Post by Barefoot In Kailua on Sept 16, 2004 13:52:58 GMT -5
Willoughby goes from court to course
By Stanley Lee
Ka Leo Senior Staff Writer
September 16, 2004
The last time everyone saw Kim Willoughby, she was an All-American and National Player of the Year for the University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team.
Nine months later, life is no longer about spiking balls. After a playing stint in Puerto Rico and surgery, Willoughby said life is now a process.
Four months ago, she had surgery because of a stress fracture in her leg. A metal rod now extends down from her left knee to ankle, supporting her tibia.
For someone who used to train nearly the entire year, the time off after the surgery was at times difficult to handle.
"Sometimes I'd find myself sitting in my room crying because I wanted to do things, but I couldn't," Willoughby said. "It's really hard to jump back into doing everything. Sometimes, I can do certain things and it will just hurt really bad."
With one last year of college athletics eligibility remaining, Willoughby is currently in coach Carmyn James' track and cross country programs. James has her track sprinters run cross country to prepare for the spring sport.
Willoughby, who last competed in track in high school in Louisiana, talked to James the first day she started working at UH four years ago. But schedule conflicts with volleyball prevented her from competing in track that spring. The next two years, Willoughby played for the Rainbow Wahine basketball team after the volleyball season.
"It's basically going out there, having fun and doing whatever I'm capable of doing," Willoughby said of cross country.
"We're definitely taking it one step at a time and not pushing her too hard," James said. "With that rod in her leg, the last thing you want to do is have a major setback.
"She's so competitive. Once she gets into the race, she'll go for it."
After four illustrious years on the volleyball team, Willoughby said people expect her to miss the game. Instead, she's enjoyed her time away from it and that other players are now getting a chance to shine for the Rainbow Wahine. However, she has no plans to make her absence permanent.
"There's no way I'm not going to play," Willoughby said. "That's my life right there. As of right now, I'm waiting for when I'll be able to go.
"Everything is a process. I'll bounce back."
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Andrew Shimabuku * Ka Leo O Hawai'i
As for volleyball at the 2008 Olympics, Willoughby said if she makes the U.S. team, then fine. If not, life goes on. "It's not like my whole life surrounds playing in the Olympics," she said. "It's a great accomplishment but it's not a big thing if I make the team or not."
By Stanley Lee
Ka Leo Senior Staff Writer
September 16, 2004
The last time everyone saw Kim Willoughby, she was an All-American and National Player of the Year for the University of Hawai'i women's volleyball team.
Nine months later, life is no longer about spiking balls. After a playing stint in Puerto Rico and surgery, Willoughby said life is now a process.
Four months ago, she had surgery because of a stress fracture in her leg. A metal rod now extends down from her left knee to ankle, supporting her tibia.
For someone who used to train nearly the entire year, the time off after the surgery was at times difficult to handle.
"Sometimes I'd find myself sitting in my room crying because I wanted to do things, but I couldn't," Willoughby said. "It's really hard to jump back into doing everything. Sometimes, I can do certain things and it will just hurt really bad."
With one last year of college athletics eligibility remaining, Willoughby is currently in coach Carmyn James' track and cross country programs. James has her track sprinters run cross country to prepare for the spring sport.
Willoughby, who last competed in track in high school in Louisiana, talked to James the first day she started working at UH four years ago. But schedule conflicts with volleyball prevented her from competing in track that spring. The next two years, Willoughby played for the Rainbow Wahine basketball team after the volleyball season.
"It's basically going out there, having fun and doing whatever I'm capable of doing," Willoughby said of cross country.
"We're definitely taking it one step at a time and not pushing her too hard," James said. "With that rod in her leg, the last thing you want to do is have a major setback.
"She's so competitive. Once she gets into the race, she'll go for it."
After four illustrious years on the volleyball team, Willoughby said people expect her to miss the game. Instead, she's enjoyed her time away from it and that other players are now getting a chance to shine for the Rainbow Wahine. However, she has no plans to make her absence permanent.
"There's no way I'm not going to play," Willoughby said. "That's my life right there. As of right now, I'm waiting for when I'll be able to go.
"Everything is a process. I'll bounce back."
Andrew Shimabuku * Ka Leo O Hawai'i
As for volleyball at the 2008 Olympics, Willoughby said if she makes the U.S. team, then fine. If not, life goes on. "It's not like my whole life surrounds playing in the Olympics," she said. "It's a great accomplishment but it's not a big thing if I make the team or not."
