Volleyball Veterans Work to Put Alaska on the Volleyball Map

Team Alaska Prepares for Nationals

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By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: May 4, 2012 at 9:28 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 4, 2012 at 9:29 PM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Spike, jump, and got it – language that is second nature to a group of local Alaskan women.

They call themselves Team Alaska. They’re local veteran volleyball players from across the state.

“I just love playing volleyball,” said Heather Martin, one of the players. They’ve been playing together for the last several months.

“This is a great sport, played since elementary school, carried through college career at UAA,” said Jackie Matthisen, another player.

But their not just playing to get back in the game, they’re looking to put Alaska on the map at their biggest competition.

“We’re kind of just the state that's up there, that no one really knows about,” Matthisen said.

The teams plan to compete at the 2012 USA Volleyball Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah at the end of May.

“We’ll be the only team going down from Alaska so hopefully we can show people that we've got a lot of talent,” said Martin.

For coach Gary Ray it's also a way to inspire the next generation of Alaskan volleyball players.

“It tends to get the other girls going, I would like to do that, see them going out of state, look up to them in a way,” said Ray.
 

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