Q&A With Jen Dewalt
10/3/2002 8:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 3, 2002
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland volleyball team entered the 2002 preseason ranked fourth in the ACC, and started the year with an 11-match win streak. Terrapin players will periodically be featured on umterps.com. Be sure to check throughout the season for additional features.
Name: Jen Dewalt
Date of Birth: 10/11/82
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pa.
High School: Freedom H.S.
Club Team: Synergy Philadelphia, Pa.
Major: Journalism
Favorite Subject: Biology
Dream Job: Write books, or personal opinion articles
Most Relaxing Activity: Writing
Position: Outside Hitter
Favorite Position: Left Outside Hitter
Serve, Dig, Set, Spike, or Block?: Block
Q: Who is the most important influence in your volleyball career?
JD: The most important influence in my career was Mr. Dando. He was one of my high school teachers and was one of the assistant coaches on my high school team. He has coached me for almost my entire volleyball career.
Q: What is your career highlight?
JD: When we played Loyola Marymount. I had a career-high 22 kills, and it was against the toughest team on our schedule so far.
Q: What were the team goals for this season?
JD: We wanted to improve on last year's record, and prove that we are better than that. We also want to finish in the top 3 in the ACC, and also make the NCAA Tournament. I think those are realistic goals for this year.
Q: What are your individual goals for the season?
JW: I want to be more of an impact player than I was last year. I only started two games last year, and I want to be able to contribute more this season.
Q: How did you feel about the 11-game win streak to open the season?
JD: It was exciting, for lack of a better word. I think it shows just how good we can be, and how far we've come as a team.
Q: At the start of the season, what team were you most excited to play this year?
JD: Minnesota, we wanted to prove that we can play with the best. Personally, I want to prove I can play against the best because Minnesota's left side blocker, the side that I play on, is really good. We're also excited to play UNC because last year they were the ACC champions and we want to take that spot this year.
Q: What team were you least excited to play?
JD: Minnesota, although we are excited to play them, we haven't played against a team that has that kind of size before.
Q: If you weren't playing volleyball, what sport would you be playing?
JD: I wouldn't be playing a sport, most likely I would be writing.
Q: What is your favorite aspect of volleyball?
JD: I love it when there is a really long point, and everyone on the court gets a touch, and no matter who gets the kill, when we win the point, it's just a great feeling.
Q: What do you think of the newly added libero position?
JD: I like it a lot, it gives a chance for some of the more athletic girls to get on the court and play. It really picks up the "d" a lot.
Q: If you could change one rule, what would it be?
JD: I would want to go back to being able to block serves. I don't like how these serves can just clip the net now and fall for an ace. I think it makes for a better game blocking the serves.
Q: Who do you feel is the team leader?
JD: Lindsay Davey, she is a huge adhesive for us.
Thanks, Jen! 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.
