Volleyball: Getting To Know Naghede Abu

Naghede Abu is our third freshman in our Getting To Know series. Learn about the freshman middle blocker from Riverside, Calif.

Question: What are you looking forward to most this upcoming season as a freshman?

A: I'm looking forward to growing incredibly as a player and learning more about the game.

Q: Looking at the four non-conference tournaments, which opponent are you looking forward to playing most and why?

A: I'm looking forward to playing the teams in the Rice Invitational the most. Texas always had some of the best volleyball in the country during club season and I'm excited to see what they have to offer at the collegiate level.

Q: The Pac-12 is always a tough conference to play in with many perennial powerhouses. Which team(s) are you most excited about playing and why?

A: I look forward to playing UCLA & USC because it gives me a chance to see my family and friends again on the road.

Q: Why did you chose to play volleyball at Colorado?

A: I chose to be a Buff because it's just fits perfectly. It's extremely beautiful and I love the environment I will be playing in. It is the perfect place to grow and develop my game. I love the vision that Coach Kritza has for the program and I really want to be a part of that. I also love that I will get to see my family on the road when we play in California.

Q: What do you think is going to be the biggest difference between high school and college volleyball?

A: I know that volleyball at the collegiate level will be a lot faster than it is at the high school level and that scares me a little, but I'm very excited to get going.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on you so far and why?

A: My mother has been there for me through it all. She has been my biggest supporter and has always given me the motivation to do things and try things that not even I thought I was capable of. Her strength and incredible work ethic motivates me to succeed.

Q: If you could play another sport besides volleyball in college, what would it be and why?
A: Definitely basketball. I have always enjoyed the extremely physical nature of basketball and I will always possess a passion for it.

Quick Hits

• Favorite Athlete: Kobe Bryant

• Favorite Food: Spaghetti and meatballs

• Favorite TV Show: Scandal

• Favorite Movie: The Proposal

• Favorite Music: Rap, R&B

• Favorite Hobby Outside Of Volleyball: I love to cook

• Favorite Vacation Spot: Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria

• What are your career plans after volleyball? Become a healthcare administrator

• Biggest Fear: I have a crippling fear of heights

• If you could have dinner with 3 people, dead or alive, who would they be? Barack Obama, Kobe Bryant, and my beautiful mother always.

• Best Volleyball Player Of All-Time: Foluke Akinradewo. She's just so great at everything.