Schofield Barracks Health Clinic Army Officer makes the U.S. All Army Men's Volleyball Team

Bump, Set, Spike!

Capt. Jason Judkins knows this phrase all too well.

Judkins, who serves as Chief of the Occupational Therapy Clinic at the U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks (USAHC-SB), decided to try out for the 2015 U.S. All Army Men's Volleyball team. After weeks of grueling tryouts and training, Judkins made the team!

At 37 years old, Capt. Judkins was the oldest player, the only Officer, and the only person from Schofield Barracks to make the team.

"I started playing volleyball in 1999 while serving in the Air Force. Every week I would play games at a local gym with more experienced players. I enjoyed it and had the pleasure of learning from good players," said Judkins.

To be selected for the Army team, Judkins submitted his application, along with letters of recommendation, and then waited for the selection results. He admits that he didn't plan for this. He said he saw a flyer and thought "I should try out for this".

Candidates for the U.S. All Army team are ranked based upon experienced and accomplishments in the sport.

Judkins, who played volleyball recreationally for approximately 15 years, also has a background of playing competitively; including one year of competition games while in college.

One notified that his application had been approved, Judkins left to attend a three week Volleyball Camp located at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa. The team traveled to different locations, such as West Point, to scrimmage and participate in tournaments.

The practice games are not only to become a better player but also to display each potential team member's volleball skills and mesh as a team.

At the end of the camp, Judkins, along with eleven other Soldiers were informed that they had made it as official U.S. All Army Men's Volleyball team members.

This was only the beginning for Judkins and his new teammates.

Once camp was completed, the team quickly moved on to Detroit, Mich. to compete in the Nationals.

The Army team competed against the Air Force, Navy, and the International Military Sports Council (CISM) Canada team as well as others in a total of eight matches.

Although their team did not win the 2015 Armed Forces competition, each teammate walked away with the amazing success of making the team and becoming a better volleyball player.

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All Army Sports