When Hospitalman Denise Atualevao, a corpsman at Naval Hospital Pensacola, is not caring for patients at the hospital's Family Medicine Clinic, she can usually be found on a volleyball court practicing.

All the time practicing and playing the sport she loves paid off for her when she was selected to play on this year's All-Navy women's volleyball team.

Growing up in San Diego with a family of volleyball players, Atualevao was exposed to the sport at an early age.

"Volleyball is in my blood," said Atualevao, 24, who graduated from Southwest High School in San Diego. "Everyone in my family plays volleyball; we even play it at our family reunions."

After playing indoor volleyball in high school, Atualevao accepted a scholarship to play volleyball at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Graceland University is a small university that Olympic Gold Medalist Bruce Jenner and original blue Power Ranger David Yost both attended. While playing volleyball for the university, she earned her bachelor's degree in human services.

After graduating, Atualevao still wanted to play volleyball and set her sights on playing professionally in Europe. She travelled to Maribor, Slovania, and tried out for the team. At only 5 feet 4 inches tall, Atualevao is considered small for professional volleyball and was not offered a contract.

Returning to the States, Atualevao looked for career options and eventually decided on enlisting in the United States Navy.

"I have a lot of family that served in the Navy, and I felt the Navy was the best option for me," said Atualevao. "I thought I could do more with my life that just finding a normal job."

Despite having a college degree, Atualevao decided to enlist in the Navy undesignated, meaning she did not have a rate assigned to her. She was selected to be a corpsman and reported to NHP in November as her first duty station.

It was one of Atualevao's old high school coaches that brought volleyball back into her life. He suggested she try out for the All-Navy women's volleyball team, something Atualevao didn't even know the Navy had at the time. She submitted her application, but needed her command's approval to allow her to be away from the command for three weeks to participate in the U.S. Open National Championships in Orlando.

"I played on the All-Marine Corps soccer team when I was young, so I knew how great of an opportunity this was for her," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman Andrew Ali, senior enlisted leader, Directorate for Medical Services, NHP. "I encouraged her to try out and the entire command supported her."

With the support of her command, Atualevao just needed to make the team. With 22 women competing for 12 spots, competition was fierce, especially for her position.

"I play the libero position, which is the main passer for the team," said Atualevao. "I am also the defensive specialist and stay on the back row."

The libero must excel in passing and receiving the other team's hits. Usually a team only carries one or two, and with nine women competing for that one position -- including the starter for the past two years -- Atualevao had to make an immediate impression.

"To make the team this year, a player had to be fearless and go after every hard hit and loose ball in the gym," said Ross Holcomb, head coach, All-Navy women's volleyball team. "What started to set each player apart were the 'bonus' skills that they brought to the court like serving, hitting and setting. [Atualevao] was skilled enough at each of these to stand out amongst the other defensive specialists."

Not only did Atualevao make the team, she became the team's number one libero and played in every game in Orlando. Competing against 71 other teams in their bracket, the Navy team came in fourth place -- a strong showing for team that was only able to practice together a few times before the competition.

Now back in Pensacola, Atualevao continues to practice by playing in recreational leagues throughout the Pensacola area. She plans to try out again next year for the Navy team and has hopes of playing for the All-Armed Forces team in the future. She also has plans to someday be an officer in the Navy.

"I am often underestimated because of size," said Atualevao, "but that fuels me to try harder for whatever I am competing for in life."

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