Several thousand female volleyball players nationwide competed for a spot to participate in the 2008 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships. Only thirty girls were chosen to be on the women’s international junior teams. Remy McBain, a 16-year-old from Leonia, New Jersey was ecstatic and honored to be a part of this elite group (see roster).

The 6’1” Senior from the Academy of the Holy Angels in Demarest flew to Tucson, Arizona this summer to train for five days with some of the best athletes and coaches in the country. After which, these talented young ladies were divided into the Red, White and Blue teams representing the USA in an international tournament.

Opening ceremonies began with a photo montage of some of the greatest professional athletes in US history. Each team from different countries was introduced as coaches, family and friends applauded with excitement, pride and anticipation for the next five days of competition. USA’s Red, White and Blue teams exchanged small gifts and competed with teams from other countries, including Chile, Canada and Peru.

“When I first arrived for training, I was so nervous because I’d never played with any of the other 29 girls before. They’re all such amazing players and to train and play with them is the ultimate honor that any player can dream of”, said Remy. International volleyball rules differ from both high school and Club rules. “We played the best of five sets each match and only six substitutions per team are allowed. One minute technical time outs are held at point 7 and 14 and we held numbered paddles for player substitutions. During the semi-finals and finals, the court is swept by 'court sweepers' during the technical timeouts.”

It was during the nail biting semi-finals that Remy’s USA White team competed against the USA Red team. They split the first four sets 2 and 2 and the 5th set was to be played to 15 points, having to win by 2 points. The two USA teams battled point for point with Remy’s White team beating the Red team 26-24. In the final match, the White team competed against the USA Youth Red team beating them in the 4th set to win the Gold medal.

“The overwhelming emotion I felt standing on the 1st place block at the medal ceremony and having the gold medal placed around my neck is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life. Our team didn’t know each other just 10 days earlier, but we came together, became a family of 10 and played as if we’d done so for years!”

“I couldn’t have achieved this level of competition without the constant training and guidance from DIGS’ technical director, Scott Mose. He taught me the technical skills needed, instilled in me mental preparedness and provided honest constructive criticism. He also taught me that every touch counts and regardless of my mistakes, I should look to the next point as being mine. A sincere thanks also to my DIGS 17 coaches John and Sue Kwon, who were instrumental in helping me grow as a player and as a person. As I completed my ninth year of playing club volleyball, I have never experienced having a coach who was able to combine the technical skills and the mental preparedness needed to achieve my personal best.”

Remy is excited to begin her senior year at the Academy of the Holy Angels as captain of her team. She has high hopes for a successful final season. Remy has verbally committed to attend the University of Maryland next year on a full scholarship.