Oct. 2, 2012
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Allison Straumann, the lone senior on the UI volleyball team, goes one-on-one on topics ranging from what led her to Iowa City and the Hawkeye volleyball program, to the most influential person in her life. Straumann is from Cary, Ill.
What is it like working with coach Dingman and the coaching staff?
“Working with this coaching staff is great. They all are making us better as athletes and want us to be the best athletes we can be. Sharon is a great head coach, and she does an awesome job coaching each person to their individual needs. I can’t say enough about the staff.”
What led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye volleyball program during the recruiting process?
“It was a combination of things. I really loved the school at first, and once I got into the volleyball program, it was just the cherry on top. It was everything I wanted — great facilities, coaches, everything. It was close enough to my hometown that it was doable to go home if I needed to. And, it’s the Big Ten. You cannot beat the Big Ten Conference. That was another huge thing for me. Iowa is a great school and a great athletic program; that’s what sealed it for me.”
What facet of your game has improved the most since spring and what are you working on the most heading into the fall?
“My passing. I’ve been focusing on trying to get my feet to the ball quicker, that way I can angle the ball to the target every time. I’ve been working really hard with the coaches, trying to make every ball have good contact.”
As the team’s only senior, how do you try and help the newcomers and lead the underclassmen?
“There are certain things you can do on and off the court to help them integrate what I’ve been doing for three years. It’s letting them feel comfortable, being intense but at the same time helping them. It’s not always about “you have to get that ball up!” it’s “ok, get your feet there next time”… trying to help them and not being intense right off the bat. I try and help them off the court as well. I want to try and set a good example and hopefully they can continue that throughout their years here, so that’s important.”
What is the goal for 2012?
“Make it to the NCAA tournament. That is our team goal.”
What are your individual goals for this season?
“Personally, I want to have fun with it. Do the best that I can every match, every practice, and take advantage of every minute I have still on the court.”
Is there any significance to the jersey number you wear?
“I have worn No. 22 pretty much my whole sports career. I played soccer before volleyball and I was 22 and it carried over. Of course I’ve had little number changes, but I’ve always been 22. It’s just my number.”
What did you do during your free time over the summer?
“I went to the pool a lot. I love to be outside, so I was with a bunch of the girls from the team always just doing something outside. It was fun.”
Who is the most influential person in your life?
“I would say my mom and my sister. My mom is everything to me. My sister plays college basketball and is younger than me, so it’s a different angle — looking up to my younger sister. She tore her ACL before she went to college. She went through so much that I can’t even imagine going through. She’s so strong, I really admire that.”
What is your favorite place to be on campus?
“I love in the summertime when all the people are studying outside on the Pentacrest. I love walking through there and even sitting down myself, reading a book or doing something.”
What is your favorite movie?
“I love Remember the Titans. That’s one of my favorites. My brother played football, so I’m obsessed with football. I’m a big movie guru, so any chick flick I love.”
What is your favorite food/meal?
“I’m a really simple girl. I love burgers, fries, that kind of stuff. Just a really plain classic American girl.”