Spring Break
Student athlete perspective: Freshman Annie Nelson
Trevor Dorchies
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
11/06/09 - This week's Student Athlete of the week is freshman setter and Rockfield, Ill. native Annie Nelson.
Trevor Dorchies: "Why/ how did you begin playing volleyball?"
Annie Nelson: "I began playing volleyball when I was about 7 years old. My dad used to coach my older sisters and play himself, and I just really picked up on it quickly."
TD: Who have you learned most from so far in your volleyball career (at URI or elsewhere)?
AN: My dad has definitely taught me almost everything I know. In a close second is my coach [Bob Schneck].
TD: Are there any teammates you consider role models or aspire to be like on or off the court?
AN: On our URI team Lauren McIntosh, one of our junior middles, is an inspiration. She's very positive and really guides the underclassmen and helps us do our best. She's a true team player and I admire her love of the game.
TD: Is there a team you enjoy playing against the most and/or least?
AN: I enjoy competing against Dayton University and my least favorite is La Salle University.
TD: Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?
AN: I love the Chicago Cubs!
TD: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
AN: Personally, no. As a team we just think about what we can do to win and play our best.
TD: What are the strengths in your game? Anything you want to improve upon?
AN: Some of my strengths would be my setting and always trying to being a positive energy to the court. I wish I could improve on blocking!
TD: How did you hear about your recent accolade as Co-A-10 rookie of the week? How did you feel/react?
AN: [Freshman outside hitter] Rachel Zarazan's mom actually texted me and said, "Congrats co-rookie of the week." I was in complete shock and I cried.
TD: Are there any goals you wish to accomplish for yourself, the team or both in the next three years?
AN: Goals for me are to never give up and always play hard. As for the team, finish the season with a couple more wins and in the next three years make it to the A-10 conference tournament and do what we can to win it.
TD: If you could give advice to an aspiring college volleyball player, what would you tell them?
AN: It's a lot of work, but in the end it's worth it. Don't give up on a dream of playing college volleyball, it's a lot of fun and the friendships you make along the way are irreplaceable.
Annie and the rest of the women's volleyball team return to action tonight in Ohio against the Dayton Flyers. The Rams then return home Sunday afternoon for a matinee match against La Salle University. The Rams will look to salvage their season and play spoiler against both teams since they are mathematically eliminated from the A-10 tournament.
Trevor Dorchies: "Why/ how did you begin playing volleyball?"
Annie Nelson: "I began playing volleyball when I was about 7 years old. My dad used to coach my older sisters and play himself, and I just really picked up on it quickly."
TD: Who have you learned most from so far in your volleyball career (at URI or elsewhere)?
AN: My dad has definitely taught me almost everything I know. In a close second is my coach [Bob Schneck].
TD: Are there any teammates you consider role models or aspire to be like on or off the court?
AN: On our URI team Lauren McIntosh, one of our junior middles, is an inspiration. She's very positive and really guides the underclassmen and helps us do our best. She's a true team player and I admire her love of the game.
TD: Is there a team you enjoy playing against the most and/or least?
AN: I enjoy competing against Dayton University and my least favorite is La Salle University.
TD: Do you have a favorite athlete or sports team?
AN: I love the Chicago Cubs!
TD: Do you have any pre-game rituals?
AN: Personally, no. As a team we just think about what we can do to win and play our best.
TD: What are the strengths in your game? Anything you want to improve upon?
AN: Some of my strengths would be my setting and always trying to being a positive energy to the court. I wish I could improve on blocking!
TD: How did you hear about your recent accolade as Co-A-10 rookie of the week? How did you feel/react?
AN: [Freshman outside hitter] Rachel Zarazan's mom actually texted me and said, "Congrats co-rookie of the week." I was in complete shock and I cried.
TD: Are there any goals you wish to accomplish for yourself, the team or both in the next three years?
AN: Goals for me are to never give up and always play hard. As for the team, finish the season with a couple more wins and in the next three years make it to the A-10 conference tournament and do what we can to win it.
TD: If you could give advice to an aspiring college volleyball player, what would you tell them?
AN: It's a lot of work, but in the end it's worth it. Don't give up on a dream of playing college volleyball, it's a lot of fun and the friendships you make along the way are irreplaceable.
Annie and the rest of the women's volleyball team return to action tonight in Ohio against the Dayton Flyers. The Rams then return home Sunday afternoon for a matinee match against La Salle University. The Rams will look to salvage their season and play spoiler against both teams since they are mathematically eliminated from the A-10 tournament.
Be the first to comment on this story