LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
A pair of All-service volleyball hopefuls from the 59th Medical Logistics and Readiness Squadron head to the Air Force's three-day tryouts March 18 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
For one veteran, it's a return to a familiar scene; for the rookie, it's an opportunity to join the club.
In one of the more competitive camps in recent years - 18 invitations - Francis Osorio, 27, and Cerissa Witte, 20, will have to prove they're "positive, passionate, appreciate the chance to play" - and above all else - "work hard all the time."
At least those are the attributes coach John Napier will scrutinize most.
"You could be the best player in the world," Napier said, "but if you are disruptive to the team, I will not ask you to be on the team."
That they made it past the resumé check and earned an invitation says a lot about Osorio and Witte's experience.
Osorio, a right and left side front row hitter, is a two-time All-Air Force veteran returning as a member of last year's gold medal winning team.
She is grateful for the chance to get back to the camp.
"That's your job for the Air Force," the medical readiness planner at Lackland said about the month- long temporary duty assignment. "Even though we're very competitive on the court, we're all friends off the court. It's like a club, a reunion."
Witte, a middle hitter, is a camp rookie and looking to join that elite group. Her court time spans eight years, from junior high to club team levels.
Witte said playing volleyball can be a way to bond with fellow servicemembers.
"It's just fun to meet other people," the physical occupational therapist said. "Camaraderie: people you didn't know before, but are able to get along with now."
Just to be one of the women in the Air Force to receive an invite ensures they have talent.
Napier is certain, this year's trial will be tough.
"We have some former Division I college players, as well as those who have a pretty strong background in the sport overall," he said. "Competition always makes players try harder."
In addition to intramurals, both Osorio and Witte practice during lunch. Playing with men, and a nets four inches higher, may give them an edge.
Both Airmen hope to contribute strengths of serving and blocking, and feel they will be competitive at the camp.
Though undersized at five foot, 7 inches, Witte said she can "still jump with the best of them."
Osorio also added, "It's a team effort. My strong qualities may be someone else's weaknesses."
The pair also have another quality to offer. Last year, the Armed Forces Volleyball Championship included an outdoor beach volleyball competition. Having played the sport in California and naturally mixed sun, sand and volleyball, the MLRS members are used to the elements.
"Indoor and outside have different techniques, and switching back and forth is pretty difficult," Osorio said about her experience last year. "It's different environmental factors, different everything: wind factor, ball's heavier, movement around the court."
Both Osorio and Witte bring a student mentality to the camp, and it's a quality the All-Air Force coach and Northern Arizona University assistant might just be looking for.
After the first three days, the roster will be cut to 10 to 12 players, who will stay for scrimmages against local college teams and team practices before departing April 5 for the 2011 Armed Forces Volleyball Championships.
"I'm hoping, when the final team selection is made, we have 10 to 12 players that are positive, passionate, appreciate the chance to play, and work hard all the time."
As long as the Airmen bring their intangibles and give their all, good things will happen.