Aug. 3, 2017
The 2017 Auburn volleyball team boasts a large group of new faces in four freshmen and two transfers and AuburnTigers.com is spending time to get to know these newcomers.
Anna Stevenson, a 6-1 middle blocker from Laurens, S.C., has brought a long list of accolades with her to The Plains and is looking forward to making an immediate impact on the team this season as a freshman.
Q: What made volleyball the sport for you?
A: I honestly tried like every sport possible. I played basketball, soccer, softball, and sadly flag football, but I was the best at volleyball. That's one reason, but I really liked how much of a team sport it is. So much of success in volleyball depends on team chemistry, and I think that makes it special.
Q: You've come to Auburn with a plethora of accolades at the high school/club level. What motivated you during your high school years and what do you attribute all your early successes to?
A: What motivated me in high school was knowing where I was going and that I wanted to come into Auburn ready to contribute. I had the greatest coaches throughout club ball, and all of my teammates were really competitive and pushed me to be a better player. My parents were able to send me to college camps and to various position-training sessions. My dad even drove me to A5 in Georgia one night just so I could practice with my teammate Shea McNamara.
Q: And the general question asked of all newcomersÃÆ'¢Ãƒ¢'¬¦why Auburn?
A: When I came on my first visit, the coaching staff was the first thing I liked. They really seem to care about you as a person, and not just as a player. The campus is definitely perfect, and I wanted a big football school!
Q: What are you looking forward to the most about playing at the collegiate level?
A: I am most excited about playing with and against everyone I've watched on ESPN for the past few years. I think it'll be fun to get to see all the different schools' gyms and see how they compare to Auburn.
Q: What is the most difficult thing about being a middle blocker? What is your favorite thing about the position?
A: I think the hardest thing is blocking because it's not really the most fun thing to practice, but it's super important, so you can't neglect it. My favorite thing about the position is how the setter and I have to connect well. The setters here are so good and both are quick to correct me in a good way, which I really appreciate.
Q: There are a lot of new faces to the Auburn squad this year. What do you hope your role will be on the team and how do you hope to accomplish any personal goals set for yourself?
A: I hope that I'll be able to help the team in whatever role I play. I know Gwyn (Jones) came in last year and was successful on the right side, when she was originally a middle. I hope that I'll be able to contribute no matter where I play. My main goal right now is to just improve and to be more vocal. The team is good about holding everyone accountable and coaching one another, so they'll help me with that.
Q: You've had a few workouts with your teammates under your belt. Who is the biggest joker of the crew and why?
A: They're honestly all pretty funny. Alexa (Filley) and Jesse (Earl) really crack me up. Shaina (White) does too just because she always looks super serious and hardly smiles, but she says the funniest things.
Q: As of now, what are your athletic goals?
A: I'd say my goals are to come in and make a difference and to hopefully go try out for the USA teams like Jesse and Alexa have been able to.
Q: What is your favorite food to snack on and why?
A: My favorite snack is probably Oreos and whole milk, or maybe the squeezy apple sauce things in the refrigerator in the locker room.
Q: If you could pick any celebrity to play you in a movie, who would it be and why?
A: I really have no idea because my two favorite shows are The Office and Parks and Recreation. They're pretty much all I ever watch. All my favorite actors are the guys, so I don't know who I'd pick.
Q: What is the coolest place volleyball has taken you during your career?
A: I think the coolest place volleyball will take me is Puerto Rico. We're going this season, and that'll probably be my favorite volleyball trip ever. I'm so excited for it.
Q: What is the one class you're looking forward to in the Fall?
A: I'm looking forward to the Diverse Learners class; my academic advisor thinks that it's really helpful for my major, which is Elementary Education. I think that Brenna (McIlroy) has taken this class and enjoyed it, so hopefully I will too.
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