University of Iowa freshman middle blocker Blythe Rients caught up with hawkeyesports.com to talk about her favorite moment from 2019, how she see’s her role changing in year two, and her career plans after college and more.
Q: Where are you right now?
A: I am currently at my house in Eagan, Minnesota with my family.
Q: How are you interacting with your teammates?
A: My team and I have kept in touch via Zoom meetings with our program discussion training, doing team activities like trivia, and looking at options for what our return may look like when we get closer to our season.
Q: What was your favorite moment from last year?
A: The most memorable moments from last year was just getting to know all of my teammates because I am a freshman. One specific game that was very memorable for me was our senior night against Maryland at home; it was our last game in Carver Hawkeye Arena before we move to Xtream Arena in Coralville and we ended it with a win. It was really hard to say goodbye to our seniors because of their incredible leadership and mature presence on our team.
Q: What are you most looking forward to when you get back on the court?
A: I am looking forward to getting some wins with my team! We are returning a big group of girls who are ready to compete and I can’t wait to get to do that in our new facility that we are beyond grateful for.
Q: How has the adjustment gone to online classes?
A: My classes have been pretty difficult to take online because of the interaction that I am really used to in many of my courses, but I appreciate all of the hard work that my professors have put into making online classes as beneficial and as seamless as possible.
Q: How do you see your role changing on the team as Sophomore?
A: As a sophomore, I already feel more confident going into preseason and the season itself. Coming into the Big Ten as a freshman can be intimidating just because of all of the unknown, but now with one season under my belt, I am hoping to continue to build connections with my teammates on the court as well as off. Volleyball is the epitome of a team sport, and whichever team can build their connections the fastest after this break is going to succeed.
Q: What is something you and your family doing to pass the time?
A: We are all trying to work and do school from home. Our dog is probably having the time of her life right now with all of the constant attention and walks. I have been cooking some new and tasty dinners.
Q: What is your major and future career plans?
A: I am majoring in Civil Engineering going into Pre Architecture with a Spanish minor too. I am excited to get to be able to combine math and science with design with being able to continue my studies in Spanish which I have been learning since Elementary School. All of these subjects really interest me so I am excited to see what I can do with what I learn here at Iowa.
