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| Ashley Kelsey | |
With the final home matches of the 2017 New Mexico volleyball season upcoming, we are honoring our lone senior, Ashley Kelsey, with a Q&A interview. Please enjoy our conversation with Kelsey, an libero/outside hitter from Ewa Beach, Hawaii!
Q: What was your educational experience at UNM like?
A: My educational experience has been pretty interesting. Not really knowing what I wanted to do coming in to college was hard and spending almost a year trying to figure that out was stressful. But, eventually, I found an interest in psychology and family studies and now have a liberal arts degree with the concentration in those two areas.
Q: What was your playing experience at UNM like?
A: Playing at UNM was such a dream come true. I had never thought that I would go to college, let alone go to college while playing volleyball. Playing volleyball at UNM has taught me some of the greatest values and lessons of life. The players and coaches that I have had contact with in Lobo Volleyball will always hold a special place in my heart.
Q: You’ve been at UNM for six years, so what’s it like to know your indoor career is finally wrapping up?
A: Honestly, it has not hit me yet. I still feel like there is more for me to do in my indoor volleyball career. But I just think that’s just me, not wanting to be done. To not have practice everyday, lift a few times a week and compete every week is something that I am not ready to give up!
Q: Why did you choose to play at New Mexico?
A: When I came on my official visit in August of 2011, I got the opportunity to watch the Lobos play against Nebraska in Johnson Center. The atmosphere in Johnson Center against a really good team was electric! ! I could tell the fans were completely into the game and knew the game of volleyball. After, the match I got to mingle with the players and coaches and the players were really open about the traditions of the program and you could tell that the coaches were invested in the players and the program. Reasons like these are why I picked UNM Volleyball.
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Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your playing time at New Mexico?
A: There are so many memories that have been shared over the past six years. These memories not only happened on the court, but everywhere in between from travel trips, to car rides, to our team Christmas parties, etc. Some of the best on-court volleyball memories are beating Boise State in Boise in 2017, beating Arizona State at home in 2016, playing against other national teams in Australia in 2016 and beating Colorado State at home in 2012. Some other memories are going to Payson, Arizona, for a team retreat almost every year, interacting with kangaroos in Australia and countless travel trips to places I have never been.
Q: What are some things you’ll miss about playing volleyball at New Mexico?
A: I will miss the atmosphere of Johnson Center. The sense of family and unity in a sport is something that you can’t find anywhere else, especially when play starts and the crowd is on their feet awaiting our first point! I will also miss my past and present teammates. We will forever have such a strong bond and they will have a sister for life.
Q: What things are you most proud of from your time at UNM?
A: I am grateful to be alongside amazing people such as Allison Buck and Gayle Tripp in the all-time career digs list. I am very grateful to have graduated with a degree, being the only one in my family to reach that achievement.
Q: How was it being coached by Jeff Nelson?
A: Jeff Nelson is a very passionate coach that wants the best for you. He is one to see great potential in a player, and push you to uncomfortable zones, but does that because he believes in you and wants you to succeed. He coaches you with great knowledge, experience and love for the game.
Q: What would you tell the next generation of Lobo volleyball players about playing at UNM?
A: I would tell players to have a open mind and to have the eagerness and willingness to continue learning throughout your career. You will have rough days, days where you question yourself, but those are the days you put your head down and make the choice to grind it out. Play every practice and every game like it’s your last and enjoy every moment. And bust your butt, even when no one is watching.
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Q: If you could go back to your first year at New Mexico, what would you want to tell your younger self about college?
A: The amount of motivation, competitiveness and work ethic needs to be more than you have ever given and to not take anything for granted. Work hard for what you want.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: I’m looking forward to finishing out my volleyball career here at the University of New Mexico. Then I’m looking at getting a sweet coaching job and, at some point, settling down with my husband and starting a family.
Q: What has it been like playing both indoor and beach? What’s it been like starting a whole new sport?
A: Playing indoor and beach have been a blast! Both sports have helped complement each other. Beach has helped my indoor game and indoor as helped my beach game. I still have lots to learn in each of them. Starting a new sport has been a good challenge. I had never really played competitive beach volleyball until we had added beach to Lobo Athletics. It has challenged me in ways that I could never imagine. Beach volleyball is such a mental game more than a physical game, and it has pushed me to be smart with my shots and placement of serve.
Fans can follow @UNMLoboVB on Twitter and Instagram for information and updates on the team!