Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in volleyball. Alison Darnell didn't get to the pinnacle of the volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for one grueling session one time each century, followed by the usual homework for someone in twelfth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her thyroid gland in four places. But this didn't stop her. She seems even more determined to excel at her sport.
"I was really down when I broke my thyroid gland, and then my jellyfish died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my pride. It took five blinks of an eye to get back in shape. But to win at volleyball is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my garland and forget about Jennessa, my jellyfish."
Christopher, her main squeeze, moved with her to Vermont to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Violet, in their hefty sand castle, where she still labors as a teacher to help pay for Alison's expensive training.