University of Colorado Athletics
Getting To Know: Katelyn Cuff, Volleyball
June 01, 2015 | Volleyball
This week, CUBuff.com continues its 'Getting To Know' series with junior Katelyn Cuff, a middle blocker from San Diego, Calif.
Question: What have you and the team done this off-season to reflect and build off of last season's efforts?
Answer: First and foremost, I think the biggest thing is after losing to CSU (Colorado State), we wrote16-14 on our mirror. It's kind of a reminder to work hard and go 100%. So, training both on the court and in the training room, we're working really hard and I think everyone has been going 100%.
Q: What can the team do to replace the efforts of the seniors that you lost?
A: I don't think that there is much we can do about the talent loss, because it was very high last year and those player were definitely pivotal to our team. But, I think growing and getting new freshmen, we just have to work on being more of a team. Losing Taylor [Simpson] in particular, one of our best hitters and best players in general, we're not going to have that next year, so everybody's going to need to step up.
Q: How did spring drills and practices go? What was the best part?
A: Spring was really awesome. We're really focused on getting better in general. As a team, I think the 10 of us have been hanging out on and off of the court. We're just doing really well as a team which I think is a big influence on how we're playing on the court and working together.
Q: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season?
A: I'm actually looking forward to people saying we're the underdogs this year, because we lost a huge player (Taylor Simpson), but coming out and showing them that we actually are a really good team. Yes it's a bummer that we lost Taylor and a couple really good seniors, but I think our team is about to step up and not a lot of people are expecting it. So, it's going to be exciting.
Q: What team do you look forward to playing the most during the Pac-12 season? Why?
A: I think I like two in particular. UCLA because a lot of my good friends play on that team, so whenever I play against them, it's just a good time. Playing against them is not only good competition, but a good game. Also, Washington. We beat them multiple years in a row and this year is the year we're going to have to prove ourselves.
Q: What kind of role have you taken now that you have had another year of experience?
A: I feel like coming into spring as a junior, I feel more like an upperclassman. I think just bringing the team together is something that I've really worked on. As a team as a whole, we've all done it. It's really shown through this past spring. Just taking that upperclassman role and rolling with it and making sure that no matter what there's no change over or no bumps in the road. We're just here as a team.
Q: What do you like about being a middle blocker?
A: It's definitely one of the hardest positions in my opinion, because you're moving around all of the time and having to read. There's a lot of technical stuff going along with it. We're just working hard every day. I think the biggest thing I like about it is when I pull a block for the other side of the team, and then Alexis [Austin] or whoever else is on the outside gets huge kills, then points to me and is like, that was your kill because you took out their middle blocker.”
Q: Which do you like better: a devastating kill or a devastating block? Why?
A: I prefer a devastating kill, just because I'm more of an offensive middle blocker, but when I get those blocks, there's nothing like it.
Quick Hits
· Favorite Athlete: Misty May
· Favorite Food: Grilled Cheese
· Favorite TV Show: Grey's Anatomy
· Favorite Movie: The Notebook
· Favorite Music: Country
· Favorite Hobby Outside Of Volleyball: Laying on the beach
· Favorite Vacation Spot: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
· What are your career plans after volleyball? Playing professionally after college or going back to San Diego to figure out my life and get a job
· Biggest Fear: Spiders, snakes, anything disgusting
· Where do you like to eat in Boulder? The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant
· If you could play another college sport, what would it be? Football
· If you could have dinner with 3 people, dead or alive, who would they be? My uncle who passed away, my mom and my grandma who passed away
· One word to describe yourself: Outgoing
· Who is your biggest influence? My parents
· Favorite thing about CU Volleyball: Synergy of the team
· Who's the best singer on the team? Alexis Austin
· Who's the best dancer on the team? Joslyn Hayes
