Childhood dreams are powerful motivators. As a senior, Ball State libero Alyssa Rio is chasing her dream of becoming an Olympian.
Sports were a big part of Rio's life as a child. She grew up playing soccer and basketball, but volleyball became her passion in high school.
"I just fell in love with it," she said.
Rio has long dreamed of playing for the United States Olympic team. She gave up any prospects for a soccer or basketball career in middle school in an attempt to make her dream a reality.
This summer, Rio came closer than ever before.
After a disappointing 15-16 record for Ball State during her junior season, Rio received a Team USA tryout this summer with the help of former Cardinals coach Dave Boos, who was an assistant on the U.S. Women's National A2 Team in 2006 and a coaching intern on the USA National Training Team in 2003.
"I was nervous going into the tryout, but there wasn't a lot of pressure," Rio said. "The coaches knew a lot of the girls there, and here I was coming from the MAC and not really known."
Rio took in all the sights at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. She mingled with the nation's best volleyball players in the Olympic team's facilities.
"I was really excited getting to play against the big names from the biggest programs," Rio said. "It was great going up against the best hitters and getting digs."
The tryout went well, but not well enough for Rio to make the team. For now, that's good enough.
"I'm happy I got to go. It's something I always wanted to [do]." she said. "I was at the Olympic training center and had a great experience. I still want to play in the Olympics, but I'm not sure it's in the cards."
With time dwindling in her collegiate career, Rio is forced to think of life after college. It's not a thought she likes.
"Alyssa is playing the best volleyball I've ever seen her play," coach Steve Shondell said.
Shondell's endorsement strengthened Rio's resolve to make the most of this fall. Without a winning season at Ball State, she is enjoying the team's 3-0 start in 2010.
At season's end, Rio will decide her future. She could follow her interest in criminal justice and forensics or continue to pursue her Olympic dream. A third option, one beginning to carry more weight with Rio, is coaching.
"Coaching is in the back of my head," Rio said. "I think it's going to be very hard for me to watch and not play. If the right opportunity comes along, I'll definitely pursue it in the future."
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