AVP Awards Banquet

Last night was the AVP Awards Banquet. It was a great night for the players as we celebrated the end of another season and recognized those athletes that stood out in their categories.

Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were recognized as the Team of the Year, (NO SURPRISES THERE!) Misty swept the house for the second straight year in the categories of Best Offense, Best Defense, and MVP. Jenny Kropp won the Rookie of the Year Award and April Ross won the Most Improved Award.

I don't think there were any surprises, however, I really wish that the MVP Award could have gone to both Misty and Kerri. Players are allowed to vote for one person, so voting for the both of them was not an option for anyone.

Obviously, Misty deserves every award she gets, but I was really pulling for Brooke to get the Best Defense Award. Because I play with her, I get to see all of her amazing defensive plays up close and personal. I cannot tell you how many times this year I was just dumbfounded at the amazing plays that she would make over and over. The scary thing is that she had a bad knee all year. She just had it fixed and I am so excited to see how much better she can get when she is all healthy! It could be scary.

Another tournament popped up on my radar. I decided to make plans to go to Hong Kong for the FIVB Satellite Event. Brooke and I had planned on going together, but with her knee surgery, she decided it probably was not in her best interest to push it after just 7 weeks recovery. I think that was the right decision. I see no need rushing back in the off season, risking a re injury. I decided to still go and will be playing with Chrissy Zartman. I think Chrissy is a great player and I know we will have a lot of fun. We will not be training much for the event, as it is supposed to be our off season and rest time. However I have been playing once or twice a week, just for fun, helping out Rachel and Tyra as they get ready for the last FIVB event in Thailand. The weather has been so fantastic that I just cannot pass up the opportunity!

Speaking of weather, a heat wave is heading our way for next week! It is the middle of October and the temperatures are predicted to be 85 at the beach and 102 inland! I cannot believe it. I will have to schedule a lot of outdoor activities at the beach next week!

That is all for now. Have a great weekend!

Angie

I'm BACK!

The last few weeks have been great. I was able to spend some time with family and friends in Indiana, catch up on some rest and relaxation, as well as start tackling some chores around the house.

Going back to the Midwest was nice. We watched the Cubs beat the Pirates 13-8 at Wrigley Field, watched Michigan State beat up on our Irish at Notre Dame (BOO- that was not so nice!), and had lots of fun at my parents' lake house riding jet skis and tubing. The weather was fantastic! I got to eat my mom's cooking and had no dietary restrictions (which means YES, I ATE THE TURTLE BROWNIES!) Now I am back home and getting used to life in the off-season.

October is so beautiful here in LA. The skies are blue, the days are warm, and the nights are crisp. It is my favorite time of year here. I try to wake up around 7 every morning to start my day. I like to go to the beach for a run and swim in the ocean. Then I come home and start working.

For now, most of my work is all catch up. I have accumulated several piles around my house that are in need of organization. I intend to tackle each one and get organized. Besides that, I am on a committee with USA Volleyball where we are working to put a new Board of Directors in place. Lastly, I am trying to put together some new things for angieakers.com. There are lots of things to keep me busy this off season. I do not think I will get bored.

As for my workouts, I am taking time away from volleyball. I have not played since San Francisco. I do not plan to start playing again until the middle of November. My workouts are pretty relaxed right now. I am doing cardio, lots of stretching, some light lifting, and that is about it!

I will not be writing as much in the next few weeks, simply because there will not be much to write about. If something momentous happens, I will be sure to let you know. A few people have emailed me asking about the AVP Winter Tour. As soon as I know anything, I will be sure to write a post and let you know.

Thank you for continuing to read! I wish you all the best and hope you are enjoying life!

Angie

PS - Check out my sister's commercial debut! http://www.nike.com/g1/eu/index.jhtml?lang=1,1 She is the fast female runner!