Where Do They Go?

As I watched Penn State come back from sure death to defeat the Lady Longhorns of Texas in the NCAA Volleyball Championships, I couldn't help but be amazed! Texas seemed to be in command and with the momentum theirs going into intermission it was not looking favorable to see a continuation of the longest winning streak in the NCAA stay intact. Well, you know the rest, Penn State did what only two other volleyball teams had ever done, come back from an 0-2 deficit to win the National Championship.

With 12,000 plus in attendance, 20 plus players and coaches representing each team, you have to ask yourself, "where do they go?" I realize 12,000 fans is probably not the norm for attendance to a regular season game, but is it enough to tell you the interest is there? There is an excellent product being put on the court and some very interesting and lovable characters to get to know. So I ask again, "where do they go?" For the fans, do you switch your allegiance to some other sport for the winter or go home and wait for the next volleyball season? For the players, do you finish your senior year, graduate and enter the real world? Do you play in overseas leagues? Do you go into coaching? I don't know. All I know is I don't want it to end. I have been a consistent fan of NCAA volleyball for some time. I always make it a point to catch the women's U.S. National team play because this is my only opportunity to see some old faces and relive their talent. But, I'm selfish, I want to be able to see these heroines of the court more often. I know there have been a few attempts to produce a women's professional volleyball league with no positive outcome. What is it going to take? When will I get to see Destinee Hooker leap 10' in the air for a kill! How about a return to the power swing of Kim Willoughby or the concentrating eyes of Logan Tom. Is there no fix for my habit? Am I a junkie with no drug?

2012, I'm waiting.....!