Sophomore Erin Fleming Answers Your Questions
Saturday, October 11, 2008 | Volleyball
Before each home match, a different Florida volleyball player answers fans' questions. They will be posted in the "Features" section of GatorZone.com following the match. Got a question for a Gator player? Send it to SeanCa@gators.uaa.ufl.edu.
Q: How do you mentally and physically prepare yourself to come in off the bench and successfully make a key serve?
A: “During practice, we work on it and the coaches really help me out by putting me in that game situation. The team is always there to back me up. Everyone who is on the bench is watching the game and paying attention to the other team's hitters and what their tendencies are, so when you are called on by Mary, you are ready to go and help out the team as best as you can.”
Q: What was it like being both a volleyball player and a cheerleader in high school, and which one did you start first?
A: “It was pretty easy. I got along really well with all the girls in my high school. It was so small that it was easy to be best friends with everyone. Cheerleading and volleyball actually mixed really well together. I started volleyball first, but my mom and my sister were both cheerleaders, so I wanted to keep the family tradition alive.”
Q: You decided to change your major this year. What is your new major and what do you hope to do with your degree?
A: “I just had a change of heart about my major. Event management is my new major and I really think planning parties and weddings would be right up my alley.”
Q: Who is the funniest player on the team and why?
A: “The funniest person on our team would probably have to be Callie. I've known Callie since the fifth grade and there's never a dull moment with her. She's hilarious all the time and, especially when you're feeling down, she can make you laugh. She's just a great person.”
Q: You were the gold medal winner in the Gators' own version of the Olympics in training camp. What was that experience like?
A: “It was a change of pace for us. It was a lot of fun and I think everyone really enjoyed it. Just staying consistent and competing with my teammates really made it a lot of fun.”
Q: What has been the biggest difference for you both academically and athletically between your freshman and sophomore years?
A: “I am just a lot more comfortable with my role on the team and knowing what to expect in school. My main focus is my education and getting my degree. Volleyball is just a great plus and I love it so much.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: “In 10 years, hopefully I will be a successful wedding planner, continuing to come to the Gator volleyball games and support them, and staying in contact with my teammates because they're my best friends.”
