Dayton Flyers

DaytonFlyers.com checks in again with Lindsay Fletemier. In this installment, Fletemier talks about the level of competition with the USA A2 program.

The level of competition since I arrived in Arizona has been incredible.  Through our week of practice together all of us have really shown how hard each of our individual programs work.  Although different schools may run different offenses and have different defensive schemes, one thing is certain; we all are ridiculously competitive and we like to get after it. 

I can’t remember a single time that any part of the game came easy this week at practice.  If you want a point you have to work hard for it.  There’s no way a tip will score and you definitely won’t score by hitting it right at someone.  The level of play here forces you to find different ways to earn a point. 

This level of competition is probably the highest I have ever seen, and that makes playing all the more fun.  It’s an amazing experience getting to play against some of the toughest collegiate players in the game.  Throughout this week I have had to work harder, faster and smarter.  It has opened my eyes to a whole new level of play, which I know is exactly where Dayton Volleyball is headed. 

As we moved from practice into tournament play, it really showed just how competitive our group is.  There was no change in the mentality or competitive drive of players from practice to our matches.  I think that that really shows just how driven all of us athletes are. 

When I was watching the USA Red game the other day, I saw the same faces that I saw Monday through Friday in the practice gym.  True competitors don’t care if its practice or if they are in the championship game, they are going to play to the highest of their abilities.  And just when you think you have nothing else to give, real competitors give a little more.

I think that is something that I have learned from my new teammates.  I have learned that you can always play at another level.  If you think you are working your absolute hardest, you’re not.  There is always another level to get to.     

- Lindsay