Bump, set, spike!
Airman 1st Class Heather Millisor never thought she would get the opportunity to do the same thing she fell in love with as a kid while in the Air Force, but she did.
Every year, the Air Force chooses Airmen throughout units to try their hand at joining the Air Force volleyball team. This year, Millisor, a 354th Medical Operations Squadron public health technician, was one of the 18 selected.
“I just happened to be at the gym one day and saw the papers for the program,” said Millisor, “It was about four days before the deadline so I thought to myself, ‘I guess I can try,’ and I made it.”
Millisor, also the intramural volleyball coach for the 354th Medical Group,was one of the first females at her school in Bouie, Texas to start playing volleyball. She continued honing her talent throughout college.
“Never in a million years would I have thought that I’d still be playing volleyball,” said Millisor. “It’s always been a passion of mine and I’m happy I get a chance to pursue it in the Air Force.”
With hopes of making it to the Armed Forces Championships for volleyball, Millisor has been training and preparing for the opportunity.
“I think it is going to be tough, partially because it’s in Colorado and they have an elevation difference,” said Millisor. “I just need to get through the first day without dying.”
Millisor, who started playing volleyball as a seventh grader, is a skilled player, but she feels it takes more than just skill to do well.
“I think experience is important to have to be good at any sport,” said Millisor. “I was just talking to someone the other night after a game, and we talked about how skill is one thing, but knowing the game takes it to another level.”
As the volleyball coach for the Medical Group, Millisor has used her past experiences to help the team establish and retain a winning record.
“Not only does she know how to play the game, but she also understands the higher level strategy and coaching,” said Capt. Carlee Koutnik, the 354th Medical Operations Squadron bio engineering flight commander. “I think she’s a natural leader and she’ll be highly successful if she does make the team.”
Although Millisor didn’t join the Air Force with the intention of playing volleyball, the Air Force has presented her with an opportunity to pursue her passion.
