Falcon Focus is a weekly piece highlighting one of our many outstanding student-athletes at UW-River Falls. These Falcons share their personal journeys that brought them to the University, insights into their teams, and a few of their personal interests.

How has the preseason been going for you and the team this year?
Really good and we're really strong. We had a really good scrimmage and we feel positive going into this season.

As one of two seniors on the team this year, what role have you taken on with your team that maybe you haven't had to in the past?
I've tried to make to make myself more of a leader, both on and off the court, because we have a lot of freshmen and sophomores. It is just the two seniors now compared to when I was a freshman and there were six seniors I could go to for help. I feel like things need to be really defined and what is expected for this team so that we're all on the same page.

Being a member of the volleyball team for 4 years, how have you seen the program change and grow?
The pace of how we play has quickened. We shift in and out a lot more and everything is faster.

You have a brand new gym to play in this year. What do you think of the Falcon Center and Page Arena?
It's so cool! The gym is awesome and our locker room is the best!

What music do you listen to pregame?
Throwback hip-hop.

What advice to you have for the underclassmen?
Trust the process and keep working hard. Focus on your grades.

Going through the recruiting and college selection process, why did you pick UW-River Falls?
I really liked the campus and Coach. I worked with Coach Patti Ford for two summers before I came here at a camp so I was comfortable. The town is really nice and it felt like my hometown.

What are your plans after you graduate? 
I'm going to be a graphic designer, though I'm not sure where yet. I think I would also like to coach volleyball somewhere.

It's your final year. What does this season mean to you? 
To work harder than I've ever worked and to leave everything I have on the court.

What is your favorite…
Ice cream?   Blue Moon
Spot on campus?  Now it's our locker room but it was the KFA painting studio
Class? Intro to Print Making
Movie?   Remember the Titans or The Other Woman
Food?   Anything Italian
Holiday?   Christmas and Halloween
TV Show?   Grey's Anatomy
Thing to do off the court/field with your teammates? Play "What Are The Odds?"
 
What is the best or worst purchase you have ever made?
You know when you pay 50 cents to flatten a penny? I think I have bought 50 of them and I have lost all of them. What a waste of money! My best purchase would be my turtle tattoo.

What would you name a boat if you had one?
The Garv-mobile

Do you have any other talents away from volleyball?
I'm really good at art.
 
Dogs or cats? Dogs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Cheeseburger or pizza? Pizza
Hunter or gatherer? Hunter
Beyonce or Jay-Z? Beyonce