Favorite sport to watch?
Surfing, because it's unlike all other sports. It doesn't really have a set form, there are no time limits or rules, and there are no other players involved. It's man versus nature and something unexpected always happens. You never know what's going to happen.
Favorite book?
Where the Red Fern Grows. Every time I read it I cry. It's a classic, everybody should read it.
Favorite movie? Movie you would like to watch?
"Endless Summer"; it's about people who are in search of the perfect beach and surf.. It kind of reflects my personality. I'd like to see "American Beauty".
Favorite food?
Anything my mom makes, and my grandma's desserts.
Favorite pasttime?
I surf a lot. I read anything that I can get my hands on: newspapers, magazines, books. Volleyball and school take up most of my time, though.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
No, nothing that stands out. But, I always have the same approach to the game. It's a team thing, we always have a team meeting, we eat, we go to the training room to get taped, then we all go on the floor at the same time. We do the exact same thing at warm up. That is my pre-game ritual, what everybody does.
If you could play any other sport at UCLA, what would it be?
I just want to play a sport that wins. So if I were to play any other sport, I'd probably pick water polo.
What was your most memorable moment at UCLA?
When we played Long Beach State during my sophomore year at the MPSF playoffs. About 200 of my friends came into Pauley Pavilion, all dressed up, singing and laughing. I had never been so scared; I had adrenaline rushing through my body but I was frozen, I couldn't move. I was in complete shock that all of my friends had come to support us and the whole gym stopped to look at them. It made the game anti-climactic. I was thinking, "Wow, this is what college is all about."
What do you like the most about playing volleyball?
I like all the people that I've met in all the places that I've traveled to, If I didn't play volleyball I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do all the things I've done. I love the winning. I like being part of a winning tradition. I feel that playing for UCLA is something special in itself, not just volleyball. But I love being able to say "I go to UCLA" when people ask me where I go to school. That makes me proud.
If you could play another position in volleyball, what would it be?
Definitely opposite (hitter). I'd want to hammer the ball, and I'd have them set me the ball all the time.
If you could trade places with anybody for a day, who would it be and why?
That's a tough question - but Al Scates, maybe to see what goes through his head during a game.
What type of music would you choose if you could only listen to one type for a year?
Reggae. It's something that I could listen to for a year.
Describe yourself with three adjectives.
Intense, carefree, and easygoing. It depends on what facet of my life we're talking about. On the court, I'm very intense, but off the court I'm really mellow.
If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
I'd go to Fiji, I've never been there and I'd want to go because it's beautiful. It's miles and miles of blue water and nice people. I would lay back and get in touch with my surroundings. I'd get away from the greed, and the busy and hectic L.A. lifestyle.
What would you do with a million dollars?
I'd try to make it two million dollars! I'd give money to my parents and family to make sure that my brothers and sisters had college paid for. Then I'd invest the rest and go on vacation.
If you could have any one superpower, what would it be?
The ability to beam myself somewhere, like in Star Trek, by just thinking about it, so I wouldn't have to fly or get in a car.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
To enjoy life everyday. Worry about today, not tomorrow.
Opponent you would most like to beat?
USC, because Pat Powers is the coach. I have a lot of respect for him, but I love to beat him.
Toughest place to win?
Probably BYU, because of the size of the gym, and the fans are brutal. They have some of the nastiest fans in the nation. Also playing the Italian team in Italy (during the World University Games). Their fans are pretty passionate.
What are your plans after UCLA?
Hopefully play in the Olympics. Then have a family, get a good job, and live somewhere on the beach.
What will you miss the most about UCLA?
Once I leave UCLA, it's time to be an adult. I'll miss being carefree and being able to do what I want when I want. I don't have to worry now about providing for my family. After college, everyone goes their separate ways and it's hard to keep in touch, so I'll definitely miss seeing my friends everyday.
