Written by Mary Shepherd '17
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) checked in with junior transfer Claire Healy to find out more about her transition from Bucknell University to SCU. She talks about how she will bring her recent experience of volunteering in Africa to the volleyball team.
SCU: What made you decide to transfer to Santa Clara?
CH: I decided to transfer to Santa Clara because I value the Jesuit education. I went to St. Ignatius College Prep for high school and realized that I missed the Jesuit component as a part of my education as well as my athletics.
SCU: What has your transition been like so far?
CH: My transition to SCU has been easy and effortless! The volleyball team as well as other students on campus have been incredibly welcoming. I feel as though I'm in the right place. I look forward to finishing my college education at the university!
SCU: When did you first start playing volleyball?
CH: I think I first started playing volleyball when I was 11 or 12 and then continued to play in high school. I fell in love with the sport instantly!
SCU: Have you always been an outside hitter?
CH: When I initially started playing volleyball, I was a middle. But when I reached the age of 14 or 15, my coaches decided to switch me to an outside hitter. I have loved being an outside hitter because I am able to play both offensively and defensively.
SCU: What did you do over Christmas break?
CH: Over Christmas break, I spent a lot of time with family and friends. I had just returned from a volunteer trip so I wanted to spend time with those who matter most to me!
SCU: Tell us a little about your gap semester from Bucknell. What made you decide to go to Africa?
CH: I wanted to do something that was meaningful to me. I've always wanted to volunteer in a developing country and my semester off seemed like the perfect time to volunteer in Malawi and Tanzania!
SCU: What did you do there?
CH: I volunteered in an infant home in Malawi and a non-profit that awards scholarships to children who can't afford an education, in Tanzania. I was in Malawi for about 5-6 weeks and in Tanzania for about 3-4 weeks. It was the most incredible experience!
SCU: What experiences will you take from your time in Africa and bring to the team?
CH: I found that everyone I met was incredibly happy regardless of the troubles in their lives. I hope to carry that mentality to my everyday life. I have a much greater appreciation for the people in my life and how fortunate I am to live in a place like California.
