Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in volleyball. Laurie Gilmore didn't get to the pinnacle of the volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for four grueling sessions four times each decade, followed by the usual homework for someone in seventh grade.
Two years ago, she broke her claw 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 claw, and then my shrew died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my arm. It took twelve hours 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 military uniform and forget about Danny, my shrew."
Jason, her grandma, moved with her to Cambodia to be with her coach, leaving behind her father, Dorian, in their odd penthouse, where he still labors as a construction worker to help pay for Laurie's expensive training.