Yarimar Rosa is playing an important role for the Puerto Rican National team at the Pan Am Cup tournament being held in Miami. On Saturday she starred; scoring 11 points, illustrating her usual high flying - hard slamming act. Her defense was also impeccable with several digs and assisting on several blocks. Locally we are used to seeing her apply her trade for the Golden Panthers of Florida International University.
Since arriving at FIU in 2006, Rosa has been a treasure on the volleyball court for the Golden Panthers. From being the 2006 Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the year, the 2006 AVCA Southeast Region Freshman of the Year, a two-time AVCA All-American, All-Southeast Region and first-team All-Sun Belt Conference player, Rosa has made her kills look like exclamation marks during each season.
Yet as impressive as her resume is now, Rosa started playing volleyball in a more humble setting and with innocent intentions.
“The first time I played volleyball I was 6-years old and in the third grade,” said Rosa. “My sister used to play volleyball for the school so I would go to practices with her. One day I was just waiting for her and the coaches asked me if I wanted to play on the team.”
“I remember just trying to get the ball over the net. The first time you get it over you are so happy, but I also remember being happy about getting my serve over the net.”
From those first days of playing to being a member of the Puerto Rican National team for several years, Rosa has a lot of court time to her credit. However, even with someone so experienced as herself, there are some moments in a set that even Rosa would prefer not to relive.
If you attend one of the Puerto Rican matches especially the highly anticipated USA vs. Puerto Rico match at 8:00PM on Tuesday June 30th be sure to cheer hard for our local All-American even if your going for the U.S. team.
Way to go "Yari" we are all rooting for you!
Special Thanks to Flip Littke for the photo of Yarimar Rosa -#6 warming up During yesterdays match vs. Peru.
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