Aug. 21, 2008
You finished your collegiate career in 2003 after capturing the Atlantic 10 title for the first time in school history and also made it to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Can you talk about what it will be like to play in Frericks again this weekend in the Alumnae match?
I just talked to Erin Schroeder today about what the Alumnae match actually means to us alumnae. I told her without a doubt, we want to come in and win. She just laughed. But then I went on to say that, more importantly, it's a great vehicle to meet all of the current Flyers. It's kind of like an unwritten rule; as soon as you step foot into the Frericks Center and survive your first preseason, you become a part of our family. And even better, you become a part of the Flyer Family.
On the subject of the Flyer family, what does it mean to be a Dayton Flyer?
The first word that comes to mind is pride. I'm so proud to be a Dayton Flyer and always have been. There is something special about this University, not just the Athletics Division, but the University as a whole. It's hard to even put into words, but all alumni know exactly what I mean. The people you meet, the mentors you have, the opportunities that are offered and the support given is unique at Dayton. It never leaves you; I think it only grows stronger after you graduate.
What makes the Frericks Center such a special place to play in?
The amazing atmosphere our fans create! The fans are close to the action and they are loud! I remember telling my mom on my recruiting trips I didn't want to go to a school with a huge arena. I wanted to be in a gym where the fans were so close they became a part of the match. It's unreal how much of a home court advantage our fans give us at Frericks Center.
Most would ask what has your time at UD done for you as a person, but instead, what have you done for UD with the education they have given you?
When I was hired at UD right after school, I told the administration I wanted to give back to UD anything I could and try and ensure every student-athlete who passes through here has the same wonderful experience I did. So the best thing I've given back is my heart and passion.
What's your first volleyball memory?
My first memory in volleyball was my fourth grade gym class with Mr. Buzzard. He showed us a movie about volleyball and this was the day I realized it was called "Volleyball" and not "Ballyball."
What has been your best memory?
My best memory is by far beating Michigan State at Michigan State in front of 2,000 of their fans in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. We poured our hearts and souls on the volleyball court and with our hard work, our dreams came true. The next night after our unfortunate loss in the second round, MSU fans came up to us and said they had to come back that night and cheer us on because they've never seen a team who wanted to win so badly. I think that's the biggest compliment you can receive as an athlete, to not only beat a great team, but to also win over their fans.
What has volleyball and athletics taught you?
I'd break it down to five key things athletics has taught me that are important: Passion, Character, Leadership, Confidence and Determination. Our coaches would drill this into our heads on the court, and now I realize you can carry every single one of these into the board room too.
We asked many of the girls if they have any prematch rituals, did you have one before your matches?
Since I played five years at UD, I was somewhat known as the old woman of the team. I spent the majority of my time in the training room, and many thanks go out to the trainers for keeping me in one piece! But one trainer in particular, Sara Thomas, had to tape my ankle in a specific way, before every practice and match. I wouldn't let anyone else even attempt. She never missed one! And what's even better, she's never missed an Alumnae match either! She's the first person I call to make sure it's on her calendar to tape me.
Are you anxious about your big match on Saturday?
To be honest, I think I'm more nervous about putting on spandex again! But no I'm not anxious, I'm excited to see all of my former teammates and meet all the new Flyers. And I've already requested oxygen tanks by the bench, so I think we'll be OK. It's a great day to be a Flyer!
