97th MDSS Airmen jumped, spiked, and volleyed for Gold

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  When an opportunity to try out for the Air Force Women's Volleyball team presented itself, two members of the 97th Medical Support Squadron jumped at it.

Capt. Virginia L. Aguilar, 97th MDSS medical logistics flight commander, and Capt. Sally L. To, 97th MDSS pharmacy services chief, both earned spots on the 2012 Air Force Women's Volleyball team and played in the All-Armed Forces Volleyball tournament, which took place at Naval Air Station Great Lakes, Ill. from June 21 -26.

Aguilar made the team last year as well, but because of a knee injury that took place during their first game in the tournament, she did not get to play for the rest of the games that year.

"My goal this year was to get back in shape and show them what I have because I didn't get to last time," Aguilar said.

She and the team did just that when they dominated the tournament with a 6-0 victory over the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps women's volleyball teams.

"Our team itself was awesome--no drama and we were all motivated," To said.

Being a part of the team also gave them the opportunity to meet new people.

"It was great to meet people from all over [the world], stationed all over [the world], all in different career fields, officers and enlisted," Aguilar said.

"The sport, the leadership, and the teamwork knows no rank," To said.

Since it was Aguilar's second consecutive year to play for the team, she felt she had a little more insight going into the tournament.

"I had a good feeling going into it that we were going to do well no matter what our line-up was going to be because we had so much depth in our team," Aguilar said.

From a pool of 25 applicants, 17 were selected to try out for three days at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

Aguilar arrived two days late because she was just coming back from a deployment at Soto Cano Air Base Honduras.

Despite Aguilar's delayed arrival to the tryouts, she still made the team.

"We trained there for three weeks," To said. "Then we went to Naval Air Station Great Lakes, Ill. which is where the tournament took place."

Aguilar and To both agreed that not enough people know about the opportunities to play for Air Force sports teams.

"It's a hidden gem, so I try to let people know about it," Aguilar said. "There may be a lot of people who have a shot, but just do not know about the program."

Both Aguilar and To are thankful their leadership allowed them to take part in this opportunity.

"I would like to thank leadership and command for supporting us in our travels, helping us along and helping the Air Force win gold," To said.

If you are interested in applying for Air Force Sports, contact the base Fitness Center at 481-7440 or visit the All Air Force Sports website at www.usafsports.com to see what sports are offered.