Oct. 7, 2008
GoRedbirds.com sat down with redshirt-junior setter Jessica Pratapas 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: What are your individual goals for the upcoming season?
Jessica Pratapas: We actually sat down before the season and put a lot of our goals together. We developed long-term goals, like winning the Missouri Valley Conference and getting to the NCAA Tournament. Without the other goals that we set, we will not achieve those main goals. So, we need to do the little things such as getting better every day in practice and helping each other out. I think those smaller goals like bettering your teammates in practice every day are what is more important.
GR: What are your goals for the team?
JP: To become a smarter team and be more strategic with the ball. We are all here and obviously we know how to play volleyball; but now it is about learning how to play our game. So, I think if we get that down, it will all fall into place, and we will make it to our ultimate goal, which is getting back to the NCAA Tournament.
GR: Last year you were unable to play last season because of a season-ending knee injury. What did you do in the offseason to assure that your knee would be ready to go?
JP: First of all, I had a great doctor and I am really happy with how that went. I worked hard this past fall season while the team was practicing. I would be on the sideline working on my knee as much as I could. Now that I am back, the biggest thing to overcome is not thinking about it. I go out there and play because you are more prone to injury if you think about it; it's a very mentally-driven process.
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GR: At the end of last season, you were awarded the Kelly Meisner Courage Award. What did that mean to you?
JP: It was really great because my teammates nominated me for it. That was the coolest thing, because they saw how hard it was to not be able to play a sport that you love. They saw how I took it and what I did just to make the best of the situation. It meant a lot that they saw that, and that they were willing to nominate me for it.
GR: Your older sister, Katy, played volleyball at Illinois. How has she helped you during your experiences as a college volleyball player?
JP: She only played for a year and a half when I was playing in college, but it is always great that I can talk to her. She knows what it is like to compete at this level and the demands of collegiate volleyball. If I was ever struggling with something or didn't know how to handle something, I could call her. She would really support me and give me a heads up.
GR: Which is your favorite position to play: setter, defensive specialist or right side hitter, and why?
JP: Ever since I was in high school, I was very versatile and played a lot of positions. I love playing defense, and I love playing right side. But I would have to say I love setting the most. I like being in control of the offense. But anywhere I can fit in, and help this team out, is what I am going to do.
GR: When traveling with the team, where has the best restaurant you have eaten at?
JP: We always love when we go to Texas Roadhouse. We eat the peanuts and the bread rolls. We were limited on the bread rolls last year because we ate too many.
GR: Did you always know you wanted to be a collegiate student-athlete?
JP: No, I did not. I did not know I would have the opportunity until I started playing club volleyball my freshman year of high school. That was when I really wanted to become more devoted to it and really pursue it.
GR: Your sister is married to current Minnesota Viking J. Leman. What is the craziest thing you can tell us about him?
JP: He is a football player, and I have never had a brother. So, he is like my big brother now, and it is fun. He actually came camping with my family last summer and that is when we first got to know him really well. There were a lot of crazy things, but the craziest thing I remember is that he drinks like 20 raw eggs per day or something like that. He has this crazy diet, but whatever works for him.
GR: What is your favorite part of the game and why?
JP: I really enjoy the intensity of the game and the feeling that you are going to go out there and play together. I like the togetherness of it. I enjoy the team chemistry, and if someone does well, we are all excited about it.
