Aug. 28, 2007
Washington, D.C. - Junior Katherine Niesen (Gainesville, Fla./Eastside) is a middle blocker on the Georgetown University volleyball team. The Hoyas opened the 2007 season at the D.C. Challenge and continue this weekend for three matches at the University of Kentucky Tournament in Lexington, Ky. Niesen took time out of her busy schedule preparing for the Wildcats, Austin Peay and Cleveland State to take a moment with the Hoya Headliner...
HH: How did you spend your summer?
KN: I had an internship in Chicago at an environmental engineering firm. I've thought about going to grad school in Chicago and wanted to try it out for a summer to see how I liked it.
HH: What do your parents think of their daughter going on to play collegiate volleyball?
KN: They are really proud and extremely supportive although I know they wish I would have gone [to a school] closer to home.
HH: Who do you look to for advice when you need it?
KN: My parents and my older brother who lives in Baltimore.
HH: Do you have any superstitions before games?
KN: Not really before games, but during games, I have a bad habit of knocking on wood (the gym floor) a lot so we don't jinx a good run or a great serve.
HH: What song gets you pumped up before games?
KN: We usually sing/shout an accelerated version of the fight song before games which gets the blood pumping and everybody excited for the games.
HH: If you could be on any reality show, which one would you choose? Why?
KN: Legends of the Hidden Temple, but only if I was on the Blue Monkey team - just because it's physically and mentally demanding, just like collegiate volleyball.
HH: What would you do if you won a million dollars?
KN: I'd buy you a fur coat, but not a real fur coat, that's cruel.
HH: What is the best/worst thing about living in D.C.?
KN: The best is the fact that we are in such a central location of the country, and the worst would have to be the weather, it's just not Florida.
HH: When did you first start playing volleyball?
KN: Freshmen year of high school.
HH: When did you know that you wanted to play volleyball competitively in college?
KN: After I talked to the coach at Georgetown senior year and discovered there was an open spot on the team.
HH: What was the best moment in your career so far?
KN: I don't think I've had it yet, but I hope that this year or next year I'll have that opportunity.
HH: What is a typical practice like?
KN: Very early, around 7 a.m. usually, so we have to make sure we work extra hard to wake ourselves to have an effective practice.
HH: Who on the team do you rely on the most?
KN: Caitlin Boland. We've been through a lot together these past couple of years and she's very maternal, it's hard not to be adopted by Mama Caitlin.
HH: If you could be great at any other sport or event besides volleyball, what would it be?
KN: Track
HH: Anything you want to do before you graduate?
KN: Play the best moment of my career.
HH: What one word people use to describe you?
KN: Tall
HH: Favorite Georgetown restaurant?
KN: Benihana
HH: What is your dream job?
KN: Being the host for the Travel Channel shows where they visit the best resorts and beaches in the world.
HH: Favorite TV show?
KN: Ally McBeal
HH: Favorite movie?
KN: The Godfather
