HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP (KDKA) — A banner at the entrance to Christa Harmotto’s Hopewell Township neighborhood wishes her luck in the Summer Olympics.

Christa is a star player on the United States women’s volleyball team.

“This was the semifinals in Nebraska,” Rob Harmotto wields the TV remote as wife Connie looks on.

Their daughter is prominent in a match that will propel her Penn State team to the first of two NCAA championships.

“I was actually disappointed when she gave up basketball to tell you the truth,” says Christa’s father, who had coached her youth league team. “But that was her decision, and it was a good decision, obviously, because it turned out great.”

His daughter was in the 10th grade when she helped win gold for America’s Junior National Volleyball Team.

Connie Harmotto says her daughter “never talked about what great things she was doing at the time. It was always, how am I going to get better? She carried that attitude throughout this whole experience. And I think it served her very well.”

The Hopewell High School graduate now prepares for the biggest stage of all: the Olympic Games in London. Her parents will be there, cheering her on.

“I really don’t think it’s hit me yet,” says Christa’s father. “I think it’s going to hit me when we get over there.”

Her mother agrees.

“Can’t wait to see her, in front of that flag, with her hand on her heart, representing the United States of America,” Connie said. [I] can’t wait for that moment.”

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