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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Some call it a game, others consider it a pastime. Still others deem it entertainment. Regardless of the label, sports are a part of everyday life for many Airmen.
This love for the game motivated one Vandenberg Airman to apply for the chance to compete for the All-Air Force Women's Volleyball Team.
Senior Airmen Jennifer Theurer, 30th Space Wing chaplain assistant, recently heard she was selected to attend the 2012 All-Air Force Women's Volleyball Trial Camp June 3-20 at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.
"Even if I only go for three days, I'm just so excited for the opportunity," said Theurer. "I am nervous -- but I talked to the coach, and he said it's all about your attitude. He said to come, have fun and be ready to work."
Theurer started playing intramural volleyball in high school and continued to play after joining the Air Force.
"I played intramurals while deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan," she said. "It's been really fun. At each place, people were willing to coach me and help me improve."
Theurer makes an effort to be a team player on and off the court.
"She is always looking at things as how it will affect the other person, and what she can do to make it better," said Tech. Sgt. Sonia Balatgek, noncommissioned officer in-charge of Vandenberg Chapel operations. "She likes volleyball, yes, but I think she's also looking at it as a way to do something for the Air Force, not just for herself."
Theurer contacted the base fitness center to inquire about joining the Air Force team after a friend of hers from the Air Force Men's Volleyball Team suggested she apply.
If selected at the early June training camp, Theurer will then advance to represent the Air Force in the 2012 Armed Forces Women's Volleyball Championships at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., June 21-28. Based on performance at that event, Theurer and the competitors will be evaluated to represent the United States in the 2012 International Military Volleyball Championship in Amsterdam, Netherlands July 9-17.
"If she can do something like this, get on a team, and be able to build a strong team, it just speaks highly about what she can do on a staff," said Balatgek. "I think of the whole person concept and I think that she's got it down. She's very bubbly and outgoing, but when she needs to be serious -- she can get to it."
Sports available for Air Force members are boxing, cross country, soccer, swimming, volleyball, bowling, racquetball, triathlon, softball, marathon, tennis, golf, rugby, basketball, track and field, wrestling and shooting. Air Force members can apply for a team by completing an Air Force Form 303 which outlines all achievements and experience in a specific sport. The form is then submitted to the Fitness Center director.
For information on how to apply for Air Force sports, contact the Vandenberg Fitness Center at 606-3832 or visit www.usafsports.com.