Getting To Know: Cierra Simpson, Volleyball

Over the next couple of months, CUBuffs.com will feature a member of the CU Volleyball team each week in a weekly 'Getting to Know' piece.

We will start with junior-to-be Cierra Simpson, a libero from Colorado Springs, Colo.

Question: What have you and the team done this off-season to reflect and build off of last seasonGÇÖs efforts?

Answer: Last season was really awesome, having played with my two sisters. We did a lot of things that CU volleyball hasnGÇÖt done before, but I think we can take what we accomplished last season and move forward with it this season. We have a young team, so the skyGÇÖs the limit, and weGÇÖll really be able to build a cohesive unit, especially moving in years to come.

Q: What can the team do to replace the efforts of the seniors that you lost?

A: I think everybody can step up and take a huge bound to the next level. I donGÇÖt think thatGÇÖs asking too much; in spring season we saw it already. People are making huge strides and really stepping up into positions of leadership.

Q: How did spring drills and practices go? What was the best part?

A: Spring went really well. We accomplished a lot; everybody is getting better. I would say the best part is we practiced really early in the morning. I think that really served us well in terms of really having to wake ourselves up and make an effort to get better in the gym despite the fact that we were tired.

Q: What are you looking forward to this upcoming season?

A: IGÇÖm obviously really excited for the opportunity to play with my sister [Gabby] again, but I also think the team dynamic is a little different this year. The team chemistry is a little better, from what I can tell from spring season. We have quite a few good freshmen coming in, so IGÇÖm really looking forward to seeing what they can contribute.

Q: What is one thing no one knows about the team as a whole or an individual teammate?

A: Everyone on our team has their own sense of humor. Before every home match, we always have a mini-dance party in the locker room. ItGÇÖs usually led by Katelyn Cuff and Joslyn Hayes. It just gets ridiculous; itGÇÖs so funny.

Q: What team do you look forward to playing the most during the Pac-12 season? Why?

A: I do like playing Utah, but I think my favorite team to play in the Pac-12 is Washington, because, I wouldnGÇÖt say that thereGÇÖs bad blood, but weGÇÖve beaten them at home the past two years.

Q: Do you think that you and your sister will be even closer with Taylor graduating?

A: I do. The same kind of situation happened when Taylor graduated when we were playing back in high school. Gabby and I definitely became much closer after Taylor graduated. So, I think itGÇÖll be the same. WeGÇÖre already super close and IGÇÖm sure that weGÇÖll be even closer.

Q: What kind of role have you taken now that you have had another year of experience?

A: I think now, having two years of experience under my belt, I feel a lot more confident in my abilities on the court, especially as a leader. IGÇÖm just trying to become the best leader on the court that I can be and just develop good relationships with everybody on the team.

Q: What do you like about being the libero?

A: I think the thing I like the most about being the libero is itGÇÖs a position thatGÇÖs very overlooked, but you really control a lot of the game, because you control the first contact in most situations. ItGÇÖs a good position. ItGÇÖs very fun because you can take the wind out from the hitterGÇÖs sails. If the outside hitter goes up and creams the ball, and you dig it like itGÇÖs nothing, itGÇÖs the best feeling ever because itGÇÖs like, GÇÿOkay, what else you got?GÇÖ ItGÇÖs kind of just fun to take that power away from the hitters. IGÇÖve heard a lot that the setter is like the quarterback of the team, but the libero is like the warrior of the team, because theyGÇÖre throwing themselves all over the place.

Quick Hits

-+ Favorite Athlete: Michael Phelps

-+ Favorite Food: Sushi

-+ Favorite TV Show: SpongeBob SquarePants

-+ Favorite Movie: Blue Crush

-+ Favorite Music: Rap or Country

-+ Favorite Hobby Outside Of Volleyball: Traveling

-+ Favorite Vacation Spot: HawaiGÇÖi

-+ What are your career plans after volleyball? Play professionally if I can, then after that I would like to work for an advertising firm

-+ Biggest Fear: Heights or spiders

-+ Where do you like to eat in Boulder? Happa Sushi Grill

-+ If you could play another college sport, what would it be? Basketball or Track and Field