Holly McPeak

I first found out about Holly McPeak when I was watching her play on a Youtube video my dad showed me. I was about ten years old at the time and she was playing beach volleyball. My dad told me he loved the sport and wanted me to start playing. I could see the dedication in her eyes when she played. She watched the ball everywhere it went. She played the sport because she loved it not because she was paid to do it or someone was forcing her to do it. She was competitive, but she was having fun at the same time. The first time I watched this video, she inspired me to play. Shortly after, my dad then signed me up for indoor rec volleyball teams. My dad and I also practiced and still do practice at the beach. This past year I made my high school freshsoph team.

Beach volleyball is a team sport played by two teams of two players. Beach volleyball is played on a sand court divided by a net and is played with one volleyball. The goal of the game is to have the ball fall to the ground on your opponent's side. Each team is allowed three touches before they send it over the net each time they get the ball. The winner of each rally gets to serve, and this is how the ball gets put into play. To play beach volleyball you must be fit and have fast reflexes. Volleyball is a very fast sport and you always need to be on your toes. To become a professional volleyball player you have to train hard and practice every day. Most professionals teach or coach after they retire. Indoor volleyball is almost the same as beach volleyball, but has some differences. Volleyball is quite expensive. Club volleyball is around $1,500 to $3,500 depending on how old you are and what your level is. According to http://www.bvbinfo.com/ player.asp?id=1192 Holly's overall earnings were $1,610,786.

Holly McPeak was born on May 15, 1969 in Manhattan Beach, California. She grew up with volleyball all around her. She started to play beach volleyball in 1992 and played until she retired in 2009. She would go to the beach with her family every weekend and play volleyball all day. When she was old enough, she went to the beach every day 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and play with anyone who would be on the beach. She practiced three long hours and trained 5 1/2 hours a day. She wanted to be the best. She was successful because of her dedication and love for the sport. Holly went to University of California, Berkeley and then transferred to University of California, UCLA. In 1987, Berkeley, named Holly National Freshman of the year. In 1990, Holly helped bring their UCLA volleyball team to a national championship. Holly was dedicated to volleyball throughout her life. Holly played in the Summer Olympics in 1996 with Nancy Reno and did not place. In 2004 she partnered with Misty May- Treanor and got fifth place. Finally in the 2004 Summer Olympics she partnered with Elaine Youngs and won the bronze medal. After she retired she married a former AVP commissioner, Leonard Armato.

"As a beach volleyball player, it doesn't get much better than having played with Holly. Without Holly taking a chance on a rookie (me), I wouldn't be in the position I am today. I want to thank her for laying the foundation not only for me but for all the young women that will come after. She is a mentor, competitor, and friend who has taught me that with discipline and hard work anything is possible." - Misty May- Treanor. Holly pushed herself and others around her to do their best. Holly inspired me to be a better volleyball player and I know I can succeed as a volleyball player. I thought it would be impossible to be under 6 foot and be able to be a successful volleyball player. According to http://www.bvbinfo.com/player.asp?ID=1192 Holly is only 5 feet and 7 inches. She gives me hope and desire to be a better volleyball player. She showed me that size does not matter and with hard work and dedication you can accomplish any obstacles that get in your way. Many of Holly's partners loved working with her.

To pursue my goal to be a professional volleyball player I will have to work hard and be dedicated. I am a high school volleyball player. My freshman year I played on my school volleyball team and received the Cougar Award for being the all around best player. I plan to play volleyball at Capistrano Valley High School all four years I am there. This year I am also going to sign up for club volleyball. I was going to do it last year, but I was busy with homework and Capistrano Valley High School Softball. I plan to train hard during this summer to get on the JV team my sophomore year. I also plan to make Varsity by my senior year. I also plan to get more in shape by doing other volleyball clinics and programs. If all goes well, I would like to play volleyball in college, even if I do not play for my college. However, I do not want to get in the way of my whole life, like Holly McPeak. Even though she was dedicated to volleyball she did not let it get in the way of her life. She knew when to stop and settle down and that is exactly what I would want to do.