Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Volleyball is the US......

If I have said once I will say it again. I do not like how the US doesn't respect the sport of volleyball outside of college. Only time it is big is when the Olympics come around. To me that isn't fair. I always find my self thinking about it. Why can't we get any love for a sport the US founded? I did so research and found a link that shows how it originated and how the Philippines added the "hit/spike" technique.

Link:" http://volleyball.about.com/od/volleyball101/a/History.htm"

It makes me sad because they are some GREAT players out there that don't get acknowledged. Volleyball is a difficult and it takes a lot of skill to master it. I don't want to get into too much detail but I have spoken to a friend about it and she agrees with me it truly is a shame. Only sports in the USA that get love is NFL, MLB, NBA. Not even the WNBA get a lot of love.

Don't let me bring up the pay. lol that will be a long blog if I get into it. Just want you all to realize how hard it is to be loyal to a sport that you can't play in your own country professionally. It isn't easy playing overseas  away from family and friends. At times it gets lonely, but we remain strong.

It truly is amazing to travel the world. Don't get me wrong it's great but at the same time there are thoughts in my head that wonder how it would be to play in the states for a reasonable amount of money.

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Second Term.....

As you all know the second half of the Super League starts on Tuesday. Sollys Nestle will play Sao Caetano at home. Last time we played them was in December. Can you believe it is about to be February? I am so in love with Brazil it is amazing. Time sure does fly when you are having fun.

Anyways. A lot is on the line. Currently I believe we are in third place since we lost to Unilever yesterday. Top four make it to playoffs. There is no doubt in my mind that Sollys will be there. The last game of the season is on March 6th. 37 days to play 11 games and believe me it will go by fast. On top of that my parents will be here to witness this beautiful place as well as this awesome team.

Besides playing in Puerto Rico. I can honestly say I have found my place to play until I can't anymore lol. I know that is early to say but it's the truth. The time difference isn't bad. I'm from Texas and it's only a four hour difference.

The Super League has taught me a lot. I was able to cut down on my social life. I keep my personal business to myself now. When it comes to Twitter I have an official fan page @DHookUSAV19. The page only posts updates about my games, stats, interviews, and other volleyball related events. The best decision on my life. Find myself only using Facebook to communicate with my fans on my "Destinee Hooker" fan page. Gotta love your fans.

I honestly thank God for all the challenges that have came my way. It allows me to grow and now is the time to grow up :) Yes I am saying that at 24. Being in Brazil has truly showed me the way to be. Taking note from my teammates as well as training staff here at Sollys. Not everything you do outside of volleyball needs to be broadcasted to the world. There is more blogging to come. After all next month is CARNIVAL!!! So excited to witness this event. God Bless you all.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Back in FULL effect.....

Heading back to Brazil tomorrow on a mission to make it to the playoffs and of course win the Super League. What's done is done and it's time to focus on the task at hand. If media asks what happened the answer will be a life lesson and nothing more. I honestly feel the rumor got way out of hand but in the world it happens.  Steve and I are just fine. I am thankful to have fans and a team that love me for me and trust in me. I can not wait to be back.

The countdown begins. 41 days until playoffs start. Sollys Nestle plans on being one of the top 4 teams. I look forward to the feeling. Win these games out right and we are set for the playoffs. Not to mentions my parents will come. They haven't been to Brazil so I am definitely looking forward to having them in Brazil. BRAZIL HERE I COME.... I AM READY TO PROVE EVERYONE WRONG WHO DOUBTED ME. It's time to let God use me and use his work. See you soon Osasco!! By the way Congrats on Sollys for beating Sesi 3-0. Now let's get Unilever Saturday :)

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

God's Grace and Mercy

Mercy is when you don't get what you should get and grace is when you do get what you shouldn't get.
These last three days have truly been a challenge. But at the end of the day I will be returning to Brazil and back in action. Media can either make or break you and it is definitely making me stronger. I have never had a team like Sollys Nestle that respects me personally and is there for me when I need them the most. Of course Corozal Pinkin gave me respect and so did GS Caltex but I didn't have to deal with injury while I was there. Thank God.

A lot of rumors are floating around but none of them are even close to the truth. What happens with the team stays with the team and that's how it should be everywhere. I thank God that my hand isn't fractured. I'd rather take a swollen bone over a fracture any day. God has truly helped me to see that he isn't through with me yet. There is more to come.

As for my true/loyal fans I want to say thank you and that I love each and every one of you. You guys are one of a kind.  I will see you all soon. 10 days to be exact.

Eu amo voce Sollys Nestle e Brasil!!!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

BRAZIL.......

Hello everyone. Due to not having internet I have had to find ways to get my blog up. I am here in Brazil right now for my season with Sollys Nestle. I love Brazil. Everyone is so friendly here. The team is WONDERFUL.  My first home game is January 10th, and I can not wait to be on the floor.


My New Year's was spent in Hollywood, Ca. The usual I guess you could say. I was able to meet up with an old friend. A few of you might know her. She played for the University of Washington. Her name is Jill Collymore. It was great seeing her before heading back overseas.  Jill and I were roommates two quarters ago and have had that connection ever since.


I am learning how to Samba. Not bad for my first time. I am taking it easy. It's great to have teammates who want to learn English and want to learn how to dance to hip-hop. Honestly outside of Puerto Rico I feel at home here. Not to mention the weather is a huge bonus. I figured I would put the video up to let you all see my first lesson.

That is all for now. I have been here for 6 days and there has been a lot going on. After the first game I will have more photos for you. Just know that BRAZIL is a beautiful place and you should consider taking a trip here.