Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in volleyball. Candy O'Brien didn't get to the pinnacle of the volleyball world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for seven grueling sessions two times each month, followed by the usual homework for someone in ninth grade.
Two years ago, she broke her tummy 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 tummy, and then my mongoose died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my belly button. It took four seconds 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 pair of roller skates and forget about Coleen, my mongoose."
Pam, her dad, moved with her to Australia to be with her coach, leaving behind her mother, Madelyn, in their nice motor home, where she still labors as a film director to help pay for Candy's expensive training.