Last summer I went from a very raw player looking at this new level as if it were for me to feeling like the worst player ever to quickly realizing that this opportunity was appointed to me because of my athletic ability and POTENTIAL! And then to a player that focuses on every aspect of his game... The mental and the physical...

I began working with a sports pysch guy at the training center to see what the benefit of developing my mental game would be.  It has become aware to me that it is very important and I will continue to work with these people.  Reason being is I want to offer more than just raw talent and/or potential to the game... I want to offer a complete package... an indestructible one.

So I begin this New Year with my head high, my focus set on becoming a passer and contributing to the USA team in more ways this year.  Last year I was all about going all out with whatever I had picked up in the prior 7 years of playing volleyball. Let me tell you it wasn't much after the last part of the year when the coaches basically broke us down to the fundamentals for every skill in volleyball... trying to build us from the ground up.  It opened my eyes.  I can now keep working from there.

I knew last year that I would be on the team and wouldn't travel with them.  That was fine with me but still gave me something to work towards. 2006!  This year my goal is to make the traveling team.  I will work very hard at this and beginning everyday I wake up I must maintain my focus and dedication towards improvement in every aspect off and on the court.

I have had a few people tell me I should keep a log/journal of what goes on with the national team everyday.  Well I will try to do it every week.  It my experiences can help someone else in ANY way then I am all about affording that opportunity to them.

Feel free to visit my new site: RYANJAYOWENS.COM

I am hard at work on HOUZED.COM and am making it the best site I can.