Nakano Adds a Killer Spike to Vaquero Volleyball
Ross Coleman
Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: Sports
For Nakano, who didn't know any English before coming to GCC, volleyball is all about having fun with her teammates. "[My favorite thing about playing is] my teammates and the team play," Nakano says.
"[Nakano's] tenacity and positive attitude always shine through," said volleyball Coach Yvette Ybarra.
"[She] brings a positive attitude and a strong will. She wants to give it her all and when she is having trouble in one area she finds another area to contribute. She has a good sense of the court, which I think helps the team."
Playing volleyball in America seems to fit Nakano very well. Although she faces many difficulties not normally experienced by American students, such as a language barrier, she has done a great job facing them.
Nakano says that her favorite thing about going to school in another country is "that I can learn a lot of new knowledge from the people who have a different culture, race, or religion."
After her time at Glendale, Nakano is not entirely sure of her plans. If she has the opportunity to take her volleyball skills to a four-year institution that would be something that she would really consider.
"I want to keep playing volleyball at a university in this country if I get the chance because I just love playing," Nakano says enthusiastically.
However, she is unsure if she wants to continue her education in this country or go back home to Japan after her studies at Glendale. "I'm studying aviation because [I was thinking] I was going to be a flight attendant; however, now I'm thinking about transfering to Japanese University after I graduate from GCC," Nakano said.
It is very refreshing in this day and age to see someone who not only enjoys the challenge of playing a sport in another country but also plays the right way. Nakano is a role model despite her language challenges.
"[Nakano's] tenacity and positive attitude always shine through," said volleyball Coach Yvette Ybarra.
"[She] brings a positive attitude and a strong will. She wants to give it her all and when she is having trouble in one area she finds another area to contribute. She has a good sense of the court, which I think helps the team."
Playing volleyball in America seems to fit Nakano very well. Although she faces many difficulties not normally experienced by American students, such as a language barrier, she has done a great job facing them.
Nakano says that her favorite thing about going to school in another country is "that I can learn a lot of new knowledge from the people who have a different culture, race, or religion."
After her time at Glendale, Nakano is not entirely sure of her plans. If she has the opportunity to take her volleyball skills to a four-year institution that would be something that she would really consider.
"I want to keep playing volleyball at a university in this country if I get the chance because I just love playing," Nakano says enthusiastically.
However, she is unsure if she wants to continue her education in this country or go back home to Japan after her studies at Glendale. "I'm studying aviation because [I was thinking] I was going to be a flight attendant; however, now I'm thinking about transfering to Japanese University after I graduate from GCC," Nakano said.
It is very refreshing in this day and age to see someone who not only enjoys the challenge of playing a sport in another country but also plays the right way. Nakano is a role model despite her language challenges.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
John White
posted 8/26/08 @ 9:10 PM PST
I like her attitude towards sports as the competitiveness among other athletes leans towards unhealthiness.
Oh, and she\'s cute too. ;)
Luis from Bakersfield College
posted 11/11/08 @ 1:36 AM PST
She is one of a kind girls, her positivism makes her team mates forget about any errors and always looking up for the next point. Although I go to Bakersfield College (and of course always cheering up my team) I really enjoyed seeing her play :)
And yes, shes a role model :)
Post a Comment