- Are there any short-term goals you would like to accomplish in the next few months or even in the next few years?
One short-term goal I would like to accomplish in the next few months is to get player of the week. Another goal I would like to accomplish in the next few years is to win the Big South Conference and lead the Big South Conference in blocks per set.
- Do you find it difficult to have a social life outside of volleyball and how do you manage your athletic responsibilities and other outside recreational and non-recreational activities?
Ironically, I do not find it difficult to have a social life outside of volleyball. Most of my friends that I met started off with me just wearing my practice clothes to class. I manage my athletic responsibilities by holding myself accountable first and taking care of the little things that are asked of me. Another part of being a great player is how good of a teammate you are and how well you can receive feedback. As far as school responsibilities, study hall helps me finish my weekly assignments and focus on my to-do's. Taking the time to study also helps me keep up with my workload.
- How is it different being one of the freshman on the team?
Being a freshman isn't easy, it definitely takes time to learn the expectations of not only your coaches but of the program as well, but my teammates make the process so much easier! We have a great group of girls that are always there for me and the other five freshmen so I never feel afraid to ask for help if I need it. As a freshman, you learn even more about your sport than you ever have before. It truly is eye-opening to almost re-discover new skills that you can apply in your game to get better.
- How does being an athlete make you a better person?
Being an athlete makes me a better person because I learned how to properly manage my time. I understand how to prioritize my time with what I have to do and it makes school less overwhelming. Another amazing perk of being an athlete is recognizing the positive influence you have on others. You don't realize who you truly impact until fans approach you after a game or in public about how they enjoy watching volleyball or how you inspired them. Knowing that little girls look up to Winthrop volleyball makes me want to continue to grow as an individual on and off the court.
- What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?
I believe the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today is addressing mental health. There is a negative stigma with athletes just because we are physically fit that we don't struggle internally. We already have a positive reputation for serving our local community and being personable to faculty, adding more labels can feel suffocating. To add, college athletes represent their school so seeking help seems scary when it feels like the spotlight is constantly on you. Some athletes could be afraid about what other people might think of them if they seek help but it's perfectly okay to ask for help.
- What have you learned about teamwork from your experiences on your teams?
Teamwork has taught me how to better serve others. Understanding that everyone's needs are different, you learn how to approach people that best suits their needs. Teamwork also taught me how to hold myself to a higher standard through effective communication.
- Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.
Some of my past major highlights and achievements in volleyball include: All-Conference Honorable Mention (20'-21'), All-Conference (21'-22'), All-Conference Player of the Year (22'-23'), All-Conference Team (23'), breaking my high school blocking record, now holding record for most blocks in school program, 300+. One of my favorite achievements was helping my high school team get to state's my freshman year.
- What is the best piece of advice you have gained from your coaches?
The best piece of advice I have gained from my coaches is that success isn't necessarily about the wins and loses but the process and effort that gets you there. Winning doesn't equate to success but the relentless pursuit to want to get better on and off the court.
- What was it about Winthrop that attracted you?
One thing about Winthrop that attracted me was the faculty to student ratio, I wouldn't have to worry about just being a "number" in a classroom but I could still receive help and one-on-one support from the staff. The intimate class sizes don't make learning feel overwhelming. Another thing that attracted me to Winthrop was the layout of the campus, everything is in a close proximity which is quite convenient.
- How were you able to develop a high vertical? And with this, what convinced you to stick with volleyball?
Surprisingly, my development of having a high vertical is mostly genetic. I first discovered my ability to jump well when I first started playing volleyball in middle school and as I got older it increased. I did train to increase my vertical at one point but my natural aptitude to jump has always been there. All throughout high school I had the basketball and track coaches after me trying to convince me to join their team. Ultimately, I decided to stay true to what kept me interested the most and that was volleyball.
- What is your regimen for your vertical and how have you increased it?
Prior to coming to Winthrop I did not have a consistent strength and conditioning regimen. I worked with a personal trainer all throughout high school to help maintain my vertical. I've seen the most change since being at Winthrop. I was able to increase my vertical to two more inches. For reference, a standard basketball rim for men is 10 feet. Currently, I touch 10 '2 "and hope to increase my vertical each year.
For more information on Coroplast, visit their website
HERE!
