With first serve of the 2021 season a month away, Auburn volleyball preps for a full fall slate under head coach Brent Crouch. As the season approaches, we'll introduce the six new Tigers donning an Auburn uniform for the first time in their careers. First up is Liz Reich, a Colorado Springs, Colo. native and a graduate transfer from the University of Portland.
Q: Why did you choose to finish your career at Auburn?
Reich: Auburn checked all of the boxes for me. It had the degree I was looking for as well as a volleyball team and a conference that competes at a really high level. I love the coaches, and I'm excited to be a part of rebuilding this program.
Q: How is Auburn different from other schools you've visited?
Reich: The University of Portland had a small school feel that I was looking for during my undergrad. Now, I am really excited to finish my career somewhere that is totally different from everything I've been a part of during my previous four years of school. Auburn gives me a big school experience, but with a local, home-like twist where everyone here is excited to have you join the Auburn family.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
Reich: I want to shake up the SEC this year. I want to finish my volleyball career competing at the highest level that I have so far, and I want to leave knowing that I helped push Auburn volleyball upward.
Q: If you could trade places with any famous figure for a day, who would it be and why?
Reich: Simone Biles. I'd love to be able to do some crazy flips and then get the chance to stand on an Olympic podium.
Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that the Auburn Family should know?
Reich: I'm an Army brat. My dad served 22 years in the Army. Go Army!
Q: Besides volleyball, what is one Auburn sport you are excited to cheer on this year?
Reich: Women's basketball. I think basketball is a super cool sport and the girls on our team are all total studs.
Q: What is your favorite dessert?
Reich: I love banana bread! It's the one thing I can successfully make myself.
Q: Where is your dream vacation destination?
Reich: I would love to go to Norway. I think it would be an amazing cultural experience with so many beautiful sights to see. My grandpa is Norwegian, so I also think it would be a cool thing to do in memory of him.
Q: What advice would you give to younger girls who want to play volleyball at the highest level?
Reich: I would tell them to work their absolute hardest every single day and to do it all with a smile. Be the kid who does extra. The best competitors out there make the hard things habits.
Q: What is your favorite memory with the team so far?
Reich: Our team Fourth of July hike. Audrey (Douglas) basically cleared the path for us with how many times she tripped over things.
Q: What makes the coaching staff at Auburn different from other coaches you've had in your career?
Reich: Brent was actually the coach who originally recruited me to the University of Portland. I played my freshman season with him and now get the chance to finish off my career with him four seasons later, which I think will be really special. The staff here was a huge part of my decision to come to Auburn. I think they teach their players not only how to be good volleyball players, but also how to be really mindful, life-long learners. This is the type of culture that Brent, Alex and Rick are trying to build here at Auburn that I am so fired up to be a part of. By coming to Auburn, I chose to surround myself with some of the best coaches and people out there.