Sometimes life is harsh but then sometimes life throws you something that is too good to refuse.
Olivia was sitting with India drinking her water as she waited for the VNAcademy 4 Squad teams to be announced. They were sitting near the back and were both pretty much lying down on the court. Another of Liv and Indi's good close friends Jazmine Davidson walked over and sat down next to them.
Vanessa and Abbey stood in front of the girls and began explaining what exactly the Victorian Netball Academy was and how the Squad Teams and Training Squad worked.
"There will be 12 Training Squad girls. The training squad girls are those who only have a little bit to work on before they are chosen for a Squad Team or they are too young to be put in one of the Squad Teams. Just because you have not made a Squad Team does not mean that you should doubt your netball skills are you all have amazing talents," Vanessa said.
"You will still study here at the Academy and do your schooling here. You will have netball training and are still able to play netball. You will play against the other Training Squads but it there is no grand final. The points you receive however do count at the end of year Australia Netballing Academies over All Champion," Abbey said.
"Please do not doubt your netball at all if your name is called out now. You are still a brilliant player and we want you at this school. If you hear your name please come and stand up here. You will receive a netball dress and a training shirt. You will get a normal t-shirt in a few weeks and that will have your name on the back," Vanessa said.
"Congratulations to the following girls who have been selected in the Training Squad. Emily Quinn, Jessica Loft, Hannah Williamson, Isabella Tylers, Georgia Laffy, Regan Grace, Paige Lawson, Keeley Tucker, Samantha Riley, Bridget Mendler, Blair Parker and Holly Duncan. Congratulations girls," Abbey said.
The 12 girls walked forward and received their dresses and t-shirts. They each had smiles on their faces as they were all girls that were first year and were too young to be in the Squad Teams. One of the girls, Blair Parker, was Indi's little sister. She was just 7 years old.
After the girls had received their gear they went and stood in the stands. Vanessa and Abbey smiled as a photo was taken of the twelve girls. The girls sat down in the stands and waited as the other names were read out. Vanessa and Abbey looked back to the girls.
"Okay so the following girls have been lucky enough to make it into the Junior Squad Team," Vanessa said. "Being in the either of the Squad teams is a big honour. It means that you will be playing against the other Academy teams in Australia. There will be games as well as tournaments," Vanessa said.
"You will be getting your dresses soon as you get you names on the back. You will also receive shirts and will get them the same time as your dresses. For now however you get training shirts which say VNAcademy on the front and on the back it says JUNIOR SQUAD TEAM," Abbey said.
"If you hear your name please come forward," Vanessa said. "Paige Williams, Kayla Hobbs, Shauna Grayson, Izzie Andrews, Carla Delahunty, Alana James, Lara Smith, Georgie Yannos, Jaymi Lang and Bella Olsen. We would like announce that we have chosen Bella Olsen as captain and Lara Smith as Vice Captain. Congratulations girls," Vanessa said with a smile.
The girls walked forward and got their shirts. Like the other girls they walked onto the stands and had a photo taken. After the photo Abbey and Vanessa turned back to the remaining girls. They were all sitting nervously waiting to hear their name called out. Out of the 37 girls there would only be 10 more picked.
"Okay so now it is time to announce the Senior Squad. You have the same role as what the Junior Squad girls have. You are getting your dresses and shirts later and will be getting a training shirt like the junior girls only yours will say SENIOR SQUAD TEAM," Abbey said.
"You will have more responsibility and will be talking to schools across Victoria about the Academy and playing netball with the schools. You may be asked to coach them and if you are as long as it does not interfere with your schooling or other commitments you can say yes," Vanessa said.
"Okay so now we will announce the team and I can say that the girls in this team know the drill with what they have today. So we will now announce the team. Aria Charlton, Olivia DiNozzo, Darcie Tucker, Serena Dolton, Isabelle Tucker, India Parker, Jazmine Davidson, Lily Graey, Grace Duncan and Kayleigh Schmidt. We would also like to announce that Olivia DiNozzo and Jazmine Davidson are co-captains with India Parker being vice-captain. Congratulations girls," Abbey said with a smile. The girls stood up and walked forward.
The girls got their shirts and put them on. They too got a picture taken before they had a group photo taken. Abbey and Vanessa talked to the girl who missed out and then turned to the girls who had been picked. They smiled and began clapping their hands.
"Congratulations girls. Can you all please sit down because we have a special announcement to make," Vanessa said. The girls sat down and looked at Abbey and Vanessa.
"We were not the only ones doing a selection today," Abbey said with a smile.
"Melbourne Vixens co-captains Sharelle McMahon and Bianca Chatfield were here today to select the Junior Vixens team of 2011," Vanessa said. Sharelle McMahon and Bianca Chatfield walked forward.
"These netballers are coaching the 2011 Junior Vixen team and they have selected their squad of team. We now will hand over to the girls," Abbey said with a smile. Sharelle and Bianca walked forward.
"Hi girls. I'm Bianca and this is Sharelle. This year we were asked to coach the 2011 Junior Vixens netball team. This is all new to us so it is a learning experience for us as well," Bianca said.
"We came today to watch your try-outs and from that we have chosen twelve girls that we would like to have in the Junior Vixen's team 2011. These twelve girls we would like to stay behind so we can talk to them at the end," Sharelle said.
"If you hear your name could you please stand up," Bianca said. "Jazmine Davidson, India Parker, Isabelle Tucker, Serena Dolton, Aria Charlton, Darcie Tucker," Bianca said naming the first 6.
"Olivia DiNozzo, Lily Graey, Kayleigh Schmidt, Grace Duncan, Bella Olsen and Carla Delahunty," Sharelle finished off. "Congratulations girls. If you could all stay behind we have some forms to fill out and something's we have to talk about," Sharelle said.
"Congratulations girls!" Vanessa and Abbey both said. Liv and Indi looked at each other and then engulfed each other in a massive hug.
"JUNIOR VIXENS!" Indi screamed with a massive smile on her face.
"WOOHOO!" Liv screamed, smiling her 'DiNozzo grin'.
"I can't believe it!" Indi said with a smile.
"Okay so can you all sit down please," Bianca said.
"There are some rules that we have to go through," Sharelle said. "Being a Junior Vixen means that you do have to go through some things with the press and it also means running clinics with the Melbourne Vixen girls."
"There is also a lot of training involved. There is 3 hours on a Saturday of Sunday, depending on when you play. There is also 2 hours every 2 weekday," Bianca said.
"There is also a lot of travel as you will be playing in the ANZ Junior Netball Championships. This means you will be playing the same teams that the Melbourne Vixens play. You play either before or after us but most of the time it is before," Sharelle said.
"The travel is all payed for and so is the accommodation but we need parental permission so we need to talk to all of your parents before you leave," Bianca said. The girls nodded.
"We have information here that you all need to take. It has all the dates of trainings and the dates of when you play. It also has the forms that have to be filled out," Sharelle said. The girls nodded. Parents started walking in the door as the girls had texted them.
Liv was being picked up by Madi, her aunty. Madi walked in the doors when Liv and Indi were shooting. Madi walked in behind her and tackled her. Liv and Madi were laughing when Bianca and Sharelle walked over to them.
"Hey Madi," Bianca said.
"Hey guys," Madi said.
"What are you doing here?" Sharelle asked.
"Picking up Livi here. By the way LiviD, how'd you go?" Madi asked. Liv nodded.
"Yeah...you know. I got in the Senior Squad," Liv said turning so Madi could see her shirt.
"Aww LiviD!" Madi said with a massive smile. "Congratulations," Madi said.
"Thanks Madi," Liv said.
"So Liv do you have the information pack?" Sharelle asked.
"Yeah I do. My dad won't be back until next week though so what does that mean for me?" Liv asked.
"Well do you can just fill the forms out and give it to us when your dad gets back," Sharelle said. Liv nodded.
"What are the forms for?" Madi asked.
"For Junior Vix," Bianca said.
"Junior Vix?" Madi asked. "Livi..." Madi said. Liv nodded. Madi wrapped her arms around Madi.
"LIV! CONGRATULATIONS!" Madi said with a grin. "You have to call your dad and let him know!" Madi said with a massive smile. Liv nodded.
"Yeah so if you just fill them out and give them back to us when your dad gets back," Bianca said.
"Yep oh and I have a question. I know you have to be 13 to play but I don't turn 13 till the 3rd of March," Liv said. "So will I still be able to play?"
"You should be able to. We defiantly want you to. I'll have a look into it and let you know next week," Sharelle said. Liv nodded.
"Thanks," Liv said.
"No problem. Mads, are you going to be there next week?" Bianca asked. Madi nodded.
"Yeah I am. That's when we get partnered right?" Madi asked. Sharelle and Bianca nodded.
"Yep," Bianca said.
"Okay well Livi, I have to get you home. Danno is looking after you guys for the week," Madi said.
"Awesome," Liv said. "And Grace?" Liv asked. Madi nodded.
"As far as I know Grace and Rachel will be there as well," Madi said. Liv smiled. She loved when Danno (Danny) looked after them especially when his wife Rachel and their daughter Grace were with him.
"Thank-you Sharelle. Thank-you Bianca. Thanks Ab! Thanks Ness!" Liv said as she waved to them. "Oh yeah Mads can we take Indi home?" Liv asked. Madi nodded. Indi, Madi and Liv headed off.
-NCIS-
Tony was sitting at McGee's desk when his phone rang. He looked at the caller ID.
Livi DiNozzo
Tony smiled and answered his phone.
"Hey LivaDiva," Tony said with a smile.
"Hey Daddy," Liv said.
"How did your try-outs go baby girl?" Tony asked.
"Really good," Liv said. "Senior Squad Captain," Liv said with a grin. Tony smiled. McGee, Abby, Gibbs, Jenny and Ducky walked in. Tony didn't notice.
"Really? Livi! That's awesome," Tony said.
"Yeah and I um, I got into the Junior Vixens team," Liv said.
"OLIVIA!" Tony said with a massive grin. "I didn't even know you were trying out," Tony said.
"Neither did I. Bianca and Sharelle were there today while we tried out for the academy teams. They picked their team from that," Liv said. "I was the youngest one to get picked."
"Aww Livi that is awesome! I can't wait to get home and hug you," Tony said. "When I get back we'll go out and celebrate. Did Indi get in?" Tony asked.
"Yep. She's the VC of the squad team. Jaz is the co-captain with me," Liv said.
"So who got into the team?" Tony asked.
"Well the Squad team is, Aria, me, Darcie, Serena, Is, Indi, Jaz, Lil, Grace and Kayleigh. Junior Vixen team is the same with Bella and Carla," Liv said.
"Wow, that's really good teams," Tony said. He looked up and saw Abby and the gang watching him. He smiled and waved.
"Hang on Livi I have some people here that want to say hello. I'll put you on speaker," Tony said. He put the phone on speaker.
"LIVI DiNOZZO!" Abby screamed. Liv laughed.
"ABBY!" Livi screamed back.
"Hey Livi," Jenny said.
"Hey Jen," Livi said with a smile.
"Olivia, my dear girl. How are you?" Ducky asked.
"Duck Man!" Livi said. "I'm pretty good," Liv said.
"Hey Liv!" McGee said.
"McGee," Livi said. "How are things with you McGee?"
"Pretty good Liv," McGee said.
"Grandpa Jet, you there too?" Liv asked.
"Yep Livi. I'm here," Gibbs said.
"Olivia who are you talking to?" Jake said walking into Liv's bed room.
"JAKIE!" Abby screamed. Jake laughed.
"Hey Abs," Jake said.
"What do you want Jake?" Liv asked.
"Rach said to tell you teas ready," Jake said. Liv nodded at Jake.
"Well Livi, Jake, you guys go have tea and make sure you help Danno and Rach get all Sam and the twins into bed and make sure you help around the house. I'll be back in a few days and I want to hear that you've been a big help," Tony said.
"Yes Dad," Jake said rolling his eyes at Liv. Liv tried to hold off her laugh.
"Olivia, I mean it. You guys have to help," Tony said. "Now go have tea and be good. I'll see you soon," Tony said.
"Bye Dad. I love and miss you," Liv said.
"Love you to Livi girl. Good night," Tony said. The kids said goodbye to their dad and to the NCIS gang. Tony smiled and hung up his phone. As soon as he put his phone in his pocket he was engulfed in a hug from Abby.
"TONY!" Abby said as she squeezed him tight.
"Hey Abs," Tony said with a smile.
"I've missed you!" Abby said with a smile.
"I've missed you too Abs," Tony said.
"DiNozzo," Gibbs said giving him a pat on the back.
"Boss," Tony said.
"I'm not your boss anymore DiNozzo," Gibbs said with a smirk. Tony laughed.
"McGeek!" Tony said smiling.
"Tony," McGee said. "You haven't changed," McGee said with a smile as he gave Tony a hug.
"How is everything going Tony?" Jenny asked.
"Well, everything is going pretty well. Liv had her netball try-outs today and got in to the Academy Senior Squad. She also got picked in the Junior Vixens team," Tony said with a smile.
"That's great! What's the Junior Vixens?" Jenny asked.
"Well there is the Melbourne Vixens and they play all different teams from Australia and New Zealand. They have a junior team which is coached by someone in or involved with the team. The girls have to be between 13 and 18 to play in the team and Liv got chosen to play," Tony said.
"Oh really! We will have to come and watch her play," Abby said. Tony nodded.
"Anytime you want," Tony said. "You can stay with us whenever you want."
"Good. Now DiNozzo you're here for the meeting right?" Gibbs asked. Tony nodded. "Okay well it starts at 1pm," Gibbs said.
"Okay," Tony said. He had 3 hours until the meeting started. 3 hours he could spend with 'family'.
Ohana means Family. Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.