Senior Elyse Cusack Answers Your Questions
Sunday, August 30, 2009 | 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: Can you believe it's your senior season already and what are you most looking forward to about this year?
A: “I can't believe it's my senior year already. Time has really gone by so fast. I'm looking forward to finally getting started playing this year - my last time around in the O'Dome.”
Q: What do you think you'll miss most once your Florida volleyball career is over?
A: “I think once I'm done here, I'll definitely miss playing with my teammates and playing in front of the best fans in the country in the O'Dome. I'll just really miss being a Gator.”
Q: What does it mean to you to be the school's all-time career digs leader?
A: “My dream growing up was always to be a Gator and I always grew up coming to all the matches. To leave a mark on the program is pretty exciting for me - really something I never dreamed of. I couldn't have done it without my coaches and teammates. I really owe everything to them”
Q: What was it like to meet former Gator Lyra Vance last season after breaking her 22-year-old career digs record?
A: “It was really cool. We didn't get to talk too much, but Mary introduced us and it was an honor meeting her and I'm really glad that she was able to come.”
Q: Is there any significance to you wearing the number 7?
A: “Nothing in particular, except that when I started at P.K. Yonge, it was one of the only open numbers. I was on varsity and I was the youngest one, so I got the last pick. Lucky No. 7, it has always kind of been a good number, so I have stayed with it.”
Q: You played softball growing up. How do you think that helped you become a better volleyball player?
A: “Growing up, I think playing other sports is important for any athlete. Softball helped me with my movement, speed and my ability to track the ball. I think that has definitely transferred into the position that I play now.”
Q: Did you do anything interesting this summer?
A: “This past summer, I spent some time in California and while I was out there, I was able to play in some reverse co-ed grass tournaments. It was a lot of fun. It's a lot different than beach, but you're still playing with two players. We won one tournament, and got third and lost in the semis a couple of times.”
Q: What is the most important lesson you learned from a teammate?
A: “I think I learned a lot from Amber McCray, just the fact that she overcame injuries and so much, and was still very successful. Taking that to my career, if I have a little injury or something's not going well, it's not that big of a deal. In life, being able to persevere through anything is a pretty important lesson.”
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