With the 2020 volleyball season less than a week away and the rise of the Brent Crouch era on the horizon, we wrapped our introductions of the newest Tigers on The Plains with Elif Su Yavuz, an international transfer from Ankara, Turkey.
Q: Why did you choose to play volleyball at Auburn?
Yavuz: Coming to the United States for college and volleyball was my dream in high school. This year, I decided to go after my dream, and Auburn was the best way to do it. It has the best opportunities for student-athletes.
Q: What was your trip from Turkey to Auburn like?
Yavuz: It was 15 hours in total. I flew from Ankara to Istanbul. Then I flew to Atlanta. From Istanbul to Atlanta. It was 11 hours. Since other passengers constantly opened and closed the windows on the plane, I could not detect if it was day or night. I felt like I was getting jet lag, and then when I got here, the jet lag came.
Q: How have your teammates helped you get adjusted with school and at practice during these unprecedented times?
Yavuz: They are helping me the best they can. They have been showing me around and teaching me the things that I don't know. They are completely with me as I get used to the differences I encounter here.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge for you in adjusting so far?
Yavuz: Other than missing my family, classes are so different than in Turkey. There are so many assignments. It was hard for me to adjust to this, but with the support from my tutors and coaches, it is getting easier.
Q: What is your favorite home-cooked meal?
Yavuz: This question has many answers for me, but if I have to choose, it would be Turkish ravioli and stuffed meatballs. They are so delicious.
Q: If you could have any superpower what would it be?
Yavuz: If I were to choose a superpower, it would be flying. Being able to fly when and where you want is total freedom. That has been my answer to this question since childhood.
Q: What is your intended major and what do you plan to do with it?
Yavuz: I'm studying political science, and I wish to work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Q: What has been the highlight of your volleyball career so far and why?
Yavuz: I think coming to Auburn might be my highlight because it was my dream for many years, and now it is a dream come true.
Q: If we made a movie about your life, what would it be titled and who would you want to star as you?
Yavuz: If we think about this part of my life, it would be called "Season of New Beginnings." I would want Blake Lively as the star because I've loved her ever since I watched "Gossip Girl."
Q: What message do you have for the Auburn family about how excited you are to join this team and begin playing?
Yavuz: First of all, I've been far enough away from volleyball (like all of us) because of COVID, and that adds to my excitement to start playing. When we start playing our matches, we want all of you to support us and share our excitement.