The Countdown.....

As you all know today is February 5th. Tomorrow will mark the official countdown until the end of Super League. One month to be exact. This team has brought me so much in a little bit of time. Time and time again I ask myself what my purpose is on this team. As I am sure you all ask yourselves the same question when you are on the court. Or even at work. Someone sent me an interesting email. I couldn't help but share it with you all.

"Hello Destinee,

I enjoy watching you play. You truly are an inspiration to me and all the other girls out there. I wish I could be like you. I am writing you because I have a problem. I play for a club that doesn't let me see the floor. The coach says I am the best she has yet after one mistake I am on the bench. I do not understand. I am sure this doesn't happen to you because you are one of the best in the World, but what do I do to convince my coach that I am capable of playing the game. I'm human and we all make mistakes right? So why bench me and call me the best? I can't be the best while I am watching. Thank you again for your time. You truly are amazing. God Bless you"

Now you could say this left me baffled. Why? Because I know the feeling she is going through. A lot of you may not know but at The University of Texas my freshman and sophomore year I was playing on edge almost every night. I had a fear that if I made one mistake I was going right to the bench. Most of the time it happened. Coach Elliott didn't view me as an all around player. Come to find out I proved him wrong. In 2009 in the NCAA Championship in Tampa I showed the World what I was capable of.

It even happened with USA volleyball. I was asked to come tryout from Hugh McCutcheon himself is the summer of 2010. Found myself on the 2010 roster for the World Grand Prix. Only then to find out I wouldn't be starting. The first opportunity I had I went for it. I remember it like it was yesterday. USA vs Dominican Republic. We were down the first set. Hugh calls for a double sub. Alisha Glass and myself in for Nicole Fawcett and Nellie Spicer. Came in and got a block at the heat of the moment. Since that day I was the starter.

This was the first picture taken of me on the international level. One I hold dearly.

I think this email bothered me because coaches should give their athletes the chance to prove themselves. If you tell an athlete (he or she) is the best why not allow them to make a statement on the floor. On the international it is a whole different ball game. A lot of the coaches are on edge and try to make changes because they don't know what else to do.  Fans ask me all the time "Why did he take you out of the game? Or you are the best in the world why don't you tell him?" What people have to realize is at the end of it all the coach does make the final decision on who he or she wants to play.

I know deep down I am great player because I have proven myself, for those young girls who have to deal moody coaches, angry parents, and jealous teammates it becomes a problem. Something they can't do by themselves. I am thankful she chose me to email and I pray my response helped her. At the end of the day we are are human and make mistakes but those who dwell on the negative can never move forward. I thank Hugh so much for giving me that opportunity to prove my worth. Since then on I work to get better and fulfill my destiny of becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist!! God Bless and thank you for reading.

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.

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.

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 :)

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!!!

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.