Triple Crown Prep: Athlete’s Voices – Track 3
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What is the Triple Crown?In 2013, Triple Crown Sports met with 25 elite club directors for discussions on the world of Elite volleyball. Following this gathering, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships unfolded in Salt Lake City, UT, featuring a…
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Continue ReadingWhat is the Triple Crown?
In 2013, Triple Crown Sports met with 25 elite club directors for discussions on the world of Elite volleyball. Following this gathering, the 2014 Triple Crown Volleyball Championships unfolded in Salt Lake City, UT, featuring a total of 38 teams, among them Coast and Tstreet.
Since then, the Triple Crown has become one of the nation’s premier club volleyball tournaments, drawing top-tier teams and boasting an impressive turnout of over 500 college coaches. It serves as a platform for the crème de la crème to compete against one another, showcasing their talent and competing at the highest level.
This year, the 2024 TC NIT is scheduled for President’s Day Weekend, February 17-19, 2024, just around the corner.
In anticipation of our powerhouse California teams venturing to Kansas City, I connected with some of our top prospects to delve into their preparations for this monumental event. Their insightful responses have culminated in six articles, which I’ll be sharing over the upcoming week. May their dedication and preparations serve as inspiration for your own athletic endeavors and pursuit of achieving your goals whether they be in Kansas City or at your next local tournament.
Let’s press play on Track 3 and hear directly from the athletes…
Logan Devereux
“I prepared for Triple Crown in 3 ways: weightlifting, improving our team’s bond on the court, and growing my mental toughness. I think it’s extremely important to weight lift and maintain your strength throughout the club season as it translates into your hitting, passing, and blocking abilities while also preparing you for a season as a collegiate athlete. Additionally, while working on volleyball skills and techniques is invaluable, working off the court and in the gym allows you to cross train and better understand your body’s capabilities on a deeper level.
I also find teamwork to be extremely valuable because your teammates might have strong individual skills, but working together and getting in flow is what sets teams apart and leads to championships. Having trust and confidence in your teammates allows you to feel in control and confidently make the right play. Lastly, being able to stay mentally focused and confident has helped me tremendously in resetting after a mistake and continuing in the game. Especially at Triple Crown, there are many college coaches watching, and there is an extreme pressure to play well. In these tense moments, it’s important that you reset and not let the mistakes get to you.
Personally, I think of myself as a goldfish because they have a 10 second memory. So 10 seconds after a play, it’s a new me and a whole new play. This mindset allows me to reset into the next point and not let my mistake drag me down. It’s important to reflect on your mistakes and learn from them, but just as valuable to move on quickly. As I reflect on playing in Triple Crown over the years, I can see how our team has grown mentally and physically especially in regard to our teamwork and stamina. I truly believe if we improve on the small details and continue to grow in our trust and our confidence, we can be a top contender to win a championship. Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
Highlights
Jocelyn Hammerstrand
“With Triple Crown coming up in a few weeks I’m training hard with my team, making sure that our team dynamic will allow us to come together and play to our full potential. Additionally, I’m training outside of practice, and implementing wellness habits that I know will help me to play and feel my best. Having gone to Triple Crown before, I look forward to competing at the highest level, and to the opportunities it will present for my team and I.” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
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Bryce Leatherwood
“I can’t wait for Triple Crown in Kansas City! I had a great time last year and I’m excited to compete this year with some new teammates. Our team is very close knit and competitive this year and the trust we have in each other has helped us to be successful so far. Our team has been playing other great Southern California teams in preparation to play against some top teams in the nation.” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
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Jenna Hunt
“I am really looking forward to this year at Triple Crown. I am very exited for the level of competition and to play so many fun matches! I love being in the gym and playing with my team. My team and I have been working very hard to prepare for Triple Crown and I’m so exited to go!” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
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Sammy Destler
“As my team and I prepare for the upcoming Triple crown tournament, I’m focused on striking a balance between training hard and keeping my body healthy. Whether it’s working with my team and our coaches during practice or pushing myself during weight training. I always give 100% while also making sure I keep good nutrition and getting enough rest as top priorities. I feel very fortunate to play with such great athletes on my team and I know we are all feeling super excited to have an opportunity to compete and, hopefully make it to the finals again.” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
Highlights
Olivia Bryant
“One of my most memorable experiences I had at Triple Crown was the very first time I saw all of the college coaches I see on tv and being able to play in front of them. It was so exciting!! What a blessing it is to be a part of this event for a second year in a row!” Quote provided to Michelle Bamford @ PrepDig.
Olivia Bryant Class of 2026 OH/RS Coast Volleyball Club