Sophomore Danielle Daigle, who stands a tall 5’3, heads into the 2009 volleyball season with hard work ahead and big expectations. Daigle is one of the team’s leading defensive players, which led her to receive two recognitions for her efforts: player of the week and female freshman of the year.

Daigle not only shines on the volleyball court, but also on the track field. Last track season, as a freshman, she recorded the third best throw in javelin in the school’s history.

Daigle, who is known by her teammates and friends as Dani, took a few minutes before practice to sit and talk with The Nicholls Worth.

Q: What activities did you do this summer for fun?

A: “I went on vacation but I made sure I worked out too. I also played volleyball a little bit.”

Q: What are some things you did to prepare yourself for the upcoming season?

A: “Weights and some cardio. I was just trying to keep up my speed on the court.”

Q: You did very well last year, but how do you plan on keeping the momentum going in the 2009 season?

A: “I’m always trying to outdo myself so I’m going to try to get more than I got last year. I know it’s going to be hard, but I’ll try my best.”

Q: Are you playing two sports this year?

A: “I’m going to try. I think it’s a lot doing both sports, but I really enjoy both so I’ll do my best.”

Q: How will playing two sports affect your schoolwork?

A: “I’m actually going to have enough time to study. I manage my time wisely and I don’t let athletics over-rule my academics.”

Q: How do you feel about this year’s team?

A: “I think we can do even better than we did last year. We have a lot of new people and they bring a lot more to the table. I’m hoping we can go above and beyond what we did last year.”

Q: Do you have a certain play list for your ipod that you listen to before you play?

A: “I like all kinds of music, so, it’s a little rap and even a little rock. Pretty much anything.”

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?

A: “I actually can’t think of any. I don’t do anything the same every time. I listen to different things, talk about different things. Just try to get relaxed.”

Q: Does being the shortest girl on the team have any effect on your mental or physical game?

A: “I think I use it to my advantage. Everybody makes fun of me, but I don’t take it to heart. I can move quickly so I use it.”

Q: What is your major?

A: “I’m in communicative disorders right now. I just switched from general studies.”

Q: Is there anything you learned in your classes that may help translate into volleyball?

A: “I took some speech classes and I’m really trying hard to talk more on the court and be more vocal and be a leader. I think those classes are helping me with that.”

Q: If you had one thing to say to the student body about the volleyball team, what would it be?

A: “I think we could use all the support that we can get. The more people that come, the better we can do, so if everyone can make it out to the games, it would be a big help.