Sport: Volleyball
Position: Middle blocker, Captain
Hometown: Los Altos, Calif.
High School: St. Francis High School
School/Year: COL ’07
Major: Political economy
HS Highlights: 2001: State Champions, St. Francis’ Scholar Athlete Award, First Team all-league selection.
GU Highlights: 2005: Recorded .246 hitting percentage for season, registered a season-high hitting percentage versus Morehead State with 15 kills and only three errors in 23 attempts. 2004: Named most valuable player of the Hoya Classic Tournament
When did you first start playing volleyball? I played my first season of club volleyball when I was in sixth grade. Actually, one of my friend’s mom started a new club after her daughter did not make the local one. She sent out flyers to all of her friends advertising volleyball. Plus, I was like 5-foot-10 at the time, so volleyball felt like a good route.
What was the best moment in your career so far?
I would have to say when we played Marquette last year. I just remember it being a great game. We came back from being behind two games to zero. I pulled everyone into the huddle and told them if we could come back and win I’d buy them all T. Sweets. We won, so I actually had to follow through, but ice cream’s never a bad idea.
Who on the team do you rely on the most?
On the court, I rely on Kate Fisher (MSB ’08), just because she is the one who sets me. She is also a great friend who keeps me in check. Off the court, one of my best friends is Jessica George (COL ’07). We’re roommates, so we never get time apart, and we’re always together.
Who is your biggest rival?
I would say Villanova, just because whenever we play them it’s a great game. I also think we match up best against them.
If you could change one thing about volleyball what would it be?
I would have to change the practice time. We practice at 7 a.m. every morning. It is pretty killer. I think it’s hard to motivate anyone that early in the morning. We all need a good half hour to warm-up our emotions and bodies. I don’t think anyone is at their peak.
What do you do to get psyched for a match?
We actually listen to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, and we yell as loud as we can in the locker room. We go crazy, warm up our voices and jump around. We always have a team singing session before we start even thinking about volleyball.
If you could be great at any other sport besides volleyball, what would it be? Why?
I would have to say basketball. I played it all the way until high school, and it is something that I miss. I could have gotten better at it if I was more aggressive, but I was that tall girl under the basket that everyone pushed around.
What is the one thing you miss the most about home?
Probably the consistency of good weather.
What do you do when you are not playing volleyball?
I go to school. I love to go out and have a good time. I have great friends. Just being with people I enjoy being around, whether we are out partying or just hanging out.
If you could be anywhere in the world, where would you be? Why?
I think I would want to be in Portland, Ore. That’s where my brother lives, and he and his wife just had a baby that I would love to see right now. I got to see her five days after she was born, and they also came to our Stanford tournament. I actually got to see my entire extended family. There were like 50 people in the cheering section.
East Coast or West Coast?
I can’t choose. I definitely think the East Coast was the best decision for my college years. I’d love to stay here as long as any job opportunity allows. But, I love California and definitely want to end up there.
What is the one word people would you to describe you?
Um, quirky? I think I definitely have the ability to be really silly, and my friends are sometimes a tad embarrassed to be seen around me.
Favorite Olympic sport?
I love Olympic volleyball, just because it kind of gives the world a chance to watch it. Every four years when the Olympics [are] on, everyone says how enjoyable it is to watch volleyball. It puts us on the map once every four years.
Favorite movie?
“Snatch.” I love Brad Pitt, and the character Turkish has a great accent.
Favorite TV show?
“Nip/Tuck.” You just never know what to expect. They throw everything at you on that show.
Favorite Georgetown course?
I actually have really enjoyed taking art classes, because they are different from my normal course load and volleyball routine.
Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
I just love food, I couldn’t honestly pick one. I love ordering delivery from Bangkok [Bistro] though ’cause I don’t have to exert much energy to get it.
Freshman Residence Hall?
Harbin.
What would be the title to your autobiography?
Um, “Big Girl in the Middle.” I actually think there is another autobiography about a volleyball player with that title. I guess I would just copycat.
What is the one thing you want to do before graduation?
I can’t wait for an entire spring semester without volleyball. I will get to be a regular student and experience what it’s like without sleep deprivation.
Any advice for anyone who wants to join volleyball?
You’ve got to be a morning person. It really sucks playing at 7 a.m. everyday. Other than that, it is a great group of girls. If you get involved with the team, you are set for life with some great friends.
Booey’s or Wisey’s?
Booey’s, because of the peanut butter fro-yo.