Can you dig it? USAF women's volleyball coach has proven track record Published May 7, 2013 By Senior Airman Allen Stokes 2nd Combat Camera HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- It's no secret to patrons at the Warrior Fitness Center that volleyball season is back in full swing. Unless you have headphones on, you're exposed to the sounds of the Air Force Women's Volleyball Team: the slamming of volleyballs, the unique volleyball lingo and the occasional body diving into the hardwood floor. But, in the midst of all the chaos they call practice stands a woman with a calm demeanor directing the madness. This woman is Coach Katie Kimmich. Kimmich's volleyball resume is extensive. She played college volleyball at Pepperdine University, went on to play for the United States Women's Olympic Volleyball Team for four years, then played professionally in Puerto Rico, Korea and Turkey. Ironically, Kimmich got cut from her junior high school tryout because she was not good enough to make the team. But she didn't let that stop her, and her "never-give-up" personality reflects in every single member of the Air Force Women's Volleyball Team as they gear up for the Armed Forces Volleyball Championship tournament here May 8-12. "Having Katie as a coach is fantastic; it's like a dream come true," said 1st Lt. Kristina Stewart, Schriever Air Force Base, Colo. "With her experience and everything she's seen from her career, I respect her so much and we all do. It's a really neat dynamic, her working with us. I have nothing but positive things to say about her." But how did the Air Force get a coach with Kimmich's pedigree? She did most of her volleyball training in Colorado Springs, which happens to be home of the Air Force Academy. It was there she met her future husband, who was a cadet at the time. That union coupled with her undying passion to be involved with the sport in any capacity contributed to her becoming head coach of the Air Force Women's Team. "Coaching the Air Force team is very special to me," said Kimmich. "It takes a special person to serve in the military and sacrifice their time, and it's very nice because all the girls are very respectful, very dedicated and listen well." The Air Force Women's Volleyball Team is the reigning champion entering this year's tournament and hopes to repeat last year's performance. However, Kimmich knows that more importantly the team is creating a special bond and building lasting friendships. "I love the fact that you can make friends everywhere," Kimmich said. "I've made some amazing friends even though I couldn't speak English with them. It's amazing the connections you can make with people just by being around them and on a team together." That camaraderie is what drives Kimmich to constantly be involved with the sport. Even though she does possess a competitive side and "likes to put the beat down on other teams," she knows that she is a part of something bigger than just a sport: she is a part of the memories and friendships that can last a lifetime.