Amanda Ronan, Media Relations Student Intern
Ambitious is an understatement when it comes to Mica Allison and her determination to be the best volleyball player that she can be. Excited is another understatement when it comes to how Allison feels about being a part of the Auburn volleyball program. She knew Auburn was the school for her after just one day of visiting and getting to know the coaches, the campus and seeing how welcoming the girls on the team were.
"I want to play professional volleyball after college," Allison said. "I want to do everything that I can at and for Auburn, so I can set myself up for my future career with volleyball."
Allison was a 2018 USA Volleyball Junior National Team member as well as a 2017 USA Volleyball National Youth Team member. In addition, she was ranked the No. 7 overall recruit in the country on the 2018 Senior Aces list, 2017 AVCA Under Armour All-America third team, 2015 USA Volleyball High Performance Select A1 and a four-time First Team All-Conference. Allison helped guide Saint Thomas Moore High School to their first-ever Illinois State Championship in 2017 and led the Illini Elite VBC to a AAU 17 Open National Championship in 2017.
Q: What made you want to come to Auburn early?
A: High school wasn't that fun for me and I knew coming early would help a lot. Especially if I wanted to play in the fall. My mom was really supportive in the decision.
Q: Which older girl on the team do you see being an impactful role model for you?
A: Gwyn Jones. She was my big sister, so she helped me out a lot. She texted me a lot and always asked if I needed anything. She has been really helpful.
Q: What did you miss most about missing your last semester of your senior year?
A: It was just hard seeing everyone from back home having fun. I missed prom. Just the little fun things and traditions that seniors at my high school do at the end of the year, that's what I missed the most probably.
Q: How has being an early enrollee benefited your volleyball career at Auburn?
A: It's been great because I've gotten a good feel for Auburn and the coaches. Seeing how Auburn works and what the volleyball program is like well before the fall, has really benefited me.
Q: What's your favorite aspect of volleyball?
A: I would say being on a team. Especially since the team isn't big, so you really get close with everyone. I also love the energy and how it's so fast pace. It's just so fun.
Q: What's your mindset going into each match?
A: I've always been told to not worry about anything else like the other side, but just focus on our side going into games. Not worrying about the outside stuff.
Q: What's your favorite memory of playing volleyball?
A: Definitely winning the national championship for club or the state championship in high school.
Q: Who is your biggest fan?
A: My parents because they've been there for everything. They always try to get to games. They're really supportive with everything, and they've helped me get to where I am now.
Q: What are your goals athletically while being at Auburn?
A: I want to play professional volleyball after college. I want to do everything that I can at and for Auburn, so I can set myself up for my future career with volleyball.
Q: What will you miss most about home?
A: I really do miss my family. I was always with them when I was home. I miss home-cooked meals a lot too. I miss my mom's tacos and baked spaghetti.
Q: When going through the recruiting process, in which moment did you realize Auburn was the right school for you?
A: I remember when the day was over during my first visit here, I was walking with my dad by the SADC, and I told him that this is where I wanted to be. I don't remember what it was. I just loved the campus, the coaches and the girls were very welcoming. I knew it was where I wanted to be. I knew it right away and there was not another school for me. I didn't even question it.
Q: How has your experience been playing on the national junior team?
A: It's definitely a good place for me to grow. I've been able to play teams from all over which is really cool. It really helps prepare you for collegiate volleyball as far as level of play goes. It's so much higher than club. It's really helpful.
Q: What has been your favorite moment with that experience?
A: The whole experience. The coaches and girls are a lot of fun. The experience as a whole has been really fun.
Q: If you could hire any actress to play you in a movie about your life, who would you hire and why?
A: I'd probably go with Blake Lively. When I was 14, I was told that I look like her.
Q: If you could give a message to the Auburn Family, what would it be?
A: The atmosphere that the Auburn Family has created is one of a kind. Everyone is so supportive. The Southern Hospitality is real. I'm coming from a northern state, and the Auburn Family makes it noticeable with how nice and supportive they are.