With the 2020 volleyball season and the rise of the Brent Crouch era on the horizon, we're getting to know the trio of incoming freshmen set to make their debut this fall. Our series continues with Audrey Douglas, a middle blocker hailing from Winter Park, Fla.
Q: Why did you choose to play volleyball at Auburn?
Douglas: I chose to play volleyball at Auburn because as soon as I was able to step foot on campus, I knew that I was in the right spot. I was overwhelmed with the support from the Auburn Family. I knew that it was something that I wanted to be involved with and included in.
Q: With a brand new staff, what are you excited about for the upcoming season?
Douglas: I am so eager for all of the awesome learning opportunities that we get with the new coaching staff. The way that they are able to continue to teach us about the game even in college is exciting. I love that they push us and hold us to a high standard both on and off the court. I am really looking forward to getting to play in this awesome conference and winning some games under them.
Q: Do you have any pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Douglas: I do! I get dressed by putting my clothes, knee pads, ankle braces and shoes on in the same order before every practice and game. I also say a prayer before I step on the court whether it is a practice, open gym or a game.
Q: As a freshman, in what ways do you believe you can make a positive impact on the team this year?
Douglas: I think by being a freshman I can offer a new perspective on the team, how we work together and how we can improve ourselves. I can also bring in a fresh kind of energy that I think will be helpful to the team going forward and hopefully help us perform at a more efficient level.
Q: What is your favorite holiday?
Douglas: I love Christmas because it allows for my whole family to be able to gather together when we previously hadn't seen each other for most of the year. We reminisce on the past year and tell stories from when we all were younger.
Q: What is your intended major and why did you choose it?
Douglas: I am majoring in economics and political science because after college I want to pursue a career in law. I think that the ability to explore these through my major has been and will continue to be very beneficial for me when I get to start law school.
Q: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far in your volleyball career?
Douglas: My greatest accomplishment in my career so far has been winning the National Invitational Tournament three years in a row. It is my greatest accomplishment because my team was able to clinch a Junior Olympic win and 3 AAU Nationals wins. The Triple Crown Tournament is so challenging because only the best teams get invited to play in it.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that the Auburn family should know?
Douglas: I know American Sign Language!
Q: Who is a famous figure you admire?
Douglas: I admire Harry Styles because of how he never accepts the common themes of society. He also promotes the phrase, "Treat people with kindness," which is one way he uses his massive platform to provide more positivity to the world.
Q: How would your friends and family describe you in three words?
Douglas: My friends and family would say that I am intuitive because I'm always quick to pick up on others' feelings, and I try to make everyone feel as welcome as possible. Caring because I always check in on my friends and want to make sure everyone is doing well and is safe. Determined because I am always thinking about what I can do to push myself and make myself the best version of me that I can be.
Q: What makes Auburn volleyball special?
Douglas: Auburn volleyball is special because of the way our team is able to connect both on and off the court. We are able to work under high levels of intensity with our coaches so we are able to improve on our skills under any conditions. The program is special because Auburn is a really unique place with overwhelming support for all athletics.