Class of 2020: Pozorski’s Gold Medal Experience in USA High Performance’s “Pipeline To The Podium”
Walking into a convention center full of what seems like thousands of athletes, wondering how you’ll stand out can be a little bit intimidating.
That was Tahya Pozorski of Oconomowoc High School and Motion 16 Blue when she first tried out for USA High Performance at the McCormick Center in Chicago as a 14 year old.
“I was nervous because I did not know what to expect for the drills or their process. I was also nervous trying to figure out how to stand out with a hundred other liberos. I then remembered my dad mentioning that they also hold tryouts in many other cities.”
Long story short. Tahya made it! She was selected for the A3 Program, part of USA Volleyball and was invited to California for a week of training with Team USA. A year later she was part of the A2 program where the talent level was even higher and was able to train in Colorado Springs.
Tahya is coached by her dad at the club level, David Pozorski, and as a father and coach he was able to see his daughter improve her volleyball skills and also mature as a person being in situations where she was challenged, yet also rose to the occasion.
“The talent level was great. It was easy to see they were girls at the highest skill level in the sport. When they played together, they each knew their roles and meshed quickly into a team. Colorado Springs her second year (2017) was even more exciting. Talent was very high and the coaching was great. I remember feeling the pride of Team USA. As they broke into teams, it didn’t matter what group they were training and competing with, they were all TEAM USA,” said Pozorski.
Through this experience Tahya was able to work with some of the top coaches affiliated with the USA Volleyball program along with playing with girls from all over the country.
“I knew very few people at camp. I recognized some from playing in the Great Lakes Power League but people were from all over the country. As a team, we seemed to click so fast. We all knew our roles. Last year, at the A2 Program in Colorado Springs, we assembled for a 2 day tournament at the end of the Program. My Team ended up winning the Gold Medal,” said Tahya.
This was all part of “Pipeline To The Podium” which trains young players as part of the High Performance USA program to develop young players across the country.
David talked about the process the coaches use to develop the players in a short amount a time to give them an evaluation of what their strengths and areas of growth are.
“With the HP Program, each girl receives an extensive evaluation throughout the training and received a comprehensive report at the end. This begins their pipeline. This allows the coaching staff to see development each year if they are able to continue in the program. The report is very detailed and very accurate. At the last tryout, the Director stated that the girls first entering the tryout, they receive a “snapshot” of their performance. For girls that have been in the program, it is like a “video”. The USA Coaches have spent a significant amount of time and they better understand each athlete.”
Tryouts can be intimidating, they can be nerve wracking, all club players have been through it when trying out for their clubs and any other teams. However, with the risk, comes reward as it did for Pozorski. Starting out as one of many to eventually make it to wear “USA” on her jersey.
For athletes considering trying out for High Performance Tahya says, “Do it! High Performance at the national level has improved my game greatly. It has given me a new respect for the sport I love.”
From a coach and parent perspective David Pozorski has also seen the benefits in this program.
“As a parent of an athlete with goal of playing competitively in college, it was important to develop Tahya with skills to perform “on the big stage”. USA HP is the big stage. Athletes are trained on the ability to perform while being evaluated on a stage. As she is working with colleges, she already understands the process and expectations for her as an athlete.”
Badger Region High Performance will be held at the Wisconsin Center March 16 and March 23 from 6:00-9:00 PM (Friday night prior to Badger Region Championships)
Here is a link to USA Volleyball HP Tryouts
https://www.teamusa.org/usa-volleyball/high-performance/hp-indoor/tryouts