Fresno State Athletics
Digging Around With Tina Brennan
9/4/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Sept. 4, 2003
FRESNO, Calif. -
Q: How do you think the game of volleyball has changed over the years since you first got started?
A: Since the addition of the libero position, volleyball has seemed to have better ball control, longer rallies and is a faster pace. The pace has quickened dramatically because of rally scoring, a change that I personally like. I think that it (rally scoring) makes the game more exciting and favors the momentum of a team more. Add to that the increased skill level of the players and the game is 100% different from the junior high jungle ball that I was first introduced to at a young age.
Q: What are some of the problems student-athletes face today that are different from high school or club volleyball?
A: The time demands playing at the Division I level is tremendously greater than high school or club. This makes balancing school, both class attendance and homework, and practice much more difficult. The amount of traveling we do and, in turn, the amount of classes missed makes study skills and organizational skills a necessity.
Q: If you knew then what you knew now, how would your preparation for Division I collegiate volleyball be different?
A: Academically, I felt well prepared coming into college. Being an athlete boosted my social adjustment to the college atmosphere. Athletically, I don't think you can ever be totally prepared for the rigorous life that Division I athletics and part of the experience for me has been the total difference from high school. So all in all, I felt like I came in at a comfortable status. The only change I would have made is that I would have enjoyed my weekends more and taken advantage of the free that that I had then, not knowing it would be non-existent from August to January.
Q: Is there a secret to success?
A: Success for me comes from organization, preparing way ahead of time and developing a relationship with my professors. By letting them know that I am making every effort to work into the schedule they set they are much more accommodating when a time for exceptions need to be made.
Q: What would your ideal season be like (as a student, as an athlete or as a student-athlete)?
A: In a dream world, as a student, my classes would never be at 8:00 a.m. and all tests would be take home. As an athlete, I would never be injured and all our games would be home games, except we would still travel to Hawaii in hopes of an extended weekend. As a student-athlete, the professors, the coaches and my friends would completely understand the true meaning and demand that go along with that title.
