Carlini, Robinson trying to bring home Gold
On Aug. 4 in Louisiana, the United States Women's National Volleyball Team clinched a berth in the 2020 Olympic Games by winning its pool of the Tokyo Women's Volleyball Qualification Tournament.
The 14-woman roster for the United States women, to be trimmed to 12 in July 2020, includes setter Lauren Carlini, a West Aurora graduate and 2016-17 Sullivan Award winner at Wisconsin; and outside hitter Kelsey Robinson of Bartlett, a St. Francis graduate and bronze medalist at the 2016 Games.
Because Carlini and Robinson bounced from Louisiana to their training headquarters in Anaheim, California, to the FIVB World Cup in Japan - where the third-ranked USA Team competes through Sept. 29 - the Daily Herald submitted questions to them via Bill Kauffman, USA Volleyball senior communications manager. Following is an edited transcript of their responses.
DH: How has the competition been, both against international opponents and also competition for positions on the National Team?
Lauren Carlini: Competition is always fierce, especially when you're wearing the USA jersey. Every country brings their best when they play us, and we know that is how matches are approached ... In terms of position competition, I know it is hard for people to believe, but we really want each other to succeed. We push each other every day in practice and help give constructive feedback in order to get the most out of each other.
Kelsey Robinson: We are all fighting for a spot on the rosters, but in general we have a great atmosphere and team dynamic. Everyone wants to see the team do well and win a gold in the end.
DH: What are the strengths of the team? What most needs to improve?
LC: Our team is consistently in the top three in the world in every aspect of the game. We are the best serving team in the world and we are also very effective in passing and our offense. Our offensive speed is hard to defend against, which gives us an edge against other teams in most cases.
KR: We rely heavily on our speed in offense and being in system starts with great reception. We are really strong in our first ball side out. I think we are trying to become inches better in everything we do.
DH: Who is the USA's top competition?
LC: The top teams in the world right now are China, Serbia, USA, Netherlands, Brazil, Turkey and Italy ... Every country plays a different style of volleyball and has different strengths and weaknesses, and we identify those each match through intense scouting.
DH: How has it felt to represent your country?
LC: It is an honor to represent the Red, White and Blue and there is not a day that goes by where I don't think about how much of a privilege it is to be where I am today. This will be something that I am proud of for the rest of my life.
KR: 2016 was a special moment for me and something I've dreamed of attending my whole life. I'm proud to have represented America in the Rio (de Janeiro) Games. I'm looking forward to Tokyo and our eyes are set on winning gold.
DH: What will it take for you to make this squad?
LC: In order to be chosen for the Olympic roster, it's going to take a lot of consistently good play and showing that you can be good in any role you are put in. Being able to contribute to the team when your number is called is a huge part of being chosen. There can be no off days.
KR: I don't really think about making the team or roster. For me, it's about showing up every single day and giving every ounce of myself to this team and program. In the end if I make it, great. If not, I'd be stoked to see the team do great things without me.
DH: Is it exciting to be in this position, or is it grueling and a little intimidating? All of the above?
LC: I have dreamed of being in this position for so long and now that it is all starting to transpire and unfold, it is just hard to explain how excited and pumped I am. I feel like I have trained my whole life and put myself in a really good position to contribute to this team at the highest level, so I am not intimidated. Of course it is a grind, and there are some really hard days in the gym and overseas BUT I know with every fiber of my being that this is exactly where I am supposed to be, and I'm doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing.
KR: It's always exciting to be here and to have reached the pinnacle in my sport. Our schedule is demanding and mostly, it can be exhausting. We play for our national teams for four months of the year and then for our club teams for the other eight months. There is no off-season. At most we have about one week off in between seasons. So a lot of professional volleyball is trying to maintain strength and (avoid) injuries and stay mentally healthy.
DH: Question for international travelers: What's the oddest thing you've eaten? The most unique place you've visited?
LC: Honestly, when we are overseas we can't "experiment" too much but some interesting (foods) we've had are tartare from Italy, quail eggs and Grappa (strong drink, BLEHHH!). Lugano, Switzerland (has) mountains on one side, a lake on the other, just a beautiful, picturesque place. There is also something magical about Florence, Italy. There is just a certain charm about it that other Italian and European cities cannot match.
KR: I've had fried scorpion in China and it was actually good. I've been lucky to see a bunch of cool places. Probably my favorite was Kas, Turkey. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited.
doberhelman@dailyherald.com
Twitter: @doberhelman1