Get to Know Volleyball's Unique Hobbies Before SMU Tournament

Sep 12

From Musical Talents to Outdoor Adventures, Volleyball's Hobbies Add Spice Off the Court
By: Victoria White


    Inevitably, it takes a lot of practice, dedication, and commitment to play volleyball at the collegiate level. Strengthened through the years, the Mustangs' talent, passion and heart becomes more evident with every match.

    Hosting the SMU DoubleTree Invitational this weekend, the team begins play against ACU at 7 p.m. on Friday inside Moody Coliseum.

    In addition to a deep love for the sport, members of the squad also have unique hobbies and interests off the court.

    Yet, some are still athletic activities.

    "I'm really passionate about soccer, watching soccer," sophomore outside hitter and Arlington, Texas, native Lejla Camdzic said.

    Stemming from childhood, freshman outside hitter Hannah Jacobs has an interesting connection to another sport, too.

    "I actually really like to play basketball. I've played basketball a lot longer than I've played volleyball, since I was five, so that's always going to be a hobby of mine," Jacobs said. "I also like to color, draw and be crafty."

    Several members of the squad embrace their creative side through music and art, like freshman defensive specialist Bria' Merchant.

    "I play the piano so that's one, and I sometimes like to sketch or draw," Merchant said.

    The freshman from Omaha, Nebraska, setter Lily Heim is another musically-inclined Mustang.

    "In my free time, I play the ukulele and the piano," Heim said. "That's what I love to do."

    Senior outside hitter Eva Linden incorporates inspiration and imagination through interior design.

    "I love babies, so I like to babysit a lot," Linden said. "I really like interior design. That's another one of my hobbies I'm really interested in."

    Geography has an influence on the exciting endeavors of a few volleyball players on the team, as well.

    "I like drawing, but it's more like doodling," freshman setter Sydney Lobato said. "But, I actually really like hiking. I live in Las Vegas, so we have the Red Rock. I go there a lot to hike. I bring my dogs and my family, so that's fun."

    Freshman defensive specialist Maddie Pernecky, whose hometown is La Canada, California, also has an affinity for the outdoors.

    "I'm from California, so I love the beach, biking with my friends, playing spike ball, going out and finding new little eateries around LA and everywhere," Pernecky said.

    While junior libero Montana Watts shares the same love for being in nature, she also enjoys baking delicious treats.

     "Now, I live in an apartment, so I bake all the time," Watts said. "I love sugary desserts. And I just like being outside, going on walks, hanging out."

    Spending a lot of time balancing volleyball and school, the life of a student athlete is busy to say the least.

    "It's a lot of volleyball," sophomore middle blocker Lexi Nordmann said with a smile. "I'm an engineering student, so I have a lot of homework. That's what takes up a lot of my time. But, I like to try to do other stuff, too, and try to hang out. It's a lot on the plate in terms of homework, so that's where I spend a lot of my time."

    Besides hanging out with family and friends, freshman outside hitter Rachel Woulfe voiced a familiar sentiment when she said with a good natured laugh, "My life is working out and volleyball."

    "I really like to just be around my family and hang out with my friends," Woulfe said. "I'm pretty laid back. I like being outside and all of that. Really, my life is working out and volleyball. But, when I do get a break, I like to chill out with my family and the people that I'm close to."

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