Aug. 14, 2007
Former Loyola Marymount University standout Kealani Kimball (2000-03) has been selected to represent USA Volleyball at the 2007 FIVB China Challenger. Read about her adventures at the site of the 2008 Beijing Olympics right here at www.LMULions.com. Check back for updates as Kea blogs from across the globe.
During her days in a Lion uniform, Kimball was a three-time first-team All-West Coast Conference selection. Following her graduation, Kimball's jersey number 18 was retired and now hangs in Gersten Pavilion to celebrate her career.
Kea's Beijing Photo Gallery
Kea writes: My beach partner Rosalinda Masler and I have been selected to travel to Beijing for the 2007 FIVB China Challenger. Basically it is a test event for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It features developmental teams from each nation and we compete in a challenger at the Beijing Olympic Beach Volleyball site, which is Chaoyang Park. Basically it is a rehearsal for 2008 games. The format of the tournament and facilities are all exactly what it will be like at the Olympics, even the dancers.
With that being said, we are like the guinea pigs that got chosen to represent the USA. There are two teams here from USA. We are also doing some work for USA Volleyball in gathering vital information about the venue and conditions. We take the temperature, humidity, wind speed, etc., each day on different courts to make sure our USA Olympic teams will be properly prepared for next year's Olympics. It's a really cool experience, and I am so honored to be taking part in it.
Competition began Monday, August 13, and will continue through the 19th. We have pool play up until the Wednesday, August 15, and after that, will play in a single elimination format until the gold metal match on Sunday the 19th.
There are many different opportunities that are out there after college in volleyball. Whether it's playing professionally overseas, AVP on the beach, or random events like this Beijing Challenger that I am doing, the opportunities are there. Volleyball doesn't have to end after college, and players in college should be aware of events like these so they have things to look forward to after college.
