TicketsAug. 11, 2009
With the 2009 University of Cincinnati volleyball season around the corner, GoBEARCATS.com sat down with two-time all-BIG EAST performer Stephanie Niemer to talk about UC volleyball.
Q: Last season, you had two fantastic performances in the NCAA Tournament. What did you learn from that experience?
A: The NCAA Tournament taught me a lot. I learned that I had confidence in myself to score at times when the team needed a "go-to" player. With that being said, I learned how playing "in the zone" truly felt. In addition, I learned that last year's appearance at the NCAA Tournament was only the beginning for our team. We played well and we learned how to perform at that level.
Q: What was the biggest adjustment you had to make between your freshman and sophomore seasons?
A: The biggest adjustment I had to make between my freshman and sophomore seasons was how to become an all-around player. My freshman year I only played the front row, but in the off-season my coaches worked with me on defense and attacking from the back row, which helped out the team's offensive game.
Q: What's one thing interesting about your hometown that most people would not know?
A: One interesting fact about my hometown is that my dad is the tallest man in Erlanger, Kentucky at 6'7".
Q: What schools were you considering out of high school and what made you choose Cincinnati over the other schools?
A: When I was being recruited, I narrowed my choices down to Cincinnati and the University of Illinois. The main reason I chose Cincinnati over Illinois was the coaching staff and the girls. They made me feel right at home and I knew that Cincinnati was the right choice for me. The athletic facilities were under construction during the time of my recruiting process, but I love how athletes are treated at UC.
Q: What do you think you have improved the most on in the off-season?
A: I think I have improved my knowledge of the game during the off-season. I am continuing to work on playing smart, while playing aggressive as well. I believe this will help me develop into the player I want to be for the team.
Cincinnati begins its 2009 season on Friday, August 28 at the Utah Classic versus UC-Riverside in Salt Lake City, Utah. Following the completion of the Utah Classic, Cincinnati hosts the Bearcat Invitational Sept. 4-5 at Fifth Third Arena.
Volleyball season tickets are available to adults for $20, and to youth, seniors, and UCATS members for $10. Fans can purchase season tickets by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX.