Monday, 15 Jul 2024

Sisters unite at the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout

Sisters playing volleyball

Separated by age and geography, Jana and Savannah Angel came together for a special experience at the 2016 U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout in Colorado. In high school, their age gap prevented them from playing together, and by the time Savannah went to college, Jana was already playing internationally. However, this week at the Open Tryout, they had the opportunity to reunite and play volleyball alongside each other.

A long-awaited reunion

“We’re rooming together. It’s exciting because it’s like the college experience together that we never had,” said Savannah. Although they haven’t been in the same team on the court, they are enjoying the chance to experience this journey together. Jana has watched Savannah’s waves, and Savannah has watched Jana’s, sharing stories about the different girls they played with.

With a four-year age gap, this tryout offers a unique reunion for the two sisters. Savannah, the youngest of the three Angel sisters, has previously played with the middle sister, Alexandria. They even earned the nickname “Angel Wall” during their high school years due to their lanky arms on the front line. Playing on the same team with her older sister would be a dream come true for Savannah.

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Following in Jana’s footsteps

Savannah, currently attending High Point University, has one year left and hopes to follow in the footsteps of her sister, Jana. Jana played at NC State and then pursued an international career in volleyball. The Angel family shares a deep love for athletics, with their father having played basketball at Clemson and professionally in Europe.

Jana’s decision to pursue an international career was influenced by Karch Kiraly, who had taken her aside during a tryout and encouraged her to develop her skills further. Jana’s determination to return to the tryout after finishing her college career has inspired her younger sister to follow her own dreams in volleyball.

A unique sisterly bond

Speaking about her baby sister, Jana expresses her excitement about this opportunity to finally play with her. Their similar energy and love for life have always created a great connection between them. They enjoy bonding and having fun off the court as well, like the time they filled up a bathtub with ice in the residence halls and laughed about their sisterly bonding ice bath.

Throughout the tryout, while one sister was on the court, the other was watching nearby. They share similar personalities and consider each other as role models. Jana emphasizes the importance of having supportive parents like hers, who have always encouraged them to pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.

The ultimate goal

Both sisters have their sights set on playing internationally and hope to be on professional teams overseas in the future. Jana dreams of taking the court with her youngest sister after she graduates, even considering changing her position to libero if it means they can play together.

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Jana encourages anyone with a passion for volleyball to attend the tryout, emphasizing the experience and the connections made. She still keeps in touch with people she met during her first tryout, highlighting the lasting impact it had on her.

For now, Savannah will finish her time at High Point University, while Jana will return to Europe to continue playing with her club team. The bond between these sisters will continue from a distance until the day they can step onto the court together as teammates.

FAQs

Q: Can anyone participate in the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout?
A: Yes, anyone with a passion for volleyball is encouraged to attend the tryout and showcase their skills.

Q: Is there an age limit for tryout participants?
A: There is no age limit for the tryout. Players of all ages are welcome to participate.

Q: How often do the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryouts take place?
A: The tryouts are typically held once a year, providing aspiring volleyball players with the opportunity to showcase their talent.

Conclusion

The story of Jana and Savannah Angel is a testament to the power of family bonds and the pursuit of dreams. United by their love for volleyball, these sisters have overcome age gaps and geographical distances to come together at the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout. As they continue on their respective paths, they cherish the hope of one day playing volleyball together at an elite level.