Colorado University Athletics
Volleyball Alumni Spotlight: Alyssa Valentine
July 08, 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 Alyssa Valentine, a setter who played for the Buffs from 2010-11.
Question: What was your fondest memory as a Colorado Buffalo?
Answer: My fondest memory would probably be “pain train Fridays” with Hardy or climbing the incline in the midst of preseason...very memorable experiences.
Q: Which opponent did you enjoy playing against throughout your career? Why?
A: I loved that I had the opportunity to play in two different conferences during my two seasons at CU. My favorite opponent was probably Nebraska. Away or home their fans always packed the gym and were probably the nicest fans I've ever played in front of. I also loved playing against UCLA and USC since I grew up watching games in both of those venues.
Q: In what ways did the CU Volleyball program prepare you for your professional career?
A:There were a lot of ways in which my mental toughness was tested while at CU, whether it be in the weight room, on the practice court or in the stadium on game day. I learned a lot about what challenges I could endure and after playing at CU I was prepared to welcome new challenges with a relatively optimistic attitude.
Q: Have you had a chance to play with a former Buff or a former conference opponent while playing overseas?
A: I didn't get to play with a former Buff but I did get to live in the same city as one of them! My former teammate, Ana Pantovic was attending school in Geneva while I was playing for Geneve Volley this past year.
Q: What was your experience like as a professional player?
A: My first season was filled with volleyball: two-a-day practices, multiple games a week, traveling to different countries, eight-hour bus rides, etc. My second season was extremely relaxed giving me the opportunity to travel more during the season. I basically got to experience both ends of the spectrum.
Q: What team(s) did you play for? (if you played for more than one, which one was your favorite and why?)
A: I played my first season in Hamburg, Germany for VT Aurubis and my second season in Geneva, Switzerland for Geneve Volley. Both of my experiences were very different and I enjoyed each for different reasons. In Germany, I played with an amazing group of girls and was able to take part in some really unique experiences like Oktoberfest and curling with the German Olympic team. In Switzerland, I was able to travel all over Europe and start to experience life without volleyball at the center.
Q: What was it like living in a different country?
A: I absolutely loved the experience! At first it was a bit overwhelming but as time went on I became very accustomed to living abroad. It definitely took some adjusting in terms of culture, language, time change, pace of life, food, really the list is endless, but once I got comfortable with the uncomfortable, life became a lot easier and more enjoyable.
Q: What is some advice you wish you were given prior to playing overseas?
A: Honestly everyone's experience is probably going to be pretty different. I had read about the challenges of playing overseas and no matter how many times somebody tells you it can be lonely or that it's frustrating trying to get around in a country where you don't speak the language, it's something you really only understand when you experience it for yourself. Some advice I did get before going over was to learn the language and to take part in as much of the culture as possible. Even though I did study with Rosetta Stone, take a French course and listen to podcasts, I never fully immersed myself in the language. It may be tough when you're experiencing so many novel things at once but it can really expand your worldview and help you get the most out of your time overseas.
Q: Are you still an active member in the volleyball community? If so, in what ways?
A: I take part in CU volleyball camps during the summer and am hoping to play in some outdoor tournaments this year.
