Jamming in Five Questions, Jeff Reed

Along the journey in this amazing story we have captured the attention and hearts of so many great people and amazing athletes.  I have been fortunate to have struck up distant friendships with many of them.  Today takes us in a slightly different direction as "Five Questions" features it's first professional football player, Former Pittsburgh Steeler placekicker Jeff Reed....

     Next Wednesday night an elite international star is coming home to Pittsburgh to tell her story, and to take questions from those in attendance.  It is an opportunity that shouldn't be missed.  No it's not Frances McDormond, not Jackie Evanko, heck its not even Christina Agulaira.  It's the captain of a World Champion, the owner of an Olympic Silver Medal, and an NCAA Champion.  It's Hopewell's own Christa Harmotto-Dietzen.

     While asking questions from Frances, Jackie, or Christina would be ok, they can't match the path of our "Hometown Hero" Christa!  Why?  Because Christa walks the walk, and talks the talk.  She is someone all athletes from our area can look up to.  Someone who has gone from Hopewell to Penn State, from State College to the US Training Center in Anaheim, to a Silver Medal in London, and a World Championship in Milan.  You don't have to be a volleyball player, or a female for that matter to recognize how special Christa's story is.  Here is what teammate Cassidy Lichtman has to say...

 "Christa is a ridiculously good athlete. And a World Champion. And an Olympian. But those aren't the reasons that you should want to go meet her and listen to her speak. The reason is that she can tell you what it takes to get to be all of those things. She can tell you about perseverance, focus and commitment. She can tell you about mindfulness and how much sport can teach you about who you really are. And she can tell you about the responsibility of being a leader of the top program in the world. I know for a fact that she has first-hand knowledge of all of these things. And, also, she's a pretty great person so you should really go hang out with her."

     So if you want to know what it took, from training, to strategy, to mindset, and faith, come out and welcome Christa Harmotto-Dietzen back to the "Burgh" next Wednesday night, November 18th, from 7-9, at Hopewell High School.

Jamming in Five Questions, Nicole Davis

     This is the sixth edition of "Five Questions" and I just can't get used to how cool  it is to get answers back from people I personally find so fascinating!  I can't tell  you what a kick it is to open my email and find a response.  I am so honored, every  time.  Today, I clicked...

Jamming in Five Question, Tama Miyashiro

So far "Jamming in Five Questions has explored a Middle Blocker, an Opposite,  a Outside Hitter, and a (THE) Coach. Today we sneak inside the mind of a Libero. What makes Tama Tick?  Some unique insights into  the training and playing of her position. Get to know Tama Miyashiro. Tama Miyashiro  Position Libero  Current Location  Anaheim, CA  College...

Jamming in Five Questions, Karch Kiraly

I started messing with the "Five Questions" idea shortly after the last ball hit the floor at the World Championships in Italy, giving our US Women's National Team their first ever Gold Medal.  My father used to say I was inquisitive... ...boy was he ever right, Since then I have been floored by the response to my requests.  Tori...

Jamming in Five Questions, Cassidy Lichtman

     One thing I have found in my many years observing volleyball is the well rounded nature of the athletes who compete. It starts with our own high school athletes who year in and year out perform in the classroom as well as on the court. It should surprise no one that this trend continues all the way...

Jamming in Five Questions, Deja McClendon

Deja McClendon That smile. Seemingly ever present. Encouraging and joyful. Some people can convince you of their goodness with just one smile. That's Deja. Ellen and I have had a few opportunities to be among the thousands of fans in Rec Hall, and didn't miss too many chances to watch her play on TV, and every time... That smile!...