It's PLAYOFF time........

Hello all...... Now as you know at the end of every season comes Playoffs. Some see it as an opportunity to stay longer with teammates, others see it as an opportunity to go home, but in reality its the time to fight to win a CHAMPIONSHIP!!

On Monday we started our quarterfinals. Super League is different from every country I have played in. Their's are so spaced out it's honestly kind of shocking. In Puerto Rico you played every other day which I liked. Here its a week in between and that is killing me because I would rather play then practice 8 times and then play lol.

My parents are here for the Quarterfinals. Unfortunately they leave Friday morning they will miss the second game of the Quarterfinals. Spring break in the USA ends for them this Sunday. Dad has to get back to his church and my Mom has work. :) I am so happy they were able to come.

Only 30 days left until the Championship game. Prayerfully Sollys will be there. For the Quarterfinals we play Sao Bernardo. Danielle Scott, my USA teammate, is on that team. It's great to see her. This Friday we will play them at their place. Here are some images from the game on Monday:

Quarterfinals: March 12th, 13th, 16th, 17th, & 20th

Semifinals: March 24th, 26th, 30th, April 6th & 7th

Final: April 14th

Best 2 out of 3 and the Championship Game is just one

Continue to keep us in your prayers.

Fans All Over the World........

When I said it truly is a blessing to have loyal fans I meant it. I received an email today from a woman in Japan. She messaged me before asking how to get a "DHook" T-shirt. Imagine my surprise when she sent me pictures of her and her sister wearing them. God is so good. "DHook" has reached Japan. Here is her email:

Dear,Hooker



I posted about 〝D-hook Tee〟 on  facebook last month.

Finally,I could get it:) I attached photos:)
We are sisters who love you,hooker:)
We liked it very much:) it's comfortable to wear^m^　
It looks like there are your silhouette in the Tee designs. Is it just my imagination?^^;



I've always wanted〝D-hook Tee〟since I read your blog which was written about it:)
According to my research, it was unfortunately impossible to buy it from Japan.
But I wanted it at all cost therefore I asked my friend who lives in Canada to borrow her address.
I would not have gotten it without her cooporation! if you mind, will you autograph this Tee and take a photo with me when we meet each other next time?

I hope you understand my English(^^)/　Reading your blog,facebook,twitter are good way to improve my English skills.

Thanks to you, I really enjoy learning English:)　You are my motivation♪

I'm　supporting you! Keep a great work：）

Yuri　Sasaki

How sweet was that? I pray I do meet her again. I had to share that with you all. The best feeling in the world is having family, friends, and fans who support you no matter what and I thankful to have that. Below are the images that were sent :) Enjoy and God Bless.

Next week playoffs start...... I will keep you posted on the next blog. :)

Mommy Volley

So I decided to switch it up a little. The blog today is dedicated to two players on the USA volleyball team who have children. I was curious about their journeys and what led them back to the court after having a baby.

The questions were:

1. When did you find out you were pregnant?
2. What was your plan to get back to the court?
3. When was he/she born?
4. How long was the recovery time?
5. Where did you play when you returned?

Tayyiba Haneef-Park

1. I found out i was pregnant in July 2009. I was already a month along and didn't know it. 

2. My plan started early by keeping in shape during pregnancy and not using it as an excuse to just blow up and eat what i wanted. I ate healthy and excersized the whole time. I wasn't cleared at the normal time, which think is about 6 weeks, to go back and work out yet so I walked a lot around the neighborhood with Aj strapped to me. When I was cleared i slowly got back into shape through fun stuff like Zumba, Insanity and Spin classes. 

3. He was Born March 7, 2010

4. As I mentioned my recovery was a little longer because of difficulties I had after his birth. I started playing volleyball again around the end of June i think, but my back hurt and I wasn't at full strength. I finally felt like a normal volleyball player around November when my teammates overseas helped me complete the Insanity workout. 

5. My team after giving birth was Iqtisdachi Volleyball Club in Baku which i returned to this year.

The Park Family....... Tayibba, Anthony(Husband), and son, AJ

Danielle Scott-Arruda

I found out that I was pregnant in aug of 09 just before returning to national team. 

2 I played the first three months of my pregnancy. As soon as I was released by my doctor I began walking on the treadmill then I bought the video series insanity. 

3 Julianne was born on April 17,2010 after 17 long hours of epidural free labor and delivery. 

4 my doctor released me 4 weeks after delivery. I was allowed to train with the national team in july after having Julianne in april... Then i went to brazil to play professionally there. It took me about a year to get in better shape than I was before pregnancy. 

5 I played my first season after having my daughter in brazil for BMG Sao Bernardo. 

Dani and her beautiful daughter Julianne.........

Being able to have a child is a huge blessing, but having a baby as a volleyball player is a sacrifice. What I mean by that is. Once you realize you are pregnant there are a lot of mixed emotions. I am sure Dani and Ty were very happy when they found out but as you read their answers above there were commitments even when they were pregnant. 

One day I plan on having a little blessing of my own. It's always great to have a connection with someone who has experienced something you want to go through. You would think that after they had their babies they would want to worry about their families, but they are getting the best of both worlds. :) Dani and Tayyiba are playing overseas and involving their families. I admire how strong they are to find a happy balance. AJ and Julianne are here just in time for the Olympics. How much fun would it be to see then in the stands cheering for their Moms. 

Keep your eyes out for Dani and Tayyiba. They are both truly a blessing. :)

Loyal Fans......

Just like it's hard to find that true friend..... it's even harder to find a LOYAL fan. When they come around I do my best to let them know they are appreciated.

I have a fan page on Facebook..... www.facebook.com/pages/Destinee-Hooker/113790462017093?ref=ts
on that fan page I do my best to interact with each every fan who posts. Especially on my Twitter page @destineehooker. I have had a few downs in my professional career but I can recall majority of my fans standing by my side and believing in me. That's what I value you most about them. I love my fans and their desires. What they want to be, what sport they play, when their birthdays are. I mean the list goes on and on.

Of course the "positive" feedback they give me is nice but I enjoy my fans. They are my family. They are to be treated with respect and loved continuously. Just like a family you have fall outs but at the end of it all you bounce back and everything is fine.

I have played in four different countries so far and have gained fans from each. It truly is an amazing feeling to see you have made an impact around the world. I dedicate this blog post to my fans. I love each and every one of you. I appreciate you for believing in me and loving my continuously. May God continue to bless each and everyone of you.

Here are a few pictures I have taken with my fans around the world......

My Senior Year at Texas.......

From Puerto Rico (Corozal Pinkin)

In Macau, China

AAU Nationals in Florida

My little cousin, Makiyah, at the 2009 NCAA Championship game!

Member of SA Force Volleyball Club (My hometown)

Sollys Fan (Brazil)

At the 2011 NCAA Championship game in San Antonio, Texas


I want to thank you all for loving me for me despite my flaws. You are truly LOYAL FANS!! :)

Volleyball Injuries......

Well as we all know injuries happen in every sport. The amazing thing about injuries...... you recover. I know a few teammates that have had knee surgeries, shoulder surgeries, torn ligaments, torn tendons, sprained ankles, broken fingers, and I mean the list goes on and on. I admire the drive of those to get back on the court.

I took the time to interview a few athletes. You may know them.....

I asked these five questions:

1. What happened?

2. What did you injure?

3. How long was your recovery

4. What made you want to get back on the court?

5. What did you achieve after your injury?

1. Dariam Acevedo
(Played for the University of Texas at Austin as an OH. There she earned two time All Conference All Academic First Team in 2004 and 2005 and All Conference All Academic Second Team in 2006. Dariam is currently playing beach volleyball where she won the gold in NORCECA Beach volleyball circuit in 2009)

Her Response:

1. I had a collision between the net and the pole..... I jumped to hit the ball and fell in an awkward position by the pole.
2. I tore my ACL
3.My recovery lasted about 8 months
4. First, I wanted to go back because I truly love volleyball. It's what I've always done. I saw it as a challenge as well as a test from God. I knew then that I had to get back. First I had to overcome the obstacle that God presented to me, second, to prove to myself that I was capable of overcoming adversity and thirdly because I knew that I had more to accomplish in my career. I felt there was so much more to achieve. More volleyball to play. I played volleyball professionally after my injury. Three years indoor and then moved to the sand three years ago. There I traveled the world. played head to head against top ranked opponents and I earned respect.
5. I  received a historic silver medal for Puerto Rico at the central american games and a first ever bronze medal at the Pan American games last year.

2. Stacy Sykora
(She was a two time All American at Texas A&M University and she competed in three Olympics 2000, 2004, and 2008 where she helped the USA team win the silver medal. She won the gold medal with her team at the 2001 and 2010 FIVB World Grand Prix)

Her Response:

1. Bus Accident
2. My Brain
3. I am still recovering ( Accident was April 12, 2011)
4. I love volleyball
5. Satisfaction everyday that I can still play the sport of volleyball


3. Joshua Walker
(Second Team All American at the University of Hawaii, Second and Third Team All- Mountain Pacific Sport, MVP of Outrigger Invitational Tournament, and Most Outstanding Hitter in the UBC Thunderball Tournament)

His Response:

1. Dove for a ball
2. Dislocated my pinky
3. 3 weeks
4. Didn't want to let my teammates, coaches, and fans down
5. Helped turn the UH program around that season. Finished fourth in the nation and got Second Team All American)


4. Tayyiba Haneef-Park
(AVCA First Team All American in 2001 at Long Beach State, She played in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics (where she won a silver medal))

Her Response:

1. We played a four set match and it wasn't until afterwards that I noticed my pain. The morning it was really swollen and I couldn't straighten my knee. I went and got an MRI.
2. Sprained MCL and a minor tear in meniscus.
3. 1 month
4. I felt like I was playing my best volleyball ever prior to the injury and I was eager to rehab and get back on the court.
5. We haven't had many matches since then, but everyday is a journey to get in better shape than the day before.

Figured I would ask a few players to see what they had to say about their own injuries. At the end of it all they returned to the sport because they either loved it or didn't want to let anyone down. I too had surgery. Last year March 17, 2011. My first surgery ever in life. I was really scared and top of that nervous. The rehab was the worst part of it all in my opinion. You are up every day trying to get back to where you were before. At the same time you are watching your teammates practice and do the things you can't do yet.

I had a fan ask me "What did you do to get back on the court so fast?" The answer to that is rehab, rehab, and rehab. I was dedicated to getting back on the court because of the love for the game and being with my teammates. Another fan told me "I tore my ACL, MCL, and meniscus. I honestly feel volleyball for me is over. I had to tell her that nothing is over unless you want it to be. This blog to get those to see that everyone goes through challenges and injuries are one of the hardest ones. Stay committed to rehab because that is the most important thing you can do.

Stacy Sykora is an amazing athlete. As you read up top she was in a bus accident and she is still recovering, but because her love for the game she hasn't stopped fighting. I believe everyone should take after that example. It truly is amazing to see Stacy here in Brazil playing volleyball. She is so much better then she was this past Summer. I told her the other day that I am in awe watching her "pancake" balls and set the back row. Gives me goosebumps.  I can't wait to see her March 2nd when we play them.

I hope this blog helps those who have/had injuries. We know how it feels and if you need to talk to me about it personally feel free to email me at destineehooker19@gmail.com.

Here are a few photos of my knee after my surgery.......

My Response:

1. Landed on an opponent's foot
2. Torn Meniscus
3. 4-6 weeks
4. Saw it as a challenge and I have love for volleyball. One thing on my mind win the Olympic Gold.
5. After my surgery I was on the court playing in the 2011 World Grand Prix. Was crowned MVP and later on in November was the Best Spiker of the 2011 World Cup where we placed second to qualify for the Olympics!!

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.