Silver Celebration with Amber Igiede and Kim Hill: LOVB in Paris

00:00:02
Speaker 1: Hi, I'm Tiffany Oshinsky, and this is serving Pancakes with League One Volleyball. Over the past few episodes, we've been following Team USA's quest for gold at the Paris Olympics while also talking with talented people in and around volleyball and women's sports. The US women's national team will come home with a silver medal, and who better to talk about this remarkable feat with than former Olympian Kim Hill and Love Houston Middle blocker Amber Igdi. Kim is a former outside hitter for Team USA and two time Olympic medalists, winning the Bronze and Rio and Golden Tokyo. Kim's career also extends from the hardwood to the sand. While at Pepperdine, she became the first college volleyball player to earn ABC All American First Team honors in both indoor and beach and Amber played at the University of Hawaii and was instrumental in propelling the Wahinis into perennial Big West champions In twenty twenty two, she was selected for the US women's indoor volleyball national collegiate team and has been training with the US national team since twenty twenty three. Amber played professionally overseas and we'll be coming back to the States to play in Houston for League one. Ken Amber, Welcome to Serving Pancakes.

00:01:17
Speaker 2: Thanks for having us.

00:01:18
Speaker 1: Yeah, thank you, Yeah so excited.

00:01:21
Speaker 2: Have you too?

00:01:22
Speaker 1: Now, have you guys met in person before?

00:01:26
Speaker 3: Well, I don't know if it's like officially meet, but we know each other. I coached at Lung Beach State for Steven as an assistant and we played against Hawaii, so I've scouted Amber and watched her dominate us and all that stuff. And also I should say even before we played you, I had heard excellent things not about I mean about you as a player, but also about you as a person. So I just want to say that I've liked you from the start.

00:01:50
Speaker 4: That means so much, guys, because literally, like obviously leaving like yeah, like I just always I'm not even just saying that's always like looked up to the camp. He's not my position, like an out dive, but still like there's still awesome, an amazing player and person, like you said, and when you were coaching against us, like I was just looking at you across the net like, oh my gosh.

00:02:09
Speaker 5: I literally to watch. I'm glad that we're doing this together.

00:02:13
Speaker 2: Me too.

00:02:14
Speaker 1: That's amazing. I love this. We're bringing everybody together, right, Volleyball brings people together. Well, let's dive right into the Olympics. Team USA lost to a dominant Italy in three straight sets twenty five eighteen, twenty five, twenty twenty five, seventeen. But stepping back for a second, the US wasn't even expected to meddle in these games, and they're coming home from Paris with the silver medal. Talk about the good that you saw during these summer games.

00:02:46
Speaker 3: I mean, I think you said it like, I think expectations were not that they were low, but there they were different than maybe past Olympics. And the team I think is still growing and still figuring out things. And so I mean, I think just looking at their expressions after every match that they won and like the like pure joy and like oh my gosh, you know, like this is happening. Versus the past Olympics. There's almost a sense of relief when you win because you're expected to win gold, you know, and it's like a okay, next step, next step versus the Silmpics. Was like every game they were like oh, my gosh, we're doing it. We're doing it kind of thing, and I think that's special. Silver Metal is like so freaking nuts and you can see in the girl's face they're so proud of it, which they should be. And also when you lose to a team like that, that Italian team, they were dominant, they were dominant, so you have to be totally proud of everything they did and not just what they did, but like who they are as people and how they did it.

00:03:39
Speaker 2: I think, yeah, I totally agree with Kim.

00:03:43
Speaker 5: I think as athletes, we love that feeling of almost building and I think the US almost like peaked at the right time because like after each game it was like a sense of joy, just like you said that. I love that and instead of just like you know, like really it's like oh God, thank god we want but like just like joy, like the things that they were practicing and working towards are actually coming together. So I think it was a beautiful thing to see. And Silver is like amazing, like it's it's obviously like one step behind gold, but it's as close as you can get, you know. So I think they should be proud, And yeah, I think the coach's actually be proud as well.

00:04:18
Speaker 2: So that's awesome for sure.

00:04:19
Speaker 1: Now, Kim, you got to play in Tokyo and when gold with a bunch of the players on this current Olympic roster. But things were a little different then because they were zero fans and you also played for Brons and Rio, so you expect it. You experienced that crowd. So how much of a difference is it do you think to go from playing for gold in front of no One to all of a sudden being in this gold medal match in front of everyone.

00:04:44
Speaker 3: Uh, very different. I will say COVID volleyball was weird. Tokyo was always weird. It was dead quiet. I mean Amber's played in front of she put Hawaii, so she was put in front of thousands and thousands of fans all the time. You feed off that a a You feed off it winning or losing or whatever, even just every second of the game feels very different. So I mean, as much of a bummer it is as it is to lose in a gold medal match, like I bet their experience was incredible the whole time playing, especially playing in front of your family and friends. Professionally, we don't get to do that as athletes, you know, as volleyball players. We were playing overseas all year. Maybe your parents come and visit, you know, one week out of the year, but like to play in front of your you know, your sisters and brothers and husbands and boyfriends and everyone. That's it's magical. It's so special. I remember in Rio, like seeing my family up there and crying after every match, almost tearing up. Could be like, this is so wild. My whole family's right there, you know. So it's a big difference, and it adds I mean, it heightens emotions, of course in a different way, but it just adds so much to the experience. So I'm so glad, especially the girls that played in Tokyo. I'm glad that they got experience in this way for sure.

00:05:53
Speaker 1: Yeah, and Kim, you played in Italy overseas. Amber, you just played overseas in Italy, and you know, watching this match, there were so many Italian fans at this match, right, which also helps when the host country is literally right next door. So Amber, from your experience just being in Italy, how big is volleyball over there? Yeah, volleyball is cuge.

00:06:15
Speaker 5: I would say, it's like one of the top, like, if not one of the top leagues in the country, and so are in the world. And so I feel like, when, like Kim said, compared to Hawaii, I've never played in front of a crowd as close as it was like in Hawaii and Italy like sort of really matched that. And I played for Roma and their whole like stadium is pretty condensed and when they have all the fans, like you can like feel the rumble and it just like electrifies everyone, and like him says, it can hide in emotions and it's almost like the perspective, like the way you look at it, like a lot of people might kind of you know, sort of like strength to that and things like that. But if you let it feed off your energy in the best way, then I think it can really help you. So I love playing in Italy. It's one of my favorite places to play because of how awesome the crowd is and how passionate they are.

00:07:07
Speaker 1: So how much do you both of you love playing in front of that just that large crowd, even if the fans aren't really for you, but just how much how exciting is it to play from that many people.

00:07:18
Speaker 3: It's the best even if they're cheering against you, it's the best. It's so fun either I mean it's cheering for you, it's way better, but like it's it's so fun either way. There's even when they cheering against you, there's this sort of like, oh oh yeah, you're gonna cheer for them. In terms of you know what I mean, there's a little bit of something I don't know, extra motivates you.

00:07:34
Speaker 2: I think it's it's just so fun.

00:07:36
Speaker 5: Yeah, I think it's one of those things that never gets old. Like it happens at every level you play, like a club, college, you know, professional, Like there's always a crowd that's like I can do that. I don't know for me personally, just like him says like it's almost like really fun, Like it almost like can motivate you in a sort of way, you know, And I think that makes sports fun in general when you have like competition in the crowd almost so I think that's really cool.

00:08:06
Speaker 1: Yeah, feeds you get like fed that energy to just dominate knowing that people are against you. Now, Carch has been amazing this entire Olympics with his game plans and rotations. We really saw that, especially in the match against Serbia during full play, but you know, Italy just seemed like a whole other beast. So seeing how they played throughout this torment, is there a rotation or a lineup that you wish you could have seen the US try to use in this match against Italy to attempt to stop them.

00:08:37
Speaker 2: Oh, interesting question. I mean it seems like they tried.

00:08:42
Speaker 3: A lot a lot of different you know, they were throwing in a lot of different people. And I would love to see all the girls get a chance, because when you're on the bench and you're like you're losing, you're like, come here, I'm gonna do it, you know what I mean kind of thing. All I will say is that I don't think I think anyone they would have put in couldn't have matched up against Italy today. I mean, Italy was so incredible. They were dominant, and there was there's a point I think sometimes when you know, when you're playing, you're like they are Everything they touch is going down, you know, and they're swinging freely and big and once that's a hard beast to stop.

00:09:17
Speaker 2: Once it gets rolling. So I don't know, I don't know. I think Carts and the coaching staff did an amazing dumb this whole Olympics.

00:09:22
Speaker 5: Really Yeah, I totally agree with Kem with that, Like you could. I feel like with any you know, a team, you can play like the what if game, But I feel like when your competition starts rolling, then it's hard for any position to you know, like match up against them. But yeah, I feel like the US team like worked really hard and they we honestly saw, like earlier in the tournament too, that he tried different lineups as well. So I feel like everyone that is cant to prove themselves and towards the last game, we definitely saw, you know, how dominant Italy was. But it's a hard environment to play in. I feel like, especially when Italy's kind of rolling and there was a lot of a ton of Italian fans in the crowd. But I agree with Cam, like the one it's game is, it's hard when it comes to that those moments.

00:10:08
Speaker 1: You know, so mm hm, Cam, you played against Paula Igano and seder Alessio Ro among other players on the team who you know, this is like their third Olympics. But what is it like trying to block that offensive attack?

00:10:22
Speaker 2: It is not fun.

00:10:24
Speaker 3: It's what's interesting about the Italian team right now is they've always like had Paula and she's amazing, and you're kind of like honeing on Paula, but now they have weapons in every Their middles are nuts right now. They're both so far and on en Asia are like dumb good. Their outsides are both amazing, and Alessia Orro is playing incredible too. I mean like I've been playing against his girls for years and they were always good. And I just messaged an Italian teammate, Miriam Silla, this is a little bit ago, and I was like, you guys have been like this volcano this past like like probably six or seven years of like building building, like we all know there's something there, but I haven't really quiet, and then suddenly it just like exploded and you're like, this is unstoppable. It's really incredible, all the weapons they have. It's just it's frustrating the play against.

00:11:21
Speaker 1: One of the announcers was saying that, you know a few years ago, if you said that the women's Italian team were gonna win the gold medal before the men's that they would have laughed in your face. And I think we just saw how amazing they are Now, when both of you are watching these games, are you kind of like I wish I was out there so I could attempt to, you know, block Palla or I could be part of that that game, or are you kind of watching this as a fan now? And n Amber, let's start with you, because you know this is you're You're on the trajectory right, You're on the up and up kenso to him decided to retire even though we want to see her keep playing, like a lot.

00:12:00
Speaker 5: Of like the Italian teams too, So I'm interested to hear your take as well. But yeah, me just starting off, when I played in Italy, actually played against Sarah Far, and I like she's an awesome meddle to play up against. I think just giving like her her flowers too, Like both of the middles on in Italy did a great job during the last game. And obviously I love Chiowk, I love Haley like they did amazing too, So I love watching like two strong middles to go up against each other. But yeah, I think I think the only player I've played against for Italy wise is was Far. I believe with Sarah, so I think that's for me, but for me it's not even more so like oh, put me in. It's more so like she's like, how great is it that they're playing like two strong teams playing against each other and and they're all like stepping up high level play and just watching Paula and and and Drews and JT go up against he because I just love like matchups. So I I think it's more so in my admiration sort of looking at it from a point of view.

00:13:05
Speaker 1: So how about you, Kim.

00:13:07
Speaker 3: All I will say is I played with Paula for a couple of years. I played against her for a couple of years. It is a whole different thing. I'm six four maybe six five and shoes, and like it's a whole different thing me blocking and looking up at her hitting. It's like such a wild thing where I'm watching them try to block her, and like especially now like I played, you know, four years ago, and she was very good and still developing, and now you're just like you don't know where she's going to go, you know, and before maybe you could try to read her some. But I'm watching these blockers today and you know, they're moving a bit trying to figure o where she's going to go. And then she hit the opposite and I'm like, that's I'm not envious of that right now, because that's so frustrating to play against because she's so good. But besides that, I'm just I'm only envious of the feeling of playing in front of a big crowd like that in a gold Midal match, because there's nothing like it in the world for sure.

00:13:58
Speaker 1: Well, we have a twenty sixteen bronze and your former teammate Kim Courtney Thompson, who has been on the ground in Paris since she has a little insight for us on the game.

00:14:08
Speaker 2: What's up, guys.

00:14:08
Speaker 6: Courtney Thompson here on serving Pancakes with League One Volleyball, reporting in live from Paris after a very tough defeat to Italy in the finals. Man, you know, Italy was unbelievable tonight and it just seemed like they could do no wrong.

00:14:27
Speaker 2: And really from the get go.

00:14:29
Speaker 6: They came in, their pins played amazing, their middles are incredible, their setter and La Barro are two of the best to ever do it, and they all just kind of bawled out tough go for the USA like we co just couldn't ever kind of find our rhythm and lock into anything.

00:14:44
Speaker 2: But man, I.

00:14:46
Speaker 6: Think if you would have told most of these guys that they this team, that they would win a silver medal, you know, three weeks ago, six weeks ago, they've just been in it, and so for them, it was an incredible tournament. Really, to win a medal in the Olympics is so hard, and to make up finals in the Olympics is amazing. So we're super happy for these guys. I think the athletes are really proud of what they've done, as they should be, and we all are so incredible. Few weeks of a tournament, it's pretty special when you get to tap into your best on the world stage, and the US for sure did that, and Italy did it a little better today. But they're an incredible team and well deserved gold for them. So, signing off from Paris, thanks for reading in it with us, go USA.

00:15:36
Speaker 1: It was a well deserved gold for Italy, and although we all hoped the US would win the gold medal, they did get silver, as we said, and that's absolutely amazing, and especially since, as we said earlier, you know, they weren't expected to medal at all, and if you look back over the last four Olympics, do you got ten? USA went silver, bronze, gold, silver, So what does this say about our player in the game in the States?

00:16:02
Speaker 5: I would say I heard of a lot about the USA's depth, and I think we have, like compared to a lot of other countries, like, we have great depths. So I he can take anyone from the bench and it's like another team starting lineup, do you know what I mean? So, I think the longetty longevity of the volleyball of the USA is just so strong and it's growing, and I feel like it shows from the five medals that we've done in the past, So I think we have a great depth start.

00:16:34
Speaker 3: Honestly, yeah, I didn't realize until today I saw that post. I mean, like I knew we had won those medals, but I hadn't like thought about how five consecutive is kind of nuts.

00:16:45
Speaker 2: Actually, when we think about how hard.

00:16:46
Speaker 3: It is to win a medal, I mean, it's a testament to use volleyball really in the USA and how good that foundation is. And you know, when you play overseas, everyone's like, how is it possible you doesn't have a league? You have so many good players and blah, blah blah blah, and you know you guys, I'm like, yeah, I don't know.

00:17:04
Speaker 2: I don't know how how's not happened.

00:17:07
Speaker 3: So I mean not to feat into love perfectly, but like, honestly, this is it's amazing that it's happening because it's just been like years in the waiting. We have so much depth because so much success internationally and everything, and it's exciting to see that something's coming now.

00:17:21
Speaker 1: Yes, yeah, I mean it is a perfect segue, right because I mean I've said this before on the pod, but like nine of these women are going to be playing in League one. So seeing these girls compete on the world stage. How pumped are you to see them play here? And Amber you're gonna be playing with Jordan Thompson and Michael Hancock who was an alternate and we got to see a little bit in pair, So I mean, how excited is this?

00:17:43
Speaker 6: Yeah?

00:17:43
Speaker 5: I think it's super excited. Oh my gosh, I can't talk smiling when I talk about love, just because I think it's a great opportunity like this, This whole league is starting off with like the youth, and then you work up all the way to like them pars Our senior team and being able to play with Jordan Thompson and Micah who literally play at the highest stage is just so rewarding to see where we are as you know, a volleyball world now. So I'm super excited and I'm super fortunate to be a part of this and to see where it goes, because I think we definitely have the potential to be like one of the best leagues in the world. So I'm super excited about that.

00:18:22
Speaker 2: Kim.

00:18:23
Speaker 3: Yeah, man, it's so it's so exciting. I'm I'm jealous and sad that i won't be playing it Because's just such a crazy, incredible thing. But I'm already like planning trips. I'm like with my I'm like, we're going to Austin and we're going to We're gonna go all these trips and watch every game we positively can because it's I already know, like the first mention, See, I'm gonna be an emotional and rep because it's so special. And I'm just hoping for a Seattle team because I live in Seattle, so I'm like, nice, I mean, people take a holder for sure, you know.

00:18:51
Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm hoping for expansion because I'm on the East coast. So I'm like, I grew up in Pennsylvania, live in Jersey. Now, I'm like, you know, penn State, Like they got some big players, right, I mean, I think it's something at eight, I believe or nine of the team USA played in the Big Ten. So I'm like, come on, let's get a little little pa Love.

00:19:10
Speaker 2: Yeah, I thought it'll happen.

00:19:11
Speaker 3: I'm like, give a little time and we'll be all over the place, man watch out.

00:19:14
Speaker 5: Yeah.

00:19:18
Speaker 1: Now, Kim, you served on the Athletic Council for League One and have seen Love from its infancy staged where it is now. So what made you want to be part of the league.

00:19:26
Speaker 3: I remember I vividly remember having a conversation with Kelsey Cook, like I don't know how many years ago, and she was like, no, I'm talking to these people who are like doing it real time.

00:19:36
Speaker 2: And I was like what. And then she explained to me.

00:19:37
Speaker 3: A little bit and how they're doing the eurosystem of like you know, feeder feeding from the club level, and I was like, what the heck?

00:19:43
Speaker 2: And then I got on a couple.

00:19:44
Speaker 3: Of calls and the feeling from the beginning was like we're doing this right, we're making it special. We're doing this for the athletes kind of a thing which felt different than any other league talks that I had heard. And it's really wild right now. Like every call that I've been on, you know, when they announce like the marketing, like the logos for each team and all that stuff, I've just been like mind blown it, like, oh my gosh, it's happening. And they announced like a sponsorship or a partnership and I'm like, what you just partnered with SPANKX or like whoever, And it's all real and happening, And it's so cool because from the beginning they've been so intentional about like doing it the right way and asking our opinions and be like what do you guys need? And then they make sure it happens, which you know, there are a lot of focus groups like what do you guys want? And then like nothing ever comes of it.

00:20:34
Speaker 2: So this is wild. All the things that I hear are happening with it. I'm just like, this is unreal. It's so cool.

00:20:40
Speaker 1: And Amber, we talked about, you know, you playing in Italy last season, but what about love made you decide to come back and play in the States.

00:20:47
Speaker 5: Oh my gosh, Like it's almost like a why when I come back in the States, you know what I mean, Like, who wouldn't I think this is like one of the first places that I felt really you know, houl again on our players, like asking, oh, what do you guys want? Like how are you guys? Like very personal and I think that makes a lot of us as players comfortable and it really attracts younger people too because we feel like cared about and you know, things like that. So I think that's definitely going to help the longevity at this club, and I think we're doing all the right things. But for me personally, just having my family not to have like a thousand miles to go to Hawaii, you know, in Italy, and so just coming here and taking a five hour drive, it's just I'm going to probably like cry the first time they come. So I'm gonna it's it's I can't ask for more, you know, I can't ask for better.

00:21:39
Speaker 1: So oh my gosh, Yeah, it is like traveling to Europe kind of with your family in Louisiana. I have to go to Hawaii for your games. I didn't even think about that. So yeah, they're probably like finally, and they are they are.

00:21:54
Speaker 2: Well.

00:21:54
Speaker 1: One thing I noticed a lot was, you know, some chatter on social media about how fun it is to watch women's volleyball and us here and a bunch of other people are like, yeah, of course, look for the casual fan. What kind of momentum can the sport take from this Olympic bump?

00:22:11
Speaker 2: Oh yeah, we'd like ride the wave, baby.

00:22:14
Speaker 3: You know, like this moment, this moment for women's sports is insane. It's just like exploding, and you just you're like, yeah, like get on our backs, because we've been telling you we're amazing, you know, and so yeah, and with these Olympics and the hype around even not just women's voeyball or with women's sorts, but the Olympics as a whole. This time around, we're just like, I feel like, really exciting for the country.

00:22:37
Speaker 2: I don't know what it was.

00:22:37
Speaker 3: More people were watching, more people were into it, And so I'm hoping and I think it would be the perfect segue into a new league. And people are like, wait, Olympics, when if vy ball's over, I kind of like that, like, you know, where do I see more?

00:22:50
Speaker 2: So hopefully that will work out. Perfectly. I think it will perfect time.

00:22:53
Speaker 5: Yes, I hope it's people's curiosity, and like she said, not just for like you know, VOLBA before sports in general. Watching the Olympics, it's like the most attention I've seen, So I really hope this fikes curiosity and we'll just have interest in our new league and volleyball in general because that's what we for sure needs so.

00:23:24
Speaker 6: Well.

00:23:24
Speaker 1: With this being the end of the twenty twenty four Paras Olympics, who would you say was the MVP of tem USI.

00:23:31
Speaker 5: Ooh ooh, I think I have my answer it. Okay, maybe I'm biased as a middle but I really feel like Chiaka she I am pretty sure she even set the record or match the record for like most blocks in not Olympic tournament. I'm not sure, but I just the way she played. She was just so efficient in her blocking, so efficient and her offense, and I think she really made big points, clutch plays at the end of each game when they were really tight, and I don't know, I just love her energy. I think he's a great leader, and yeah, I think she's an amazing person. And I just middle power in general, so I think taker for sure. I want to hear Tim's dancers.

00:24:18
Speaker 3: I feel like I could name a bunch of them at different times and be like Avery Skinner like go girl, like you know, But then I was like Haley and Jordan Pulder in there's like everyone has our moments. My what I'm who I'm gonna fan girl on right now is Justine Wung around test because yeah, sweety, Justine is just a freaking rock and she she's always on, she's always playing well, she's always gonna smile on her face, and it's just like, I don't know, I think she's incredible and she played incredible this Olympics, and I'm like, I'm such a big fan of her, so she's still be my MVP.

00:24:50
Speaker 1: Yeah, I feel that I was gonna say Ambras as a five foot three libro, I uh have a little bias to towards Justine. But my defense is Kim also said Justine. I'm like, okay, I am, I'm not being too biased. Now I'm gonna ask you guys to put your fortune teller hats on for a second. The twenty twenty eight Olympics are going to be in our backyard in Los Angeles. So with the talent coming out of colleges and the ability now for women to be playing in the States. What do you think we can expect from Temusa. I don't know.

00:25:25
Speaker 5: I think we honestly saw like a little glimpse of it in this Olympic tournament. I felt like Harts, you know, and the coaching staff taking a lot of chances, putting in younger players, like you know, like avery and tapping and everything like that. And I think we saw like little glimpses of that, and I feel like it's gonna keep growing, like of just taking chances on the roster, and I think it really worked towards the end. So I'm excited about that. I think, like you said, we're getting in an age where we're seeing professional in the US now, and I think that's definitely gonna almost it's almost gonna like be like a testament that you can for sure to take Kansas and you can presures like bet that young people can pull through, you know what I mean. So I'm excited to see what the future will hold with that.

00:26:10
Speaker 2: I love that. That's so true.

00:26:11
Speaker 3: That's so true, risking on, you know, developing a young talent, and so many people it's so crazy, Like so much can happen in four years and Olympics cycle it's nuts, you know, so like you can be year two be like, oh, we're winning gold, like we are solid, and then and then things happen and you just never know. But what's what will be nuts about LA and I'm so excited for it, is that they're gonna be.

00:26:33
Speaker 2: So many returners.

00:26:34
Speaker 3: The team is like really young right now, but all the girls that was their first Olympics and they were starting and killing it in LA. It'll be a lot of the girl's third Olympics. They'll be seasoned vets by then. So I don't know what will happen, but they're gonna be solid. I already know they're gonna be solid, and that'll centers again, and I'm already pumped to watch.

00:26:52
Speaker 2: I can't wait.

00:26:53
Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm so excited. So now that the Olympics are over and we can all return to our regular lives not loose to a screen anymore, shame for Team USA. What is next for both of you?

00:27:05
Speaker 5: Okay, I'll start, Well, what's next for me is you know, training and being excited and getting ready for you know, pre season for Love Houston. So I'm super excited for our debut and yeah, that's what's next for me. I'm kind of very focused on the next post season right now.

00:27:24
Speaker 2: So oh, that's so exciting.

00:27:27
Speaker 3: I'm I've veered away from the volleyball world a little bit and I have a nine to five job. So now the Olympics, I know, I'm like bummed they're over because I had it on my computer screen every day, just like kind of watching when I work, which is amazing. But yeah, I'm living Seattle and working, but I'm very excited to still be highly involved in love and so excited for the season to starting to watch and see how it all go.

00:27:49
Speaker 1: So you're an interior design now, right, Kim.

00:27:52
Speaker 2: Yeah, Oh that's so cool.

00:27:55
Speaker 5: That is so cool.

00:27:56
Speaker 1: I was gonna say you can help Amber for a Meshion design her new apartment in Houston.

00:28:02
Speaker 5: Up, I'm designing. I truly believe like interior designers for like really creative people. I feel like you're still creative. So that's awesome. You need to I'll hit you up actually for my designing.

00:28:14
Speaker 2: Semi photos, I'll help.

00:28:16
Speaker 1: I want to see it before and after picture, like what it looks like when you first got the place and what it looked like with Kim Hill touch.

00:28:27
Speaker 2: You don't know, you don't know if I'm any good yet. We'll see Amber.

00:28:33
Speaker 1: I mean you told me before we actually started recording on this call that you, you know, love food and stuff. You have a food blog, right, No.

00:28:39
Speaker 5: I literally love food. I recorded I recorded a food video with love hopefully it comes out soon. So but I love food.

00:28:47
Speaker 2: I love that.

00:28:47
Speaker 5: Yeah, I have a blog.

00:28:50
Speaker 1: Are you going to be working on that during this time period?

00:28:53
Speaker 5: Just like I'll take my talent and kind of go on that pool a little bit, so I might do that as an athlete. You know, it's kind of hard, you know, eating what I like, really good food with being healthy. So I'm gonna try to be in the middle with that.

00:29:08
Speaker 1: Oh I like to quote parks and recreation when it comes to that, and I just say, treat yourself. Oh well, ladies, it's been such a pleasure talking with you again. Congrats to Team USA for winning silver. Not a goal, but love the silver, love the hardware. Coming back and excited to see all these girls in the States come January. Thank you to so much for being on serving pancakes and well, you know, we'll talk soon.

00:29:36
Speaker 2: Thanks for having us.

00:29:42
Speaker 1: Serving Pancakes is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Production by League one Volleyball, I'm your host Tiffany Oshinsky. Anya Alvarez is our senior producer. Our executive producers are Carrie Stett, Tamaradike, and Lindsay Hoffman. Our marketing lead is Jawara Parker. Sound editing and mixing by Cody Nelson. Our theme music is Pancakes by Eric W. Mast Junior. We hope you enjoyed our Olympics coverage. We're going to be taking a little break, but we'll be back with a new season of Serving Pancakes where we'll continue talking to interesting people in and around volleyball and women's sports. Thanks for listening.