-18. I am not sure that there were many people in the arena that believed we could come back and win it.
Please describe the feeling you had when your team won the last point?
It was pure happiness, but at the same time, completely speechless. I was overwhelmed by the sheer joy of what we just did and more importantly how we did it. No one, but this team, truly understands what it meant to win that Gold Medal and it is not something that I can put into words, but the feeling is incredible.
What went through your head?
I was just so happy that we came as far as we did. What we overcame together, through a somewhat up and down summer, was what I the most proud of. I think there are only two ways you can react when faced with a challenge or difficulty. You can try to brush it under and pretend that there is no issue, OR you can take it head on, accept that there will be vulnerable moments and uncertainty but continue to push on and refuse to let those tough moments define you. We did the latter and that is what makes me the proudest of this team.
Congrats again Nicole!
You and your team did amazing!
In case you didn’t know, Nicole is playing in the Korean League this season.
BONUS FEATURE!
Nicole’s teammate and one of the world’s best liberos Kayla Banwarth shares how it feels like to become a WORLD CHAMPION:
How does it feel to win the WC?
Gosh it still doesn’t feel real! I just can’t believe it! I am SO happy! Standing on top of the podium with the GOLD medal around my neck singing our national anthem was the proudest moment of my life.
And to be able to share that moment with with such a special team and coaching staff made it even sweeter!
Thanks Kayla!
Fawcett’s feature originally appeared on the November 2014 issue of the Danish VB Magazine.
(image: FIVB)
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