Photo By Lance Cpl. Cory D. Polom | Casilia D. “Cassie” Loessberg, right, sets the ball to her teammate Donna L....... read more read more
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CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Over the last several weeks, patrons of Cherry Point enjoyed exciting game after exciting game of indoor and outdoor volleyball for the 2011 Armed Forces Tournament.
One of the key players for the All-Marine Corps women’s team was a rookie who brought years of experience and leadership to the table.
Casilia D. “Cassie” Loessberg was a unique rookie having seen more action than expected from an All-Marine Corps volleyball player. She played in her first armed forces tournament but has seen bigger stages.
“I graduated from University of Miami, Fla., where I played volleyball for four years in a very young program,” said the 23-year-old corporal. “We made the National Collegiate Athletic Association Volleyball Tournament both my junior and senior years.”
Loessberg joined the Marine Corps Reserves during her final two years of NCAA volleyball.
“After going through boot camp, I used the tools I learned to help better my team,” said Loessberg. “It helped me develop my leadership skills and gave me a mind set of self-motivation that helped me push my teammates.”
Loessberg said she feels the level of competition between the NCAA world to the armed forces tournament is drastic but one in the same.
“You see girls here at the armed forces tournament giving everything they have to give to this sport,” said Loessberg, who serves as a motor-transport operator with 4th Medical Battalion. “It isn’t more competitive than NCAA ball because those girls are going to school to do just that … play volleyball all day, every day. Here, we are Marines first and then we get to have fun and play sports if our job allows it.”
After graduating, Loessberg was told by Peter P. Cruz, the current All-Marine men’s volleyball coach, that she should try out for the women’s Olympic volleyball team.
“It was just an honor getting to play on the same court as the best in our nation,” said Loessberg. “Those girls are the best and to get to tryout was truly humbling.”
Loessberg’s team heard of her past and refined talents and team coach Nyla C. James didn’t allow her team to be star struck by their teammate.
“I told them from the very beginning of camp that no one was a for sure,” said James. “Cassie is a great player yes, but she doesn’t let that go to her head. She knows she can’t beat a team by herself.”
James said she was excited that she had someone on her team who brought a lot of experience and knowledge of the game from higher levels.
“Cassie came from the same sports background as I did,” said James. “It was nice having someone who could demonstrate what I was trying to teach the girls. She brings a unique aspect of the game to this team.”
Risa A. Smith, a second year All-Marine team player, said she felt a strong connection to Loessberg.
“Right away I noticed that Cassie didn’t think she was better than everyone because of her past,” said Smith. “She didn’t boast or anything, she just played the game her way. She played amazing for us as a rookie and she stepped up to the level we needed her to. She was a true leader by example and a great teammate.”
Loessberg said she was excited to play for the Marine Corps in this year’s armed forces tournament and looks forward to play for the U.S. Armed Forces Team at the 2011 World Military Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, July 12-25.
“Cassie is going to do great while representing the U.S. in Brazil this summer,” said Smith. “She shows a lot of heart and passion when she plays. Her intensity is amazing and she will do great for years to come.”
Loessberg was named to the Indoor All-Tournament Team, which are the best six players in the tournament, and was selected as a member of the Indoor All-Armed Forces team, which she will represent the U.S. in the 2011 World Military Games.
Loessberg holds several of the Hurricanes volleyball records for her career as well as single season records, such as career dig leader with 2,008; single season record for most digs with 584 in 2009; and single game record for the most digs in a five-set match with 49 digs against Texas Arlington in 2007. She was also named to the 2009 All-Atlantic Coast Conference team and was a 2009 All-American honorable mention.
| Date Taken: | 04.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2011 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 69872 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 290 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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