Greensboro College

Pride women's softball Coach Whitney Gelin must be a very good athlete. She has been playing competitive team handball for just nine months and was picked to represent the USA in an Olympic development tournament in Poland.

Gelin, who is in her first year leading The Pride after serving as an assistant coach for the previous two years, departed for Poland on November 14.

Playing With U-21 Squad

Gelin  24, is one of four overage players on the "Under 21" national team. The rest of the team ranges from age 14 to 18.

"We were allowed a certain number of players above the junior national limit," Gelin said. "It's an opportunity to make our team better against very good competition. For someone like me, it's a great chance to gain international experience and to travel."

Team handball, an Olympic sport, is a very popular sport internationally. The best teams are from Europe and the USA team is experiencing that.

Big Crowd vs. Poland Senior Team

The USA lost to the Poland senior national team, 45-8, at the Chorzow Sport Hall in its first of four games. The Americans gave up five to 10 inches in height--and 5-10 years in age--to the Poles at every position on the court. A sold-out arena of 1,200 fans cheered the Polish side, and the game was broadcast live on PolSat television.

Poland, which finished 11th in the 2007  World Championships, featured several players taller than 6'4" on a squad that is actively preparing for the 2009 Championships in Beijing next month.

Prepping for Silesia Cup

The USA faces U-21 competition the rest of the way, but don't expect the competition to be much easier.

The USA is preparing for this weekend's Silesia Cup. The USA takes on the U21 squads of Poland, Czech Republic and Norway (the defending junior champions) at the Polish Olympic Training Center in the mountain resort community of Szczyrk.

Why Handball for Gelin?

The obvious question for Coach Gelin is how can she be a World Class athlete in a sport where she is a newbie. She just joined the Carolina's team handball club team in February.

"I have a strong arm, which is good for shooting, and that comes from my softball background," said Gelin. "I'm also in good shape and can play the aggressive style of defense played in handball. There's more contact than in basketball. After a match, I usually have a few bruises on my arms."

Gelin, who also has been active in developing Greensboro College's strength and conditioning program, and is no stranger to conditioning, training and the discipline needed for competing a high level.

Strong Athletic Background

A 2007 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Gelin played softball for the Tar Heels. She was an academic team captain and four-year letter-winner. Gelin was awarded the Carroll Hustle Award in 2005.

Gelin was a double major in exercise and sport science and psychology.  A three-time winner of UNC’s Iron Ram award presented to the top five Carolina female athletes.

A native of Inverness, Fla., Gelin was a standout high school athlete at Citrus High School. She was a second team all state selection in softball and two-time state weightlifting champion.

What Does the Future Hold?

"I'm very fortunate that Greensboro College has allowed me this opportunity," said Gelin. "The Pride softball team and my commitment to the College is the number one priority. I'm grateful for the chance to compete for my country and to have a truly unique experience.

There's a chance Gelin could be selected to represent the USA in Olympic qualifying for the 2012 London games.

"That would be incredible," Gelin said. "I'm not looking that far ahead. I'm just trying to learn the game, improve. I'm looking to make the best of the experience and look forward to February 13 when GC softball opens the season."

Coach Gelin has the support, from her team and staff, back in Greensboro.

"We're proud of Coach G," said Pride Athletics Director Jean Lojko. "It's rare for a place like Greensboro College to be represented on a World stage. She's also a great a role model to our current student-athletes as an example of athletic success and determination."

For more about USA Team Handball, click HERE.