By Sarah Jackson '14

Freshman Nikki Hess (NH) has really enjoyed her freshman year so far while staying active in the off-season playing beach and indoor volleyball preparing for next season. Hess talks a little bit about how she is hopeful for a great season and a chance at winning the WCC next fall.

SCB: Playing a lot this past season and being named to the WCC All-Freshman Team, how have you been motivated you going forward for your upcoming season?

NH: It has definitely motivated me to continue to improve. I still have a lot of work to do in order to help my team improve and achieve our goal of winning a WCC championship, but my teammates are supportive and we are holding each other accountable in order to reach our goal.

SCB: What has your off-season training been like?

NH: Since the start of Winter quarter we have been playing beach volleyball and remaining to train for indoor. We have weights three times a week in the morning, usually followed by an hour of indoor practice. Later that day we go to Los Gatos High School and practice in the sand. The other two days we spend indoors either working on individual skills or having a team practice.

SCB: What are you looking forward to most for next season?

NH: We have a goal set to win the WCC and that is what I am ready to do. I am ready for our team to show how hard we have been working and how much we have improved so we can achieve this goal. We still do have a long road ahead but we are headed in the right direction.

SCB: Now being a little more acclimated with the environment at Santa Clara as a student- athlete, has your views or thoughts changed/stayed the same since you first arrived?

NH: After being here for almost seven months now, I've truly enjoyed it. I love the campus and the environment I am surrounded with, both in the classroom and in the gym. I have made some great friends, especially my teammates, and also have made amazing memories so far. Since first arriving at Santa Clara I think my views have definitely changed in a positive way and I am looking forward to spending the rest of my four years of college here.