Metcalf won't go to China
Nancy Metcalf thought she was over the Olympic dream a year ago.
The former Husker All-American, whose international career has included professional stints in Italy, Turkey, Puerto Rico and Spain, had said, “No, thanks,” to joining Team USA.
The lure of the Olympics wasn’t as strong as in 2004, when Metcalf was a reserve for Team USA in Athens.
“I probably thought it was over at that point,” she said.
But then came an e-mail, followed by a lengthy phone call, this spring. Lang Ping wanted Metcalf and her powerful left arm, and once again, Metcalf seemed headed for a roster spot in Beijing.
The head coach promised to take whatever precautions were possible to get her ailing shoulder through the summer. Metcalf was excited again. Deep down, the competitor in her wanted to play, wanted to see if she could help lead the United States to its first Olympic medal in women’s volleyball in 16 years.
Yet, there was the shoulder. When Metcalf traveled to Birmingham, Ala., last month to see renowned sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the answer was once again, “No.”
Metcalf needed surgery to repair a torn labrum. She’s in a sling now, and when the U.S. team bids for the gold in China come August, Metcalf will be back home concentrating on her rehabilitation.
“Saying those words, ‘I can’t come,’ and making it final, it was difficult,” Metcalf said. “I think I had my hopes up, and unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.”
The injury, similar to the one suffered by Christina Houghtelling that forced the national player of the year to miss a full season at Nebraska, was the first major injury of Metcalf’s career.
The 2001 graduate, who ranks fourth all-time in kills at Nebraska, said she first started feeling pain around the end of November. She made it through the season, ultimately leading her Turkish team to league and tournament titles in the first year of a two-year contract.
After playing volleyball for 14 years, Metcalf said the demands of the professional game likely contributed to the injury.
“I think a big part was trying to attack balls while not in the right position,” Metcalf said. “But you have to swing. You tip once and your team is going to get killed with the ball coming back.”
Doctors tell Metcalf it will be six months before she’s back to full strength. Of course, history will tell you that it took much longer for Houghtelling to return.
“We’ve been talking quite a bit,” Metcalf said. “She’s a good resource. I can ask her if she felt this or she felt that after her surgery.”
Metcalf plans to return to her team in Turkey next season.
Briefly
Former Husker Tracy Stalls is still in the running for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Stalls is starting at middle blocker for the U.S. in the Pan American Cup this month. U.S. coaches sent a young team to Mexico to evaluate individuals for potential Olympic roster spots in 2008, as well for future teams in the next quadrennial.
Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7320 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.
The former Husker All-American, whose international career has included professional stints in Italy, Turkey, Puerto Rico and Spain, had said, “No, thanks,” to joining Team USA.
The lure of the Olympics wasn’t as strong as in 2004, when Metcalf was a reserve for Team USA in Athens.
“I probably thought it was over at that point,” she said.
But then came an e-mail, followed by a lengthy phone call, this spring. Lang Ping wanted Metcalf and her powerful left arm, and once again, Metcalf seemed headed for a roster spot in Beijing.
The head coach promised to take whatever precautions were possible to get her ailing shoulder through the summer. Metcalf was excited again. Deep down, the competitor in her wanted to play, wanted to see if she could help lead the United States to its first Olympic medal in women’s volleyball in 16 years.
Yet, there was the shoulder. When Metcalf traveled to Birmingham, Ala., last month to see renowned sports orthopedist Dr. James Andrews, the answer was once again, “No.”
Metcalf needed surgery to repair a torn labrum. She’s in a sling now, and when the U.S. team bids for the gold in China come August, Metcalf will be back home concentrating on her rehabilitation.
“Saying those words, ‘I can’t come,’ and making it final, it was difficult,” Metcalf said. “I think I had my hopes up, and unfortunately, it didn’t work out the way I hoped.”
The injury, similar to the one suffered by Christina Houghtelling that forced the national player of the year to miss a full season at Nebraska, was the first major injury of Metcalf’s career.
The 2001 graduate, who ranks fourth all-time in kills at Nebraska, said she first started feeling pain around the end of November. She made it through the season, ultimately leading her Turkish team to league and tournament titles in the first year of a two-year contract.
After playing volleyball for 14 years, Metcalf said the demands of the professional game likely contributed to the injury.
“I think a big part was trying to attack balls while not in the right position,” Metcalf said. “But you have to swing. You tip once and your team is going to get killed with the ball coming back.”
Doctors tell Metcalf it will be six months before she’s back to full strength. Of course, history will tell you that it took much longer for Houghtelling to return.
“We’ve been talking quite a bit,” Metcalf said. “She’s a good resource. I can ask her if she felt this or she felt that after her surgery.”
Metcalf plans to return to her team in Turkey next season.
Briefly
Former Husker Tracy Stalls is still in the running for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. Stalls is starting at middle blocker for the U.S. in the Pan American Cup this month. U.S. coaches sent a young team to Mexico to evaluate individuals for potential Olympic roster spots in 2008, as well for future teams in the next quadrennial.
Reach Todd Henrichs at 473-7320 or thenrichs@journalstar.com.
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