Oct. 16, 2008
GoRedbirds.com sat down with sophomore outside hitter Katie Culbertson and asked her to give Redbird Athletics fans an inside look into her life in the new feature series Through the Eyes Of .... The series will give an insider's perspective into the lives of many Redbird student-athletes throughout the coming months.
GoRedbirds.com Why did you choose Illinois State for your collegegiate volleyball career?
Katie Culbertson: I knew that the volleyball program here was really strong and we have a really good tradition as an entire school and athletics department. I really love my teammates, I enjoy the new coaching staff and I know I made the right choice.
GR: What areas would you like to see the Redbirds improve upon this season?
KC: I know one of our big goals is to do really well in both the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season and the conference tournament. We're going to take it one step at a time, but we need to be more consistent.
GR: What personal goals have you set to improve your individual performance this season?
KC: I just need to improve as a player in general in my sophomore year. I can improve both mentally and physically. I want to get stronger as a player, and I want to really understand the game better as a whole.
|
THROUGH THE EYES OF ... |
|
|
GR: Reflecting back on the NCAA Tournament last season, how did it feel to make it to the tournament and what is the team doing this season to continue on a similar successful path?
KC: It was amazing to get to the tournament. It's an experience that so few people are fortunate enough to be a part of. I know we got a little taste of it, and we are definitely hungry for more. We are doing everything we can to get back this season.
GR: What has been the most memorable moment of your volleyball career?
KC: The most memorable moment was beating Wichita State in semifinals of the conference tournament last year. No one expected us to win, so it felt amazing to shock everyone and move on to the championship match.
GR: What has been your favorite part about playing for Illinois State?
KC: My favorite part has been getting to know the girls on my team. We are like a family. We have so many inside jokes, and it feels so good to be able to laugh so hard with so many of these people. It's so much fun.
GR: What has been your favorite place to play volleyball with the Redbirds?
KC: At Crisler Arena for the NCAA tournament. Playing anywhere in the NCAA Tournament would be the best place to play.
GR: If you were able to play any other sport than volleyball, which sport would you pick?
KC: Gymnastics, if I was good at it. I wish I was flexible and could do flips like a gymnast.
GR: Do you have any traditions or rituals you have to do before a game?
KC: I don't have any set traditions. I like to get really focused and visualize before a game. I need to be intense and focus on the game before I come out and play.
GR: What is the most important lesson from volleyball you would like to carry with you into your future?
KC: Success at a game is really important to everyone, but it is only a game.
