TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

On Friday, you set the UB record for career assists, passing Barb Tinus (1984-87). How special is it to you to know that you have etched your name in UB’s record book, having already set single-season records for assists and assists per game?
Obviously, it’s exciting being in the record book. Still, I wouldn’t have any of these records if I didn’t have hitters to get me kills. It means a lot to have my teammates who have helped me get these records.

The team has started the year 4-2 at home. Going into this weekend with two MAC matches at home against nationally-ranked Ohio and Kent State, how much of an advantage is there playing in Alumni Arena?
There’s a huge advantage with all of our families and friends watching us, plus we’re a lot more used to the court and the surroundings. We’re a lot more comfortable at home.

You’ve beat some quality programs this season, including Memphis and Duquesne at the West Virginia Tournament. Have those wins been able to give the team confidence that you can play against anyone?
Yes, we know that we can play with just about anyone. It’s just a matter of getting it done.

Coach Jim Lodes comes to UB after serving as an assistant at North Carolina and also coaching at the Division III and II levels. What has he been able to do to lay the foundation this year for the kind of program he wants to build?
With us, he’s really breaking down the skills and we’re going back to basics. We’re learning to be a more sound defensive team.

What is the setter’s role on a volleyball team?
The setter’s role is to run the offense and to get the ball to the hitters that are hitting well.

As far as serves go, do you have a different style of serve depending on the match situation?
As a team, yes, we’ll serve short balls to throw off the other team’s offense. Personally, I usually serve the same kind of ball, but there are different kinds of serves that we mix up.

In the last four years, UB has adjusted to being a member of the MAC and has reached a lot of firsts along the way, including a baseball player getting drafted, a basketball player being named an All-American and the men’s soccer team earning a national ranking. What’s it been like being a part of UB’s athletic program during this time?
It’s been really exciting because before I was recruited by UB, I had never even heard of UB before. Now that other players and my friends have gotten recognition, it’s been really great.

In high school, you led your team at Mt. Lebanon High School to a state championship in 2000 and four state championship games. Having been to the cusp of the title three other times, how special was the one that you won?
It was so exciting because the year before that, I think, we lost by a couple points. It was so hard to go the entire season undefeated and then lose in that last game, but it was a great experience winning the next year and I will remember it forever.

You are part of the UB Honors Program. How difficult is it for you to be able to balance your academic workload with volleyball?
It’s difficult. Obviously, volleyball takes a lot of time, but I don’t think it’s that hard to finish your schoolwork too.

What has been your favorite moment as a UB athlete?
My favorite moment at UB was the men’s basketball playoff game two years ago against Northern Illinois. The entire arena was packed and everyone was doing the wave. It was the greatest moment ever, just to see that many people supporting UB athletics.

“The 10 Questions With…” feature is compiled by Joe Guistina.