TALLAHASSEE, Fl. (WTXL) - For the Tallahassee Prostyle volleyball academy, the summer months are an exciting time. Seven teams have played postseason volleyball this summer. Six played in AAU Nationals, while two head to Detroit for USA Volleyball's Championships this weekend.
"This is like the playoffs, you start practicing for this in November," said Gokhan Yilmaz, Prostyle's Director. "Everything starting in May is preparation for these tournaments, and I'm confident they are going to do great.
Two teams are making the trip to Detroit, the 17's finished 3rd a year ago, while the 16's, making their first trip ever.
"It's a time of our lives where we should all be proud of," said Michaela Edenfield. "Going to Nationals, actually getting the bid to Nationals in the first place was a great achievement, so this is pretty amazing. The excitement is definitely there."
"They've been working really hard, since playing here like 13-14 years old, so for them to finally do it, it's my first time as a coach going, so just to get ready for Nationals to see what it's all about is really awesome," said coach Taylor Irvin.
These teams, know they have work to do, as playing the best of the best, won't be easy.
"It's going to be intense, because everyone is there with a purpose," said Yilmaz. "Everybody had to win a tournament to earn a bid to be there, but also the fun part is you accomplished a lot if you're at this stage of the season, I know they are going to do very well in this tournament."
Hoping to do well, and hoping to bring home the Academy's first ever National championship.
"I think for both groups it can happen," stated Yilmaz. "Last year we didn't know what we were going into. It was my first National Championship honestly. Now we know the level better we're better prepared but I'm very optimistic for both age groups."
Optimistic, but confident, they can get the job done.
