Whistler’s Myrna Bush returned from the U.S. Volleyball Nationals in Atlanta, Georgia last week with a whole new appreciation for the game and a goal to compete in the World Masters Olympics next year.
"The competition was just amazing," said Bush, who travelled to the U.S. Nationals to compete in the 45-49 age Master category with a team from Saskatoon and a retired coach from the University of Victoria.
"There were girls from the national team from the ’70s and ’80s and some who had played in the Olympics, and you had to be on your toes."
Her team, Sleepers Canada, did well in the competition considering that it was the first time they had all played together. They finished fifth overall in their division in pool play, but came close to making it into the semi-finals after forcing a third game against a tough team from Brazil.
Although she played in one game after another over the three-day competition, Bush says she came back from the U.S. Nationals feeling rejuvenated by the experience. Her coach has invited her to join the team again next year when the U.S. Nationals move to Denver, Colorado, as well as to compete in the World Masters Olympics in the summer of 2005.
"I’m pumped," said Bush. "I feel good right now, and I can’t wait until next year."
Although she can enter the Olympics with the same team as the U.S. Nationals, Bush says she is going to look at the possibility of entering a Whistler team, providing she can find a coach and enough experienced players over the age of 40.
