Team SMACK dominates the
BVA Women's Open

As I sat and prepared to watch the BVA women's pro volleybalI finals here in my hometown of Hermosa Beach, I couldn't help but think back to a few months ago when I was sitting in my office having a conversation with Nancy Mason about sponsorship. I had these types of conversations with numerous female volleyball pros in the past, and they always ended the same way ... I did nothing.

Even though we introduced a new line of womens apparel two years ago, Smack Sportswear has always focused our marketing efforts on the men's side of the sport. I've known Nancy for a few years, and met her partner Rachel Wacholder only last year. These are two of the sweetest girls I have ever met, but I could not help but wonder what the future would hold for this attractive, athletic twosome. Sure, they'd get a few top 10 finishes, but never in my wildest dreams did I forsee the two of them playing in the finals of the largest and most prestigious women's pro volleyball event in the country. "Team Smack" had went through every team in their way, including the number 1 seeded team of Reno/Hanley. They were the only team with an undefeated record going into the finals.

And so the stage was set ... thousands of fans, TV cameras, and the beautiful Southern California sun. Schuster and Bush would get a little lead, and then Nanc and Rach would make their own run. Digs, spikes, shots, and aces led us to a 13-13 tie. The crowd was pumping, while I bit my fingernails. After numerous sideouts and an amazing rally, it finally ended ... Bush/Schuster 15, Mason/Wacholder 13. It was one of the best matches I had ever seen!! Sure, I was bummed, but considering Nanc and Rach had never finished higher than 9th, we had good reason to celebrate. I know now that there will be many more finals in their future and am extremely happy that they are a part of the Smack Team.

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