The name is Gilbert. By trade he is a computer consultant. His heart, however, rests between the walls of Memorial Gymnasium as a self-proclaimed women's volleyball groupie. Your eyes do not deceive you -- a volleyball groupie.
I decided this week that I would embark on a trek to discover the intriguing sports stories that fall between the cracks of U-hall and Scott Stadium. By accident I discovered Gilbert at good ol' Memorial Gym.
I must come clean; I had no intention of watching a women's volleyball game this Saturday. On my way to a workout at old-school Mem Gym, I stumbled upon a middle-aged man who shows a passion for the women's volleyball team that is non-existent for many Virginia students. Shrouded in the shadows of the major sports of football and basketball, Gilbert comprises the heart and soul of the women's volleyball fan section.
The question that persists is what Gilbert sees that so many people seem to miss. What exists here between the walls of Memorial Gym that is ignored by the untrained eye?
I managed to catch up with Gilbert minutes before the Wahoos took on an under-matched N.C. State squad. It turns out he has been a "volleyball groupie," since he was an undergraduate in 1992. Gilbert speaks of past volleyball stories with the same pride that a veteran of a war recounts his days in the army. I get to hear about ACC championships and players that could spike so hard the ball ricocheted off the lights high on the ceiling of the arena. This is clearly no rookie groupie.
So what exactly makes someone a volleyball groupie? Gilbert defines his "groupie" duties as helping track balls and keeping the crowd energized during the game, which he takes quite seriously.
Yet these simple tasks miss the essence of what Gilbert represents. He gives the girls someone who recognizes their talents and ambitions, while many fail to show support for the program. Through e-mails or simply a "Let's Go Wahoo's" cheer, Gilbert exhumes a spirit for the team that unfortunately lacks the public eye of the sports media.
But why women's volleyball within the myriad of college sports at the University? Gilbert can not contain himself as he gushes about the strategy and skill involved in the game of indoor volleyball. I doubt him until I watch a game myself, as coaches shout plays from the sideline and players zigzag to finish the perfect spike. Somehow the madness of six bodies in constant motion maintains a level of structure that flies above my level of comprehension.
Gilbert explains he has a special connection every year to the fourth years, who will no longer get to play in the hallowed hall of Memorial Gym. A glance down the bench reveals a site not often seen in collegiate sports. Much like a kid's first little league team, each player is off the bench cheering on the team. As a fellow player hits a serve into the net, all six players make a team huddle that ensures the atmosphere stays positive. There are no touchdown dances or celebrations from scoring a goal; only a bunch of players that epitomize the concept of team camaraderie.
A wide, beaming smile that speaks volumes as to the essence of the team radiates from each girl. I am compelled to wonder when the last time was that I saw a team as endeared with their sport as this group.
As the conversation continues with Gilbert, I notice a fan holding a sign in the stadium that conveys a different reason for backing the Wahoo women: "Our team is more attractive." Gilbert cannot conceal a grin showing he could not agree more.
The horn blows signaling the game will begin shortly. Gilbert is getting anxious and apologizes that he must get to work. Minutes later he is revving up the fans and keeping track of balls as they fly around the arena. It occurs to me that both Gilbert and the volleyball team share a unique spirit to take pleasure in a sport while not needing the spotlight of fame and glory. Maybe it takes a volleyball groupie like Gilbert to draw some attention where attention is justly due.
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