Game Point With Kerry Hance
10/18/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Kerry Hance recorded the 100th dig of her career last week and along the way has proven that she has what it takes to play among the best in the Big Ten. Kerry joined the Wolverines for the 2005 season, seeing time as a defensive specialist behind high school teammate, Stesha Selsky. The pair played for Marymount High School where they played for the nationally ranked Sailors.
Hance is growing accustomed to life in Michigan, balancing academics and athletics far from home. Kerry took time out of her schedule to discuss her transition to college volleyball, why she chose the University of Michigan and how she came by the nickname "Hancey Pants".
On what the University of Michigan means to her ...
"The University of Michigan means fun, great athletics and academics, hard work and amazing support."
On what makes the Michigan coaching staff successful ...
"The coaches know a lot about this game. Since Mark and Leisa have both played volleyball, they are very experienced."
On her off-season improvements ...
"I worked mostly on my defense and serve/receive passing. I also ran a lot and I lifted weights to get stronger."
On the best thing about a good dig ...
"I love getting a really good dig right to the setter and then having the hitter smash it down. It changes the momentum of the game almost every time."
On recording her 100th-career dig ...
"Getting my 100th collegiate dig felt great. I didn't realize I had gotten it
until after I read the notes on MGoBlue.com. It made me feel like I have contributed to the team."
On the Big Ten ...
"Big Ten volleyball is definitely everything I expected. It is competitive,
intense, fun, and full of amazing athletes. I love playing in this atmosphere."
On some early-season surprises ...
"I thought that the transition to college volleyball would be a lot rougher, but I seem to be adjusting fine.The pace is a lot faster in games, and I never realized what a big differencefive points makes in a game, but I feel as though
everything else is what I expected."
On team travel ...
"I love traveling, not only because we can bond as a team, but because I
get more sleep than I do living at the dorms, I get schoolwork done, and it is so much fun going on our own plane."
On her nickname, Hancey Pants ...
"I was given the name Hancey Pants during my club season. It kind of stuck."
On adjusting to college volleyball ...
"In college, the hitters hit the ball much harder, and most of the serves are floaters which are much more difficult to pass."
On the challenges of balancing athletics and volleyball ...
"After the first few weeks of school, I knew that balancing academics and athleticswould be a challenge. I have to learn how to use my time wisely because were very busy as athletes."
On her first impression of Cliff Keen Arena ...
"When I first saw it, I loved it because I felt a sense of tradition and I have never played in a facility dedicated to only one sport."
On the highlight of her club seasons ...
'When I won Nationals at Reno in June of 2005with my Sports Shack volleyball club. We went into the tournament ranked No. 2 and came out on top."
On how she knew she wanted to be a Wolverine ...
"The moment I walked on campus and it started snowing, after talking with Mark and Leisa, taking a tour and seeing the amazing fans at the Michigan hockey game, I knew I wanted to go here."
On the support she has received from the team her freshman year ...
"All the freshmen have been really helpful because we are all adjusting to everything together. Liz Raschke and Stesha Selsky have helped me a lot, as well as the rest of the team."
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Contact:Richard Retyi(734) 763-4423
