March 11, 2008

What has it been like to be part of a 10-match win streak as well as being on the team that is off to the best start in Northridge volleyball history?

It's been an honor to represent Cal State Northridge in this record-setting season. We're getting a lot of recognition we have not gotten in the past from people all over the campus.

With a crucial home match against Pepperdine coming up on Wednesday, Mar. 12 what would you say to someone who has never been to a Matador men's volleyball match?

That we're the second ranked team in the country, we recently defeated USC and have a chance to win a national championship. If you've never seen a volleyball match in person you'd be surprised to see how physically demanding it is and how hard the ball is hit. I think it surprises spectators to see how physical the game is.

Can you pinpoint the one thing that has brought this year's team together?

We've had a different personality dynamic this year that we haven't had in years past. Right from the start we had a feeling we could win a national championship and the team attitude has been positive all year as well.

How would you describe head coach Jeff Campbell in one word?

Intimidating.

You're originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., what drew you to Northridge?

Knowing that CSUN was one of the best teams in the country and that the West Coast has better volleyball competition than the teams on the East Coast. The warm weather in Southern California doesn't hurt either.

How did you get involved with volleyball and did you play other sports as a kid?

I got involved with volleyball at a young age. My older sister Katie and older brother Cory both were great volleyball players, so I got to learn a lot from them. In addition, my mom coached a few teams and always brought me along to her practices. I did play other sports growing up competing in pretty much every sport imaginable. Once I got to high school, I focused on basketball and volleyball.

You have brothers and sisters that had some impressive collegiate careers, any updates?

Well my brother Cory graduated from CSUN with a Masters degree in Ceramics and Public Art and is working on many different projects. My brother Tyler, who played collegiately at Duquesne, is a Graduate-Assistant for the University of Michigan's Men's Basketball Team. My sister, who played at the U.S. Naval Academy, no longer plays volleyball but is a personal trainer.

You were on the squad with current Matador assistant coach Jeff Conover for two years (2004, 2005), how is your relationship different now?

I respect Jeff as a coach but I see him as more of a teammate than a coach. We helped each other out a lot when we were players and he has also taught me a lot off the court.

What are some of your fondest memories of playing four years at Cal State Northridge?

Certainly being a part of this season's record-setting team and also the 10-match win streak, but also beating UCLA in the Quarterfinals of the MPSF Tournament at Pauley Pavilion in 2005 was a highlight.

What do you see for the Matadors over the next six weeks?

I see us winning the MPSF regular season and I also see us hosting the MPSF Tournament and getting a bid to the NCAA Final Four.