Player Spotlight: Emery Hart, KK Baker, and Sarah Wills by Ali Myers
Athletes Emery Hart, KK Baker, and Sarah Wills have shared their volleyball secrets. Hart said,“ before [volleyball] games I always get butterflies but once I get on the court they go away.” Baker stated, “I’m super nervous but as soon as my music starts playing I know I’m going to be a beast” and Wills said, “before a game, it doesn’t really matter who we’re playing, I’m always a little nervous which I think is natural but as the game gets closer and closer and I see the other team the nerves usually go away because I know what I’m getting into and I’m watching the other players”.
Let's talk food, what do these athletes eat that fuels them to succeed on the court? Hart said, “my favorite pre-game meal is normal chicken and rice." Baker said, “fruit and yogurt parfaits with granola” and for Wills, “Any form of pasta, and some fruit."
Some songs that hype up these players before a game. “I really by Hotboii," said for Baker “[I listen to] anything by Rhianna," said Wills. Hairstyles are important, especially for confidence and performance during a match. For Hart, she said, “I normally do a slick back ponytail with a braid” Baker said, “I love doing a tight mid ponytail." Wills said, “two mini braids into a high ponytail or a bun”.
Finally one of the most important secrets for success is how these athletes get in the right mindset and prepare for a game. For Hart, she said, “Just focus on what I can do best in the game to help my team out." Baker said, “I make sure I stretch and have a good warmup then I stay in solitude to get in a good mindset." Wills, said “To prepare for a game I make sure I’m having fun and being positive no matter what the expectations for the game are”.