The best player you've never seen.

"That #9 is pretty good."  If I had a dollar for every time I heard that statement at this weekend's NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship, I could fix the economy.  Everyone who sat next to me and saw Amelia McCall play made that statement almost on cue.  The picture you see above is of the reigning American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Player of the Year.  So, to say she's "pretty good" is a huge understatement.  McCall is a starting outside hitter for the Emory University Eagles and she and her teammates will take on Calvin College in the Division III finals on Monday afternoon. 

If McCall were a guy, everyone would know who she was.  Think about sporting events you've attended.  We go out of our way to recognize athletic excellence in men.  Star male athletes get louder cheers, special music, and even a different vocal inflexion from the PA announcer.  Sometimes women are pushed to the extreme end of the sportsmanship continuum.  They become so team-oriented that individuals often vanish.  I know what you're thinking.  What's wrong with being team-oriented, Mr. Sportsmanship?  Nothing, except that individual greatness inspires others. 

Kids didn't want to be like the Bulls.  They wanted to be like Mike.  It's OK to celebrate our stars.  My daughter and I met McCall and her parents.  I think someone will be signing up for a volleyball league very soon.  Have a look at McCall's play in the video below (Email subscribers click here).  She's as good as advertised.  McCall and the Emory Eagles play for the Division III National Championship against the Calvin Captains tomorrow at 2 p.m. at Washington University Fieldhouse in St. Louis.  For those who cannot attend, the match will be webcast live at ncaa.com.  Until next time...

Be a Good Sport!

-Sol