Tryout

Peter walked off the volleyball court after a three-set victory. A man greeted and introduced himself. Chuck Niles, USA Olympic Scout, Peter read the card the man gave him.

“Yes, I heard of you,” Peter shook his hand.

“Why’d you stop playing in college?”

“School just got too busy,” Peter threw a volleyball onto the court that had rolled against his legs. “I wish I could’ve played those two years. It was a fun time.”

Peter often wondered what would have happened if he had stuck around to help the University of Pittsburgh defend its Atlantic Coast title. Pitt might have won more than five matches.

“Austen James is looking for a new partner, and I wanted to come see you play.”

“The silver medalist Austen James?” Peter took a drink out of his water bottle.

Niles nodded his head, “I’d love to see how you two play together. There’s a tryout in two weeks, in Colorado Springs, if you’re interested.”

“Yes,” nodding, “very much so.”

Peter could not pass up the opportunity for a chance to play with one of the best players in the world. Two years later team James and Hampton were in the Gold Medal match in the Olympics