Abby Thelen began playing volleyball at the age of 12, participating on club teams in her native Fort Mitchell, Ky. The sport soon became her passion.
However, volleyball served up its obstacles like the one delivered to her at age 14, when she was cut from her club team. Suddenly, Thelen was out of her element; off the court, and not liking it one bit.
Instead of accepting defeat, Thelen used the experience to fuel her fire and improve herself as a player.
“That year I worked really hard,” Thelen said.