Michigan State University Athletics
Q & A With Spartan Volleyball Captain Katie Johnson
8/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 14, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. -
1. You return for your junior year after successful elbow surgery during the off season. Do you feel that has made you stronger? In what ways? "Yes, I think it made me realize how much I have and how much ability has been given to me. When something like that happens, it makes you think about how lucky you are to be able to play, so I'm glad to be back and ready to go. I think that it's forced me to be stronger for my teammates and for myself."
2. Of all returning letterwinners, you posted the strongest offensive numbers in 2005 - kills per game and attempts per game. How do you approach your leadership role as a captain of the team this year? "I think everyone on the court is a leader. I have the title of captain, but I think everyone has the same pull as everyone else. Numbers really don't mean that much to me; I just know that if the team needs me, I'm there to carry the load. Hopefully this year we can get the offense more spread out. I just have the privilege and responsibility of being named captain."
3. What impact do you feel the eight newcomers will have on the fall season? "They're going to help out a lot, not only to boost our numbers, but I think they're really going to contribute. The girls have done awesome so far; we haven't had to take any steps back, they're ready to go, and they're not going to do anything but help us."
4. What is one win that stands out in your mind from last season? "I'd say when we beat Iowa at Iowa. I remember it was a close game and we didn't play very well, but we toughed it out, and I think that pretty much sums up our whole season last year."
5. What are your goals for the year? "I want a ring on my finger (Big Ten championship ring) and I hope that we all work well together; that we don't have to take any steps back and push through."
6. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Birthday Cake Remix from Coldstone. That is absolutely amazing!
7. What match do you look forward to the most this season? "Michigan, of course. Michigan at Michigan; I don't even care about the one at home because I know we're going to beat them."
