From 2004–2007, she took a break from the national team, after claiming to be "burnt out" after a disappointing 5th-place finish at the Athens Olympics. She continued to play professionally in Italy, Switzerland, and Spain though. She also played beach volleyball (partnering with Holly McPeak, among others). She was the 2006 AVP Rookie of the Year and recorded 14 top-10 finishes in 2007.
In 2007, she was named one of three FIVB World Cup most valuable player nominees as she averaged 4.10 points per set at the World Cup in her first international tournament with Team USA in nearly three years. She averaged 3.35 kills, 0.65 blocks, 1.95 digs and 0.10 aces per set at the World Cup while starting 40 of 41 sets.