Fresno State Athletics
A New State of Mind
9/28/2001 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 22, 2001
FRESNO, Calif. - For some, moving to a new state can be an intimidating rite of passage. Reasons for making the move may vary, but the decision to move to Fresno, Calif., was certain for Whitney Arena. She wanted to play Division I volleyball and Fresno State was her destination.
Arena, a West Linn, Ore., native, joined the Bulldogs earlier this season as a true freshman, although the word "freshman" is a bit misleading. At times the word is associated with inexperience, but this is not the case with Arena. The setter has been assisting attacks since she was five years old. She has led her teams to State Championships, league championships and has also taken her skills around the world to Japan.
Her success hasn't come as easy as one might imagine. Arena had the misfortune of dealing with Compartments Syndrome, which involves the tightening of the muscles in the forearms. As the muscles tighten, her ability to grip anything becomes difficult to nearly impossible.
She wasn't to be swayed by the situation however, and her love for the sport of volleyball gave her the motivation to get better. After enduring numerous sessions of physical therapy, she opted for an alternative solution, yoga. Her yoga sessions consisted of doing exercises referred to as "pilates", which were performed in a high temperature room. Arena is thankful that the treatments worked.
"If it wasn't for the treatment, I wouldn't be able to play," stated Arena.
Not being able to play would have been an unfortunate situation for Arena and Fresno State. Arena's passion for volleyball fits right in to the Fresno State lineup.
"I love volleyball. Being a part of a team and sharing a common bond that most people don't have the opportunity to do, is special."
