Sophomore transfer, Chesney McClellan, knew coming to Auburn was the right choice because this place was always in the back of her mind. When she went through the original recruiting process, Auburn was the first school she visited and it always stood out to her.
"Auburn was always in the back of my head," McClellan said. "I had great memories when I came the first time, so I thought it would be a great fit for the second time around."
McClellan played in four matches with one start as a freshman at Nebraska. She recorded seven kills and four blocks against Rutgers, hitting .462. In high school she was on the 2016 Under Armour All-America First Team. McClellan also ranked No. 26 on PrepVolleyball.com Senior Aces list, 2015 and 2016 Tennessee Sports Writers Association Class AAA all-state team and played club volleyball for K2.
Q: When going through the recruiting process again, what made you want to come to Auburn?
A: Auburn was actually the first school I visited in my original recruiting process when I was around 14, and it always stood out to me. Auburn was always in the back of my head. I had great memories here when I came the first time, so I thought it would be a great fit for the second time around.
Q: What is your favorite Auburn tradition?
A: I haven't been here for any of the traditions Auburn does yet, but I would have to say Rolling Toomer's sounds really cool.
Q: Why'd you start playing volleyball and what made you want to continue to play?
A: I actually played basketball since I was four years old, and I only have been playing volleyball since I was a freshman in high school. I just thought it was more fun. I always thought it was more satisfying when I got a kill or a block. There's certain aspects of volleyball that are just unique from other sports. That definitely made me want to stay. It also was the people I met through volleyball and the relationships I built from it. I just love the nature of the game.
Q: What is your biggest goal athletically while being at Auburn?
A: My biggest goal would be to become an All-American. Since I'm only a sophomore, I have plenty of time to do it and a lot of time to get better. That's definitely something I want to accomplish.
Q: What moment do you think defined you as a volleyball player?
A: I think there's a lot of moments, but no one moment in particular doesn't really stick out in my mind. I guess I would have to say any moment when I get a really good block or a really good swing. It's just something I would say I'm known for, so when I get a big or important point for my team then those are what defines me.
Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitions?
A: One superstition I have is I always have to have a hair tie on my tennis shoe. It's just something I've always done because when I was younger, I had a hair tie on my wrist before a game. Since we aren't allowed to have hair ties on our wrists, I put it on my shoe. I've done it ever since, and I would be scared to play without one on my shoe.
Q: What's your favorite home cooked meal?
A: My favorite home cooked meal would have to be meatloaf. My mom makes really good meatloaf, so that sticks out.
Q: What makes you unique?
A: I think as an athlete, at a big campus like Auburn, I try not to let athletics define me. I always try to make sure I have other activities. There's other things I want to do. A lot of people tend to think of athletes that they only focus on their sport and nothing else, but I really try to do other things and be involved with other organizations. I just try to be a well-rounded person.
Q: What makes Auburn unique?
A: There's so much tradition and pride. Everyone that loves Auburn and is an alum loves it here and takes so much pride in being a part of the Auburn Family. You don't find that everywhere.
Q: If you had a million dollars to donate to any charity, which one would you want it to be?
A: I would donate to childhood cancer.
Q: If you had to play any other sport at Auburn which one would it be and why?
A: I would swim. I swam all through middle school and a little bit through high school, and I loved it. When it came to focusing on one sport, I chose volleyball, but I did love swim.
Q: If you could hire any actress to play you in a movie about your life, who would it be and why?
A: Jennifer Lopez. I don't know, I just love her.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
A: Thank you for being so supportive, warm and welcoming. It's been such a smooth adjustment, and I can't thank them enough.