Game Point With Beth Karpiak
10/25/2005 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Beth Karpiakhas made two starts in her collegiate career. The first was against Notre Dame in the season-opening match on the road. The second was on national televisionagainst No. 4 Penn State in State College.
Beth is the tallest true freshman on the 2005 Wolverine squad and has seen time in the middle and on the outside in her debut campaign.
Beth took a few minutes to answer questions about the very first match she saw at Cliff Keen Arena, what the University of Michigan means to her and why she really loves to get those big blocks.
On the challenges of balancing volleyball and academics ...
"I overcome this challenge by planning out specific study times during the week since my sport has a structured schedule week to week. I set aside time every day for studying and class work and I keep conscious of my role as a student athlete."
On the strengths of the Michigan coaching staff ...
"The coaching staff has such well-rounded coaching philosophies which go hand in hand with their varying and individual personalities. The coaches know when and how to push the team or an individual out of their comfort zone in order for them to become mentally and physically stronger as a player. They know how to create stability within the team and on the court so there can be a sense of trust between players and between players and coaches."
On what the University of Michigan means to her ...
"Michigan means opportunity. U-M is one of the finest universities in the nation because it encourages and promotes growth by challenging you in all aspects of life including academically, athletically and socially. There is nothing holding me back here and the opportunities are limitless. I have all the tools in front of me to do and become whatever I choose."
On her adjustment to college volleyball ...
"Iam adjusting to the speed and to the schedule at the collegiate level. Every team we face this yearis a challenge. The Big Ten is one of the best conferences in the nation and no team in this conference is going to lie down and let us beat them. Every night when we step onto the court, we have to bring our A-game and nothing less."
On her offseason improvements ...
"I worked mostly on strength and training in the middle position but I worked on my entire game as well. As of right now, I am not set in one particular position so I need to be able to help the team in anyway I can. If the team needs me in the middle blocking position, then I am ready to do the best I can. But at the same time, if I can help the team with serving or passing, I am more than willing to work on those skills and step in."
On the best thing about a big block ...
"The best thing about getting a good block is the immediate gratification. It feels so good to know that the hitter on the other side of the net didnt even get the chance to make our back line play defense. Another great thing about a big block is knowing that you can do it again."
On the highlight of her high school or club experiences ...
"It was definitely developing into my role as a senior leader on the team. As a younger player on the team, I did what I was asked to do. I swung when I got set and blocked when I could. As a senior, I felt it was my responsibility to take more control with the leadership and mental aspect of the team. I really developed a connection with the younger players and felt that with my experience, I could help them develop into more complete volleyball players."
On watching her first U-M match ...
"The first match I saw was at Cliff Keen Arena when we were playing against nationally-ranked Tennessee in the 2004 season. What made the match interesting was that the Tennessee setter went to my high school. When I was a freshman in high school, I used to think she was an amazing volleyball player but after seeing my future team defeat her squad, I realized and become really excited that I was entering a serious volleyball program that could compete with anyone."
On when she knew she wanted to be a Wolverine ...
"I think I wanted to be a wolverine right after my first campus visit. Michigan is everything I have always wanted in a University. I love the campus and the town itself."
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Contact:Richard Retyi(734) 763-4423
