Episode 05 - Jaali Winters

Podcast

Oct 19

So turns out Jaali (pronounced JAY-LEE) had written me on instagram a year ago to get my impressions of Saint Raphaël, and I had never responded. What a d*ck. Not really, I 100 percent did not see the message or I would have responded with something like: SR is great for the weather, and family environment, but you might live in a shitty apartment, drive everywhere in a minibus, and miss half your salary at the end of the season. True, I had to fight for years to get my full salary out of Saint Raphaël. Kiki still holds a grudge I’m sure. But wait, why should I be the one feeling guilty about fighting for the money you promised in my signed contract? Ah the joys of pro volleyball in Europe.

Nevertheless, when I saw the president and presidentessa (no idea what their roles really are) at the Coupe de France last weekend, they offered me an apartment to stay if I did end up coming through this way to video. So that was extremely generous, so I’m writing this paragraph from the guest house of a lovely SR superfan. I haven’t brought up politics with him yet because word on the street is he might be a Trump fan. And I just can’t. But a free bed is a free bed, especially when you’re funding this whole trip yourself. (Thats me pep talking myself.)

Jaali invited me to dinner to “pick your (my) brain about all things volleyball.” The best advice I had for her: be nice to coaches in the league if you want them to hire you. I dunno, sounds like a good idea right? Be a good human and all that. I mean, I’m sure the stats and numbers help a lot, but if you are a total d*ck no one will want you on their team. Jaali is not a d*ck so she will be fine. She has wanted to play professional volleyball in France since the age of 14. Now she is here, so my question is, whats the next goal?

K bye.

P.S. sorry for saying d*ck so many times. The asterisk makes it ok right?

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Jaali Winters is an American professional volleyball player, playing for Saint Raphaël in the top French League. She played college volleyball at Creighton University, and is now in her second professional European season here in France. She is a 23yr old outside hitter who dreamed of playing pro in France from the age of 14, loves Frank Ocean but hates apple pie!