Attending the Division I Women's Volleyball Championship is a dream come true for NCAA intern Kat Krtnick.

I have daydreamed of this moment my whole life???the NCAA Women???s Volleyball Championships???the opportunity to play for a National Championship. As a former volleyball student-athlete, my ultimate goal was to help my team reach this elevated status. The National Championship in any realm of intercollegiate athletics is the epitome of any student-athlete???s and any coach???s career. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to achieve that dream, but the experience of this weekend???s NCAA Division I Volleyball Championship is the closest I will ever be, and I am taking full advantage of it!

Since I???ve been in Sacramento, I have been blogging for NCAASports.com and preparing for the NCAA Women???s Volleyball Youth Clinic on Saturday morning. These may be my responsibilities, but I have also had the chance to experience so much more???press conferences (where I even asked a question!), sitting in media row for the semifinals and meeting so many exceptional people. I also had the chance to interview Penn State head coach Russ Rose and Stanford middle hitter and Pac-10 Player of the Year Foluke Akinradewo one-on-one!

With 13, 048 fans in attendance, this year???s Division I Women???s Volleyball Championship semifinals ranks second in all-time attendance. Four teams???Stanford , USC, Penn State and California???all represented their institutions last night in the semifinals, battling to be the lone victor holding up the trophy at the end of the Saturday night. In the first semifinal, Stanford beat USC 3-2 in a nail-biter. In fifth game, just as it looked like the Trojans were going to win, a missed serve by senior outside hitter Asia Kaczor tied the game 14-14, giving the Cardinals another chance. Stanford capitalized on the mistake and came back to win 16-14 in the fifth and final game. It was a heartbreaker for USC, but this match showcased two of the most potent, athletic teams I have ever witnessed. Both teams played to their strengths and exposed the weaknesses of the opponent.

In the second semifinal of night, Penn State defeated California 3-0. Penn State was unstoppable at the net???posing a powerful block and surreal hitting percentage. Although Penn State reigned victorious, California has no reason to hang their heads. They had an unforgettable season, taking their team to the first NCAA Division I Semifinals in school history, defeating volleyball powerhouse Nebraska and ending up in the top four in the country. Congrats on a fantastic season ladies!

Both on and off the court, I am so impressed by these student-athletes and often catch myself daydreaming about being on the court and playing with them. I am surprised how composed the players appear, even during the direst situations and how they are so proud to be athletes. Even all of the 6???3??? players were sporting high heels at the Championship Banquet on Wednesday night!