Alyssa D’Errico es una de las voces más cualificadas para hablar del Volleyball en Estados Unidos. Jugó durante cuatro años para la Universidad de Penn State y actualmente es la Associate Head Coach del equipo de la Universidad de Dayton.
Pero además conoce bien el Volleyball español, habiendo jugado durante una temporada en el Feel Volley Alcobendas, que milita en la Primera División Femenia.
Con este tremendo background, nos concede esta entrevista desde la Dayton University:
You have played in Spain and in US, which are the main differences between both game styles?
Alyssa: I think in the US, kids are playing competitive club travel/year round volleyball at a much younger age. They style is different in that there are a lot of bigger more physical kids playing that allows it to be a little different physical net play.
If you have to give some advices to spanish players that want to play in the NCAA, which ones would be?
Alyssa: Make that decision as early as you can. College programs are committing players at the age of 15/16 years old and a lot of schools no longer have scholarships available when most international kids decide they want to play.
As a assistant coach, what are the most important things for you when we talk about a volleyball player of your team?
Alyssa: Character. Personality. Work Ethic. Determination. And of course athleticism.
How is the training system in the US NCAA Volleyball? You are probably one the best person to talk about the difference between the spanish and the US system.
Alyssa: Probably not the best person, I would say I have a small sample size on what the differences are. The training system in the US is hit or miss based on the part of the country you are in. Some areas have GREAT volleyball so therefore they have great training. Some areas have very little playing the game so the training is less experienced.
You were a player and now a assistant coach, can you tell how is to compete and study in a US College? Schedule, travels, make both (sport and studies) compatible…
Alyssa: Yes both are doable with the travel schedule and school load. You are allowed to take a lighter load in season then when you are in the off season. You have academic tutors, advisors and mandatory study hall hours. You have all the help you could ask for and more to make sure you are on track with your studies. Is it stressful?? Of course but it is manageable.
Tell us how is the routine of a american coach in a college! How is a normal day for you?
Alyssa: I come to work at 8:30-9:30 in the morning. I work on emails, watch video of players interested in our program and reach out to coaches about potential future players. I watch video and scout our upcoming teams for that weekend. Put together scouting reports for the match. Coach a 2.5-3 hour practice. Talk to probably 2-4 recruits each night that are interested in Dayton and repeat the entire process the next day.
If you have to cheer volleyball players to go the US College and compete in the NCAA, what would you say to them?
Alyssa: It is an incredible opportunity to play for a university/alumni network and program that has tradition and history. The opportunities, money, academics, support and so much more are unparalleled elsewhere in the world. It is hard to explain but it is a feeling of connectedness that you have to a program/place for the rest of your life.