Q&A With Rachel Wagener
10/15/2002 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 15, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland volleyball team is 13-8, already surpassing the number of victories they had all of last season. Terrapin players will periodically be featured on umterps.com. Be sure to check throughout the season for additional features.
Name: Rachel M. Wagener
Date of Birth:10-27-84
Hometown: Chesapeake, Virginia
High School: Oscar F. Smith
Club Team: Tidewater Volleyball Association
Major: Kinesiology
Favorite Subject: Science
Dream Job: I'm not sure about my dream job yet.
Most Relaxing activity: Listening to music and watching movies
Position: Middle Blocker
Serve, dig, spike, set, or block: Block
Q: What is your career highlight?
RW: Getting eight blocks against Minnesota
Q: What were the team goals this season?
RW: To be in the top three in the ACC and go to NCAA tournament
Q: What were your individual goals this season?
RW: To improve my blocking and hitting skills
Q: What team are you most excited to play?
RW: UNC because they won the ACC tournament last year
Q: If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
RW: I think that I would probably be playing basketball
Q: What is your favorite aspect of volleyball?
RW: The intensity of the sport, the long volleys and the feeling of victory
Q: What do you think of the libero?
RW: I think it's a great addition to the game. It really shows the importance of defense to the game. The libero is always on the move and has to have great athleticism.
Q: If you could change one rule what would it be?
RW: The ball breaking the plane of the net. I think if the play is at the net, both sides should be able to fight to get the ball and make the play. The stronger, faster person wins the point.
Q: Who is the team leader and why?
RW: Lindsay Davey is a wonderful team leader. She always knows what to say to us and she helps control the pace of the game. She has a wonderful attitude and she brings a great mixture of fun and seriousness.
Q: You've been one of the team leaders in blocks this season, you have 10 solo blocks, tying the team high from last year. How do you feel about setting that benchmark as only a freshman?
RW: I just go out there and try to do my job. Whether it's with a kill or a block. With each practice I hope to get stronger, and since this has happened as a freshman, I can't wait to see how I improve over the next three years.
Q: Stephanie Smith is also among the team leaders in blocks, in fact tied with you in solo blocks, how do you feel about two freshman being the leaders in blocking, what does it say for the future?
RW: I think it's great that two freshmen can really contribute to the team early on in their playing time. If we have the record now, then I guess we will just have to break our own record over the next three years and with that, take the team to an ACC Championship!
Q: What do you think of the team's play thus far in the ACC, and on the season on the whole?
RW: We started out this year with a bang, and we keep on improving. We have done well so far and I am so glad to be a part of it. We have figured out our strengths and weaknesses and we can only improve.
Q: What is the outlook for the rest of the season?
RW: Of course, our goal is to win the ACC Championship. I would like to see everyone stay healthy and play the game I know we can play.
Thanks, Rachel! Good luck to the Terps!
Editor's note: Maryland returns to Ritchie Coliseum to host North Carolina and NC State on Oct. 18 (7 p.m.) and Oct. 19 (5 p.m.), respectively.
