On the court: striving for Olympic debut
Just two years after her U.S. debut, the Olympic curtain call is just around the corner for Avery Skinner, who will replace Chieri in Italy.
The outside hitter hasn't looked back since his impressive performance at the 2022 Pan Am Volleyball Cup. There she was named one of the best players in her position and one of the best scorers.
Playing in the Olympics wasn't necessarily a childhood dream for Avery and her family, but it definitely is now. Avery and her family have always loved attending the Olympics.
Gymnastics was her favorite event to watch, but volleyball soon came along, and three years ago she watched some of her current teammates win gold medals.
“The first thing I want to say is that [of her national team inclusion] I walked in and they said, “Hello, I'm so-and-so,'' so I was a little nervous. I said, “I know who you are! ’” she says.
“It's also about recognizing that I deserve to be here, and I think even though I've looked up to these girls for a long time, I've put myself in a position to be here.
“So I'm able to celebrate that and of course I still respect them and try to learn a lot from them, but at the same time I know that I'm part of it.” [here] And we all aim for the same goal as a team. ”
There is no doubt that a second consecutive gold medal is their goal as they head to the 2024 Paris Games. But the chance to be a part of history isn't the only thing that makes this summer show special.
This will be the first time in history that the tournament will be held equally between men and women.
“I think it's great that we're in this place right now where I feel like there's a huge spotlight on women, especially this year, and it's no surprise,” Skinner added.
“It's going to be really amazing just to see that shine and to see really strong, powerful women come out and speak up for what they believe in and be great role models for young girls. It was really, really cool to see, that's what you can do.