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| Marisa Doran | |
As we countdown to the final home matches of the 2016 New Mexico volleyball season, we’ll post an interview with each of the Lobos’ four graduating seniors. First up in our series is Marisa Doran, a senior outside hitter from Orange, California.
Q: What was your educational experience at UNM like?
A: I’m a self-proclaimed nerd so I think it was actually fun! Each of my biology professors were extremely invested in the topics they taught which translated into my learning. I never thought isolating bacteria from a soil sample would be fun, but I’ll admit that I showed Cassie and Devanne pictures of cultures and microscope fields with perhaps too much excitement.
Q: What was your playing experience at UNM like?
A: Playing volleyball at UNM was at first a shock. It was a lot different than the program I transferred from. But the everyday grind of weights and practice has been fun and given me opportunities to improve myself. Looking forward to the beach volleyball experience in Spring!
Q: Why did you choose to play at New Mexico?
A: UNM had the right balance of academics and athletics. I wanted to play indoor and beach, plus I needed a research-based institution.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your playing time at New Mexico?
A: My favorite memories of playing at New Mexico are all of the travel trips. Along with visiting states that I have never been to, I also got to spend A LOT of time with my teammates. My favorite specific memory is when Cassie didn’t realize she dropped a piece chocolate during a flight. When she stood up, it looked like she pooped her pants.
Q: What are some things you’ll miss about playing volleyball at New Mexico?
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A: Well I am definitely going to miss Nike Christmas [when the players receive all of their Nike gear for the season], but I am also going to miss practice. I really enjoyed the competitive drills and working together with my teammates.
Q: What things are you most proud of from your time at UNM?
A: I am proud that I was able to balance athletics with academics. I proved to myself that I could pick up from California and basically start over somewhere new.
Q: How was it being coached by Jeff Nelson?
A: I am very grateful that Jeff allowed me to continue my collegiate volleyball career. I enjoyed playing for him and have fun memories of playing with him during drills in practice.
Q: What would you tell the next generation of Lobo volleyball players about playing at UNM?
A: It goes by so much faster than you think! Cherish every moment and don’t be afraid to take risks!
Q: If you could go back to your first year at Irvine Valley College, what would you want to tell your younger self about college?
A: I would tell myself to spend more time with my family. Now that I live away from home, I can’t see my family as much as I would like.
Q: How was it like traveling to Australia?
A: Australia was an extremely inspirational trip for me! As my first out-of-the-country experience, I really enjoyed playing volleyball in an international setting. Even though all of us had different backgrounds, the volleyball was still the same. I am actually applying to medical school in Australia because I loved it so much!
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I can’t say that my plans after graduation are set in stone besides going back to California. I’m currently applying to medical school and will move in the Fall wherever I get in. So please cross your fingers I get at least one acceptance!
Q: What has it been like playing both indoor and beach? What’s it been like starting a whole new sport?
A: It has been an absolute blast! Of course there is the difficulty of being in-season both semesters, but I really enjoy the change from the gym to the sand. Being a part of the emergence of beach volleyball as a collegiate sport is really important to me because it was part of my first time ever playing volleyball. I like telling people in New Mexico that I play on UNM’s beach team because they are usually shocked that it’s possible to have that sport in New Mexico.