A year is an eternity in the life of an elite athlete. So many variables come into play when it comes to being able to play.

Injury, timing, coach’s decisions. Sometimes even life gets in the way, affecting decisions as to whether continuing to pursue a dream is worth it or not.

Consider that, of the 14 players on the U.S. roster for last July’s USA Volleyball Cup in Honolulu, five did not make the team for this week’s matches against No. 3 China. And, 14 months away from the Olympic Games in Brazil, there’s no guarantee that all of those who see time on the Stan Sheriff Center court will see time inside Rio’s Maracanazinho.

All an athlete can ask for is a chance to prove that they belong. This week is that gift for which Tamari Miyashiro is grateful.

The 2012 Olympian was here at last July’s Cup when the top-ranked Americans outlasted No. 2 Brazil in five sets twice but was on the sidelines cheering while recuperating from back surgery three months prior. It was a completely different feeling for the Kalani High graduate when she practiced Wednesday afternoon following the team’s arrival in Honolulu.

"It’s really exciting to be able to play this time," said Miyashiro, an All-American libero at Washington. "Our team is healthier, including me, and I’m looking forward to playing at home.

"It’s a different team from last year, which means a whole new experience. Yes, it’s only 14 months to Brazil but once you look ahead, it gets overwhelming. You have to take one training day at a time, one game at a time, improve every day and continue to learn."

The education continues as the American women seek their first Olympic gold. Last year’s U.S. team accomplished something that no American’s women team had done internationally in the 62-year history of the program, that of winning a major world title.

Team USA defeated China 3-1 in October for the FIVB World Championship title. It ended a drought in the three major competitions that include the World Cup and the Olympics.

"I loved last year’s team, they did something that no American women’s team had ever done," coach Karch Kiraly said Wednesday. "And I love this year’s team. We continue to learn and get better.

"This Chinese team that we will see is very good and very young. We also are very good and very young. I think these two teams probably have the most potential to improve between now and Rio.

"I hope that both these teams will be strong medal contenders IF we get to Rio. The Olympic qualification begins this year and we don’t assume anything."

Neither Kiraly nor Miyashiro assumed anything when it came to Miyashiro regaining her elite performance level. She had begun contemplating retirement and moving into the coaching ranks.

"Tama has been the model of resilience, of grit and toughness," Kiraly said. "We’ve very happy that she has been able to get back to the level she was before her injury and surgery.

"Honestly, last year she was not able to earn the right to participate here. You have to be able to play at a certain level to earn the right to compete and I’m happy that she has earned that right."

U.S. setter Courtney Thompson and Miyashiro helped lead Washington to the 2005 NCAA championship. The two also were together in London when the U.S. took Olympic silver in 2012.

"We have been through so much together," said Thompson, one of nine returnees from last July’s USA Volleyball Cup. "I can’t say enough about Tama. Her presence on this team is so powerful.

"She doesn’t say a whole lot but, when she does, everybody listens.

"It’s her humility, the way she serves this team when things are going well for her and, more importantly, when things aren’t going well. I’ve never seen anybody handle tough situations like she has. It gives me chills to think about it. She’s earned the right to be here and we’re all thankful that we get to have her on this team."