Rainbow Connection: Life on the Road. Rainbow Wahine in Alabama (Episode 1)

Katie Spieier, Wahine Sand Volleyball Player

Blog Entry 1

4/29/15

10:30 am

Had a smooth trip to Alabama! We took a red eye last night and arrived in Gulf Shores, Alabama around 4:00 pm today. Right off the shuttle we got in a good practice and now we are ready for some southern food and sleep! We are all super excited to be back in ‘Bama and happy to get in our first practice.

Last night when we were waiting at the Honolulu airport we got a special facetime call from Cindy Rote at the H Awards. Our assistant coach Danny Alvarez was nominated as the University of Hawaii Coach of the Year. The whole team gathered around my phone to watch the big announcement. When we heard Danny had won, we all freaked out and were shouting with excitement for the next minute. Everyone around us thought we were crazy until one of the workers announced over the loudspeaker that Danny Alvarez had just won Coach of the Year. It was a great start to the trip and so well deserved by Danny. Special thanks to Cindy Rote for facetiming us! We were sad to miss the H Awards but are more excited to get to ‘Bama!

Team nap at the Dallas airport.

The team touching down in Mobile, Alabama.

Sydney Shinn and Sammie Brown on the balcony overlooking the Sand courts. Next, a true southern meal!