GD: It being your first year of volleyball, what made you decide to join? What was your overall impression of the sport and your team?

SH: High school was suddenly sinking in and I realized that I would need to spruce up my college apps with some sports and extra curricular activities. I tried tennis before, but that didn't work out. And I felt that volleyball would be fun especially because some of my friends were going to be joining as well. When I first started, I felt that it was hard work and tiring but now, I look forward to practices and sometimes just want to play for fun. I never had a passion for a sport of any kind but now I do. (:

GD: What does the team normally do at practice on a regular basis? What are they like?

SH: Since I'm on the frosh/soph team, we have to do the harder work I guess. We usually warm up by running a few laps around the gym, side stepping and then lunges. at first the lunges hurt A LOT! The first weeks of summer practice killed us and we even had trouble going up the stairs because our legs were so sore. But now, we're used to it... kind of. Then we do normal stretches and warm up our arms by throwing/passing the ball back and forth.

GD: Describe the team. What makes your team unique from all other sports at Oxford?

SH: Our team is friendly and hardworking. At times, we can all just laugh and make fun of each other and at others, we know when to get down to business. But I've realized that even though its a mix of freshmen and sophomores, it's not that awkward. I would talk to them as if they were in my grade and my normal circle of friends. (:

GD: With the coach being so young and only a couple of years older, how was the relationship between the team your coach?

SH: I think the relationship between us girls and the coach isn't as great as it should be. I imagine having a coach as having another friend. I want to be able to go to her for help and stuff but we're not that close. It still feels as if she's just another person. Kind of like a teacher. We see them daily in class but we don't think of them as someone to go to for help but I want to be able to go to Katrina for help. Hopefully, we'll all get closer over the years.

GD: What sort of sacrifices, did you have to make to play volleyball, would you say that the sacrifices you made were worth it? Why?

SH: In the summer, it was especially hard waking up so early to go to practice. There were so many times me and girls were like, "dude, we could be sleeping" but of course it was worth it. Although I didn't like getting up early, I still enjoyed playing. But during the school year, I had to sacrifice some activities and practice definitely makes it hard to plan things but I get through it eventually.

GD: Because many people tend to forget about sports and how hard athletes work, is there anything specific that you would want the school to know about you or the team?

SH: Hmm, well. Before, I used to be one of those people who ignored sports activities. I remember people being so passionate about the sport they were in and I thought it was strange. But now, I've found something to be passionate about and I can understand them now. PEOPLE! COME TO OUR GAMES! It makes us feel so much more comfortable and supported! :D

GD: If you were to sum up your season about two sentences, what would it be? 

So far, our season has been full of tiredness, tears, laughter, smiles, victories, losses, traveling, bonding and hard work. There's still more to come, and I can't wait (: