Houghtelling's talents take her to tropical climate

After an action-filled high school and college career, the Cambridge volleyball star is now basking in the sun of Puerto Rico, waiting for the start of the island nation's professional volleyball season.

It's an experience like nothing else Christina has experienced. For the first time since Chris discovered her skill at sports, she has time on her hands

"It's been quite a change," said her mother, Beth. "Chris practices a couple of hours a day, but -- other than that -- she has little to do." Hopefully that will change as Christina becomes familiar with Mayaguez, a city of 100,000 located on the western side of Puerto Rico.

The Cambridge volleyball standout, who earned national Player of the Year honors during her junior year at Nebraska, inked a contract with the Mayaquez team after the completion of her college career. Asked if it was a lucrative deal, Christina's mom said, "Let me put it this way. It pays a lot more than Ken and I make on the farm."

Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the United States and the island's residents are U.S. citizens. Even so, Spanish is the predominant language. "A couple of Christina's teammates speak English, but otherwise most of the people there speak Spanish," Beth said.

Christina does have one link to Big 12 college volleyball. The connection is Jessica Vander Kooi, a Mayaguez player who formerly played for the Missouri Tigers. The Mayaguez team's coach can also speak English, but Beth said he's often difficult for Christina to understand because he mixes in a lot of Spanish.

Reflecting the laid-back attitude of the island nation, the practices are not nearly as intense as they were at Nebraska. Still, the Mayaguez team is one of the best in the Puerto Rican league. "They finished second in the tournament last season and posted an overall record of 19-3," Mrs. Houghtelling said. "With Christina's help, they are looking to win it all this season."

Beth and Ken hope to go to at least one game. "As part of Christina's contract we received two season tickets," Beth said. "We're hoping to make a trip down in February before calving starts," she said.

The Puerto Rican volleyball season starts in late January and lasts until May. After that, Christina will be returning to the mainland U.S, to consider the next adventure in her life.

Until then, you can keep tabs on Christina's team, by going to www.indiasmayaguez.com on the Web. But, be prepared. The Web site is in Spanish.

Who knew five years ago where Christina's talent would take her? From a high schooler who preferred basketball and track to volleyball, the Cambridge star has gone forward to national honors in volleyball at the University of Nebraska and a professional career in Puerto Rico.

What will the next chapter be? Stay tuned. Christina has already delighted us by taking her talent to the national stage, and now she's testing herself on an island which technically is part of the United States, but is still a far different cultural experience than Chris has ever experienced.

Such is life. Or, as they say in Puerto Rico, asi es la vida.