In 2004, the University of San Diego had arguably their best season in school history. The Toreros not only went undefeated in the difficult West Coast Conference, but they also reached the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Tournament, both program firsts. Finishing with an overall record of 24-5, USD produced six impressive wins over Top-25 opponents. One of the main reasons for San Diego's successful run the past year was due to the overall play of senior Devon Forster. The 6-1 outside hitter was responsible for a majority of USD's potent offense, averaging 5.33 kills per game, good for No. 9 in the country. In addition, her outstanding passing and digging abilities made her one of the most versatile players in the country. For her efforts in 2004, Forster was named the WCC Player of the Year and was honored as an AVCA Second Team All-American. The native of Boulder, Colo. completed up her Torero career near the top of almost every statistical category: No. 1 in career attack attempts (4,603), No. 2 in career kills (1,886), No. 2 in career aces (148), and No. 4 in career digs (1,189).

Currently, Forster is playing professionally in Puerto Rico for the Indias de Mayaguez (www.indiasmayaguez.com). Her team is currently near the top of the league with an overall record of 14-3. As a starter, she has been a key contributor to the success that Mayaguez has enjoyed this past season. In addition to Forster, other notable players on the roster include former collegiate stars like Shannon Torregrosa, 2000 AVCA National Player of the Year Greichaly Cepero (Nebraska), and 2004 Olympian Nancy Metcalf (Nebraska).

Each week, Forster will bring you a journal entry depicting her time in Puerto Rico: the good times, the bad times, and the truly bizarre events that make being a professional volleyball player so interesting...

March 5, 2005

So, where do I begin? It seems as if the past eight years of my life were spent preparing for my last volleyball season at USD. As most of you know, all of that hard work paid off in the end because we had a record -breaking year. But after the All-American banquet and final exams, it was with a certain amount of relief to be heading home for the holidays. I was looking forward to relaxing with my family, seeing friends from high school and enjoying beautiful Boulder, Colorado. Then the phone rang.

First, it was the owner of a team in Puerto Rico wanting me to come down and play professional volleyball. My family and I talked about it and decided that it would be smarter to wait until after I finished my degree. Then the phone rang again. It the head coach from the University of Nebraska telling me what a good team and what a good guy the owner of the team was. I then began to listen. And once again, the phone rang. This time, it was Nancy Metcalf, the former University of Nebraska star and All-American. She had been playing with this team for two years and had all kinds of good things to say.

Forster led the Toreros to a 24-5 record and a berth to the Sweet Sixteen in 2004.

It was now getting pretty close to the end of December. After some more conversation with my family, I decided to try to make it work, as long as we could get some arrangement worked out with USD. But, if you've ever tried to reach anybody at work between Christmas and New Years, you know that it is essentially impossible! We had to make a decision. And finally, I said yes to Orlando Lugo, the owner of the Indias De Mayaguez. I asked him when he wanted me to start, and he said January 1st - New Year's Day!!!

Needless to say, my long relaxing vacation at home came to a frenetic halt! Two days later I was on a plane back to San Diego with my dad. I packed up all of my stuff, tied up a few loose ends, and spent one last night out on the town at the W hotel. The next thing I knew I was on a plane and kind of scared. Dr. Lugo (he's an oral surgeon) met me at the airport and drove me across the island - about two hours - to Mayaguez, a port city on the west coast of Puerto Rico. I went straight from an all-night flight and a long drive . . . to practice! I met the girls on the team, finally found my room and have been here ever since.

I live at the Mayaguez Resort and Casino. Who wouldn't enjoy daily maid service, clean towels, a king sized bed, and room service (which by the way is the greatest thing ever!)? They have given me a car to use while I am here, so I drive 5 minutes to practice at 6:30 most nights to a gym that actually fills up to a capacity of 4,000 people for our home games. For away games, with one of the other 9 teams, we travel up to 2 and 1/2 hours, as most other teams are across the island in the San Juan area. My teammates range in age from 17 - 30 years, and we all get along really well. The language barrier is a little difficult sometimes, but my Spanish is getting better and better every day. The only frustrating thing is that almost everyone speaks Spanish here so I have to force myself to speak in Spanish. Anyways, I am so excited to be able to share my crazy adventures with all of you!

Until next time,

Devon