In the Zone With Liz Raschke
10/31/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
In this Halloween edition of In The Zone, sophomore Liz Raschke takes time out of her busy schedule of getting ready for Candy Day to answer questions about her favorite Halloween costumes, her best road trip story and how she got into volleyball.
How did you balance athletics and academics in your first year of college
"It was pretty easy to balance. I came really well prepared from classes I had taken in high school, and I actually thought it was easier since homework wasnt due and classes weren't every day. Being an athlete helps because you have a more structured day and you know exactly when you can do things, and you slack off less. In addition to that, the Academic Center really provided helpful resources, like the tutors in the math room."
What does the University of Michigan mean to you
The University of Michigan means tradition. It has a legacy of excellence in academics and athletics, and I think that is why we have so many rivals. People are always out to beat the best. I also like how the University is so diverse. At home people were all alike, and here I can meet so many different types of people with unique styles from all areas of the country."
Who has influenced you most in your life
My mom! She taught me how to cook, drive and balance my checkbook. I owe it all to her."
What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season
"I played a lot of beach volleyball with my friends. But the thing that I really wanted to focus on was just coming back in shape. One of my friends is really fast and he gave me some tips on running, and I passed all my fitness tests!"
What is the best thing about getting a really good ace
"Getting an ace really makes me feel like I made a difference. I feel like I'm really doing my job. I think the best feeling though, is getting a dig. It affects the momentum and I think it's the one thing that can completely change the momentum of the game. What is better than denying a kill"
What are some of the favorite classes youve taken at U-M
"My favorite class so far has been creative writing. I've also liked poetry, and late medieval history."
How did you get into volleyball
"One of my cousins, Kristin, is four years older than me, and she played volleyball when I was little. I loved watching her matches, and she made me pass with her during family gatherings. I have been addicted ever since.
What do you like most about Ann Arbor
"I love the diversity in general. This is a town that has personality."
What is the gameday experience like when you play at home
"Well, we wake up, have pregame meal, come home for a little and get ready, get to Cliff Keen, have some music playing in the locker while everyone is getting pumped, get dressed, practice, do the warmup, and I always sing the Star Spangled Banner to Bowman. By the end of that, I'm ready and pumped up for Percy to do announcements. With all of this and the combination of the Zone, the gameday experience is one of the best feelings I get."
What are some of the challenges of road trips
"I always feel like I'm forgetting the most important thing. It's also hard to whip out your books and study."
What is your best road trip story
"I loved our trip to California this preseason. Perhaps the best group of people that could be in a van at once, me, Gregg (Whitis), Wyman (Khuu), Kerry (Hance), Beth (Karpiak) and Veronica (Rood). It was hilarious every second, Veronica will ask the craziest questions."
What is the most rewarding thing about playing volleyball for Michigan
"What were some of the challenges/rewards of being a back-up setter last year
I love being a setter. I feel like it's a key position on the court and I love being able to make all the decisions. It's so powerful, and any day spent doing it is a good one."
What was your favorite Halloween costume
"I LOVE Halloween, and I love dressing up (but not as much as our trainer Will). My friend from home Liz and I would always come up with a crazy costume. One year we were French maids and it was awesome. But last year, all of the freshmen had the best costumes, I was Supomi, Beth (Karpiak) was Scrackin, Liz (Andary) was Spoppin and Kerry (Hance) was Snoo. If you dont know, ask Gervis."
Describe your role as the teams super server
"Well Rich, I'm a people pleaser, and if the people ask me for aces, that is what I must give them. Honestly, I really enjoy having the opportunity to change things, and I'm glad that it's something that I can control as much as serving!"
THIS OR THAT
Steak or Sushi: Turkey
Cereal or Bagel: Scrambled Eggs
Sandler or Chappelle: Chris Rock
Early Riser of Late to Bed: I never sleep
Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny: Elmer Fudd
Big House or Yost: IM Building
Water or Soda: Lemonade
Bus or Plane: Ferarri
Mayo or Hold the Mayo: Mustard
Dig or Ace: Both! Then Dani gives me gum, but dont tell Leisa.
Halloween or Valentine's Day: Christmas
Coffee or Tea: Hot Chocolate
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
