Othello's Allison Walker to represent the USA
MOSCOW, Idaho - Othello High School graduate Allison Walker has done quite a bit in a short period during her time as a member of the University of Idaho volleyball team.
The redshirt freshman and Lady Huskies graduate in 2009 not only blew on the scene in Western Athletic Conference (WAC) play, but she also served notice across the land.
The first-team All WAC performer, All-freshman team member, and All-Tournament team selection's play was so good that she has been granted the opportunity to represent the United State in the first ever China -? USA Challenge Invitational Tournament in China.
She was chosen after the founder of Bring It Promotions - the tournament sponsor - was told of Walker's exploits.
"It all happened really fast because it was the middle of winter break, and he needed my answer by Jan. 5," Walker said. "It was a fast decision, but I thought it would be fun and a good experience."
Walker left for California Monday to train with the team at the Anaheim Sports Center in California, the home of the USA's men's and women's national team for three days before the squad embarks on its trip to China tomorrow.
"It's a great opportunity for her to play with some of the better players across the country," Vandals head coach Debbie Buchanan said. "For her she has been able to do some things as a freshman that were first time accomplishments for that age. This is a great developmental time for her to keep improving playing against some of the top kids across the country."
Some of the non-volleyball activities Walker and the USA teams will enjoy include visits to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, tours of Beijing National Stadium and Olympic Village, shopping at the Beijing Pear Market, and attending cultural shows such as Chinese Gungfu (Martial Arts) & Acrobatics.
"We are so proud of her and the hard work she has put forth," Allison's mother Beckie Walker said. "We are grateful to all the family and friends that have supported her. Idaho has helped in her progress, the coaches have helped her learn so much about the game and it is so fun to watch the her grow as a player and as an individual. We can't wait to see what happens next."
So as Walker takes her turn to play amongst some of the better players on the planet many back home in Othello and Moscow, Idaho - home of the Vandals - are not surprised that Allison is there in the first place.
"We knew she was going to be a top player and accomplish a lot," Buchanan said. "We stayed on her a long time. She is a physical kid and redshirting she got a lot stronger and had time to develop. She is competitive and she wants to win and has that fire in her. Her effort is good and now she just needs to keep developing. I am not surprised by how she has done."
The support of her family and the love of sports sure have helped Allison get to this point in her career.
"My dad loves sports so he was all for it, and my mom of course was really excited," Walker said. "My parents are always really supportive, especially with sports. I grew up playing a lot of sports, and I've been on a lot of traveling teams, so I've done the traveling thing before. Probably not this large, but they're really excited. Everyone is really excited.
"As it gets closer, I'm getting really nervous," Allison added. "I'm kind of nervous about playing at such a high level. I've only played one season, hopefully I'm prepared for it."