Colorado University Athletics
Getting To Know: Nicole Edelman, Volleyball
This week, CUBuff.com continues its 'Getting To Know' series with senior Nicole Edelman, a setter from Boulder, Colo.
Question: What have you and the team done this off-season to reflect and build off of last seasonGÇÖs efforts?
Answer: WeGÇÖve done a lot for us, since we only have 10 girls in this offseason. ThatGÇÖs been really nice because we can all work more on ourselves and we get a lot more reps. So I think as weGÇÖre taking the things that weGÇÖre not good on, the things that really frustrate us, and just really hone in on them and just make a few more adjustments so that we can win a couple more points each set. WeGÇÖve been working really hard this offseason and made a lot of big strides.
Q: What can the team do to replace the efforts of the seniors that you lost?
A: I think it has to be more of a team effort. I mean our seniors carried a big load for us and so next year weGÇÖre going to have to play better defense and our offense is going to have to be more spread out. I think certain people are just going to have to step up. I think itGÇÖll be to our advantage just to have more people have the feeling of, GÇÿItGÇÖs my turn. I need to play better.GÇÖ Everyone is carrying more of a load and really improving that way.
Q: How did spring drills and practices go? What was the best part?
A: They went really well. Our training block was in the morning and so that was an adjustment for a lot of us, getting our bodies ready for volleyball at 6:30 in the morning. We made big strides and we worked really hard.
Q: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season?
A: A lot. WeGÇÖll have a really fun non-conference schedule and itGÇÖs also my last season, which is kind of crazy for me to think about because itGÇÖs gone by so quickly. For me just being from Boulder, being able to play in front of my friends and family for the last time, for the last season, will be really special.
Q: What is one thing no one knows about the team as a whole or an individual teammate?
A: I would say, in general weGÇÖre all a bunch of goofballs. We all like to joke a lot which makes it really fun. WeGÇÖre just all like having a good time.GÇ¥
Q: What team do you look forward to playing the most during the Pac-12 season? Why?
A: I would say Stanford, because, of course they made the Final Four last year and they have a great program. In addition to that, I have a lot of good friends that play for them, so itGÇÖs good to see them and play against them.
Q: Do you have a favorite non-conference opponent? Who and why?
A: I donGÇÖt think so. I think non-conference matches give us a good chance to get the rhythm going and everything. It gives us a different look than West Coast volleyball. I donGÇÖt think IGÇÖve ever had a favorite.
Q: What kind of role are you taking now that you are a senior leader?
A: ItGÇÖs a lot more vocal and I think IGÇÖll be carrying the offensive load next year, which is important. Also, offensive setting-wise. Really just playing more roles and filling the gaps that weGÇÖll have next year. I think itGÇÖs just getting everybody on the same page and really cherishing the moments we have at our school. IGÇÖve been trying to push everyone in practice so that we are ready for the fall season.
Q: What are your expectations for your final season?
A: I definitely want to do better than last year, definitely want to make it back to the [NCAA] Tournament. If we can get in the Sweet Sixteen or higher, that would be ideal. I think just improving every year is important for me.
Q: How does this teamGÇÖs roster compare to that of your previous seasons throughout your collegiate career?
A: I think we probably are one of the most talented teams that IGÇÖve been on and will be on, the skill level and experience-wise. WeGÇÖre young, but we also have a lot of players coming back. ItGÇÖs going to be integrating our tall talents and athletic freshmen into the mix and get them on the same page that weGÇÖre on.
Quick Hits-+ Favorite Athlete: Stephen Curry
-+ Favorite Food: Acai Berry Smoothie
-+ Favorite TV Show: The Bachelor
-+ Favorite Movie: Inception
-+ Favorite Music: All kinds of music
-+ Favorite Hobby Outside Of Volleyball: Sleeping
-+ Favorite Vacation Spot: Hawaii
-+ What are your career plans after volleyball? Playing professionally after my collegiate career, starting my own business or coaching volleyball
-+ Biggest Fear: Spiders
-+ Where do you like to eat in Boulder? The Med
-+ If you could play another college sport, what would it be? Probably basketball
-+ If you could have dinner with 3 people, dead or alive, who would they be? Kerri Walsh, Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela
-+ Best Volleyball Player Of All-Time: Danielle Scott-Arruda
-+ One word to describe yourself: Motivated
-+ Who is your biggest influence? My parents and family
-+ Favorite thing about CU Volleyball: My teammates
-+ WhoGÇÖs the best singer on the team? Joslyn Hayes
-+ WhoGÇÖs the best dancer on the team? Alexis Austin