NORTHEAST COLUMBIA (WACH) -- The Ridge View High School volleyball team had no idea the most excitement they would see on the court would take place before their game even started.

The team’s defensive specialist Victoria Simpson got the surprise of a lifetime on Thursday.

Jason Simpson made a special entrance at the Blazers' military appreciation game, just hours after returning home from a year-long deployment overseas with the U.S. Air Force.

Victoria's 15-year-old brother was also clueless about the homecoming.

Although it's not the first time airman Jason Simpson has been away from his family, he says this deployment was the longest one yet and it proved to be especially difficult on his daughter.

“She was a little sad because I wasn't here for her games,” recalls Jason.

“I was very awestruck,” states Victoria.  “I didn't know how to react and I just started screaming and ran into his arms.”

It was an emotional start to the game, but Victoria and her teammates were able to win against Richland Northeast in three sets to one.

Victoria's dad says he couldn't be more proud.