Volleyball Players Compete at Olympic Training Camp
Freshmen Paige Jeary and Ali Eager arrive at the Olympic Training Camp to compete in sand volleyball
Paige Jeary and Ali Eager, varsity freshmen volleyball players at Liberty, were a part of a camp titled, “2011 USA Volleyball Beach High Performance Championships.”
Jeary and Eager stayed a week at the Olympic facility for this intensive camp where they were encouraged and motivated by the coaches there.
Jeary said she learned at camp that to play at the Olympic level takes about 10,000 hours of playing time, which includes staying in shape and eating right.
Both Jeary and Eager started playing volleyball under Liberty teacher Lisa Deaver. They both agreed that what they love about volleyball is that the athletes have to play together as a team.
Both girls would also love to play at the collegiate level and have already learned life lessons from playing volleyball.
Jeary said, “As it says in 1 Corinthians 10:31, I’ve learned that no matter what I do to give God the glory, because He is the one who allowed us to do what we are doing.
“I need to work hard, have fun, and strive for my goals because anything is possible.”
Eager said, “I’ve learned to be a leader, shine for the Lord, pursue my goal, and never give up!”
Eager went on to qualify and compete in Chicago at the 2011 USA Beach Volleyball Junior National Championships, and Eager won the gold in the girls’ U14 open division title.
Eager and Jeary said Liberty helped prepare them for their accomplishments.
Eager said, “Liberty has taught me how to organize myself and has prepared me in being a leader for the team and most importantly for God.”
Jeary said, “Liberty athletics has helped me prepare in sports and in leadership. Liberty has also helped me to be able to minister to others through my actions and words.
As the United States Olympic teams prepare for the 2012 Olympics on the world’s stage in London, England, Eager and Jeary continue to play with Warrior hearts on Liberty’s varsity team and at 692 Beach Volleyball Club in Coppell, thankful for their taste of the Olympic training they experienced last summer.