TicketsMarch 20, 2007
Former Bearcat Bonita Wise (1999-02) is getting the chance to do what many volleyball players don't; continue her career on the professional level. Currently, Wise is playing for a team in Croatia. Recently, Wise took some time to answer 10 questions related to her pro career.
1. What team are you currently playing for and in what country?
I am currently playing for Odbojkaski Klub OTP Banka Pula.....in Pula, Croatia.
2. How does overseas volleyball compare to American volleyball?
Playing overseas is very different than playing in the states because the season is very long. We start in August, and finish at the end of April. Depending on the team, you might have one or two practices a day. Last year we only trained once a day, but this year I train twice a day. Practices are more demanding than here. If we did practice that hard we would have a lot of injuries, due to the fact that the season is so long. We also only play usually one, sometimes two days a week, whereas in the states you play two sometimes three. Also, another difference is you will play against players of all ages from around 16 to 45, and just because they are old, doesn't mean they aren't good.
3. How is your lifestyle in a foreign country compared to the US?
Very different. Out here, especially in Croatia, I swear nobody works here. Everyday people sit out at cafes and drink coffee all day and just chat. They seem to take time out to relax and their lifestyle is very laid back.
4. What do you miss most about living in the US?
I take advantage of living in the states. I miss my car; I walk everywhere or ride the bus, which I would never do in the states. I also think the Internet is the greatest invention ever. I also miss having a washing machine and a dryer. Here I have to hang my clothes up to dry and I hate it.
5. How often do you get home?
Two times. I go home for Christmas and after the season in May.
6. What's your favorite thing about playing in a foreign country?
I like learning the different styles of volleyball, and living in a new place and learning a new language.
7. Tell me about your team this season. What's their record and how much of the season is still remaining?
Right now we are in the lower half of the playoffs, we missed the top half by one spot, which I am still disappointed about because we beat all of the top teams except two. We have seven games left, so about a month and a half.
8. How did you get hooked up with your current team?
Our coach talked to my agent about how they needed a middle blocker. So our coach came and watched me play, and I had a tryout with this team and made it.
9. Have you played with or against any famous players?
Yes, a few older players who used to play in Italy, and a Russian woman who now plays in Japan but three or four years ago she was the "Best Player in the World." She was pretty good.
10. If you could give current college players one piece of advise, what would it be?
Just to appreciate the time and experiences they have in college, because if they want to play later it is a lot different. In America we are pampered athletes, and they take good care of you. Out here, depending on the team, sometimes you are on you own.