By Jean Racine
When an opportunity arises, you go for it.
“Just having a little bit of bravery and courageousness,” said Azhani Tealer, Orlando Valkyries opposite hitter. “I think it would be really easy for me to go out there and be timid and not want to screw up my chance of having another opportunity. But telling myself that I’m able to do it; I’m out there for a reason. So, going after it and just trying to be my best for the team.”
Tealer, a rookie out of the University of Kentucky, has stepped into the starting lineup and is making a big impression.
“Azhani is stepping in and doing work for us,” said Adora Anae, Valkyries outside hitter. “Considering that we have one of our main payers out (Shainah Joseph), she’s coming from the practice squad and she’s doing amazing.”
Tealer got her first start against the Vegas Thrill on Thursday and had nine points (nine kills). She stepped it up a notch against the Omaha Supernovas on Sunday, recording 18 total points (14 kills and four blocks).
“I’m pretty hard on myself,” Tealer explained after the match. “Defensively, there’s a few plays that I want back. But I just keep finding my rhythm. Wilma (Rivera), our setter, is making it really easy. My teammates are really encouraging me and pouring in to me, so it’s been a lot fun just to be out there. Hoping to get better each match.”
Tealer, who played middle blocker at Kentucky, is adjusting well to the opposite hitter position.
“I’m just trying to kill balls and keep us alive,” said Tealer, who’s played in three matches this season. “I’m trying to get better from the backrow. I think I need to kill more balls still and error a bit less, so just trying to find my way and get a little bit of rhythm. The rest of the team is making it really easy to do that.”