In the Zone with Veronica Rood
10/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Freshmanoutside hitter Veronica Rood is getting a taste of collegiate volleyball this season as a reserve outside hitter on the Wolverine roster. Rood played club volleyball with former U-M assistant volleyball coach Ed Tolentino and the M-Juniors last season, getting the opportunity to play in the national tournament in Chicago. She has seen action in five games this season, recording three kills and one dig. Her three kills came in memorable fashion as Veronica checked into a match against Wright State for the first time in her collegiate career and promptly hammered three kills on three swings in the game. Veronica took time out of her schedule to answer questions about how she got involved in volleyball and what it's like for a freshman to adjust to life at the collegiate level.
How do you balance athletics and academics in your first year of college
"I go to the academic center a lot to get my work done, and I try to get stuff done early so it doesnt pile up."
What does the University of Michigan mean to you
"Tradition."
Who has influenced you most in your life
"My mom has been the biggest influence in my life. She has always been there for me, and I dont know where I would be without her. I owe everything to my mom."
What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season
"I played club volleyball during the spring and part of the summer. When that was over, I played sand volleyball and worked out."
What is the best thing about getting a really good block
"It's so fun when you block a ball back in the hitter's face! It's even better when the crowd goes crazy!"
Who is your favorite non-volleyball athlete at U-M and why
"Alex Zeringue (field hockey) becuase shes the best roommate ever."
How did you get into volleyball
"In fourth grade I had a friend who grew up around volleyball and her mom told me I should try it because I'm so tall. I tried it for the first time and hated it because it hurt my arms when I passed. She told me to give it another chance so I did. Ever since, Ive been playing. If it wasnt for her, I probably would have just played basketball."
What do you like most about Ann Arbor
"Football Saturdays. There are so many different people and for some reason everyone is so friendly! I always end up meeting someone new while walking to the gym."
What is the gameday experience like when you play at home
"Playing at home is so much more exciting. You have your home crowd there cheering you on especially The Zone --they are awesome. And, my family goes to a lot of home games, so its always nice to see them afterward."
What are some of the challenges of road trips
"Whenever we are on the road I always feel like I'm forgetting something. Not having our home crowd is hard too."
What is the most rewarding thing about playing volleyball for Michigan What are some of the differences between high school, club and college volleyball
"Being part of such a fun team. We all want the same things and are all willing to work hard."
Who have been some of the players to help in your transition to college volleyball
"Everyone on the team has been helpful. Theyve been great about telling us what to do and what not to do. The sophomores especially -- they tell us all the things they got in trouble for last year so we dont make the same mistakes."
"The level of play is so much higher in college the game is a lot faster."
THIS OR THAT -- THE QUICK 10
Steak or Sushi: Steak
Cereal or Bagel: Bagel
Sandler or Chappelle: Chappelle
Early Riser of Late to Bed: Late to Bed
Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny: Bugs Bunny
Big House or Yost: Big House
Water or Soda: Soda
Bus or Plane: Plane
Beach or Poolside: Beach
Mayo or Hold the Mayo: Mayo
Contact:Richard Retyi(734) 763-4423
