Volleyball Alumni Spotlight: Nikki Lindow
July 17, 2015 | Volleyball
During the month of July, we will feature a former member of CU's volleyball team who has gone on to play professionally.
Our next alumni feature is Nikki Lindow, a middle blocker who played for the Buffs from 2010-13.
Question: What was your fondest memory as a Colorado Buffalo?
Answer: My fondest memory as a Colorado Buffalo would be our two big wins against Washington and UCLA during my senior season (2013). Washington was ranked No. 1 in the nation at the time when we beat them. So you can only imagine the feeling we had after such a wonderful game. The UCLA match was memorable for me as well because I blocked my career high that night. If I remember correctly I scored a total of 25 points that match.
Q: Which opponent did you enjoy playing against throughout your career? Why?
A: Even though we never beat them I loved playing against USC. I loved it because they played very high as a team and they were very challenging to play against. I felt that I would get better after playing against tough competition like that.
Q: In what ways did the CU Volleyball program prepare you for your professional career?
A: They prepared me well for my professional career by making our offense quick. When I arrived in Stuttgart the head coach told me that our goal is to make our offense the quickest in the league. I was fully prepared to play a fast game.
Q: Have you had a chance to play with a former Buff or a former conference opponent while playing overseas?
A: Not a former Buff, but I have played against many women who were in the Pac-12 conference. It was really cool to see some familiar faces and to share some stories on our experiences overseas.
Q: What was your experience like as a professional player?
A: My first year playing in Germany couldn't have gone any better. Well, maybe leaving with two Gold medals would have made the year a little better. However, leaving with silver and a gold isn't too shabby. Playing in front of 12,000 people at the Pokal German Cup was mindboggling. Never in my life did I think I would get the opportunity to play in front of that many volleyball fans. Six of the 12,000 were my biggest fans, my family. It was just too cool.
Q: What team(s) did you play for?
A: I played in Stuttgart Germany and the team was called Allianz MTV Stuttgart.
Q: What was it like living in a different country?
A: It was definitely different but not too bad. In Stuttgart the majority of people are able to speak English, which I am very thankful for! The food is different but amazing and much fresher. I love it because I can eat a lot there (haha). Oh, and driving on the autobahn is a blast!!
Q: What is some advice you wish you were given prior to playing overseas?
A: To be prepared to become a coffee fanatic. Everyone drinks so much coffee and I love it!
Q: Are you still an active member in the volleyball community? If so, in what ways?
A: Yes I am. I am currently helping out with Colorado volleyball camp and it has been great to see some familiar faces at camp. It is cool to see the girls I have coached in the past starting to become great volleyball players.
