In the Zone with Kirstin Wagner
11/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Clarendon Hills native Kirstin Wagner is one of Michigan's four fantastic freshmen who have changed the Wolverines' fortunes in the 2006 season. Wagner, a three-time West Suburban All-Conference honoree and Chicago Sun-Times All-Area selection in 2005, has leant her blend of hard work on the court and positive attitude off it to round out the Wolverine roster. A two sport star at Hinsdale Central High School, Wagner moved from being a high jumper and volleyball player to focusing solely on volleyball and she has been getting better and better every week. Wagner took time out of her schedule to answer questions about Michigan, how she got into volleyball and what her biggest anxiety about road trips is.
How did you balance athletics and academics in your first year of college
"I found that going to the academic center on a thrice-weekly basis really helped to keep me on track with my schoolwork. It also helped to make a plan of when I was going to study, eat, sleep, practice and to set due-dates for myself so I made sure I was always caught up with everything. It was a hard adjustment at first since college is so much different than high school in that you only attend two or three classes a day, but the adjustment was easier that I expected."
What does the University of Michigan mean to you
"I am very proud to be a part of the University of Michigan. Not only are the athletics here known nationwide, but this is also a highly prestigious universtiy academically as well."
Who has influenced you most in your life
"My mother has been very influential in my life. I look up to her a great deal. She has raised six kids as a single parent while working full-time as a surgeon for several years now, and her ability to handle all the things in her life without too much stress or chaos has really set a good example for me. My mom has been behind me in every decision or action I have ever taken, and she is always supportive of me."
What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season
"I worked mostly on just staying in shape. I knew that pre-season was going to be tough and I wanted to make sure that I was fit enough to handle the long two-a-days practices. I also played a little beach volleyball just to keep up with my skills."
What is the best thing about getting a really good kill
"I love this feeling of getting a good kill because it feels good to know that you just won a point for your team. It feels good to have everyone get excited over something that you just did to help the team get closer to a win."
What are some of the favorite classes youve taken at U-M
"I am currently in philosophy 262 -- a philosophy class about religion, and it is one of the most intriguing classes I have ever taken. We talk about the many philosophical and reason-based arguments for and against the belief in God. This class has really opened my eyes to many ideas about religion that I had never before considered."
Who is your favorite non-volleyball athlete at U-M and why
My favorite non-volleyball athlete at U-M is definitely my roommate- Alissa Pullos! We get along really well and I have met a lot of other field hockey players through her. It's cool to get to know other athletes outside of volleyball."
How did you get into volleyball
"When I was little I always thought that I was going to play basketball in high school. Then when I was in eighth grade, one of my friends on my basketball team, Chelsea Wilson, suggested that I try out for her volleyball club team. I told my mom there was no way I was going to try out because I had missed the 14 year-old try outs and had to attend the 16 year-old try outs. My mom finally convinced me and I was furious with her the entire time because I was so horrible at volleyball. But my coach took me in and I learned to love the game. I also have my first club coach -- Denise Kavanaugh to thank for my love of volleyball as well."
What do you like most about Ann Arbor
"I love Ann Arbor for its diversity. I went to a 99% white high school, most of whom were upper class, so my school had very little diversity. I love walking around Ann Arbor and seeing people of all different races and ethnicities. I have met so many cool people that I never would have met in my hometown."
What are some of the challenges of road trips
"I think the most challenging thing about road trips is the anxiety of the possibility of forgetting something. Every time I pack for a road trip I double-check my suitcase about 10 times to make sure I'm not forgetting anything."
What is your best road trip story
"I don't really have any crazy stories at this point because luckily I haven't messed up too badly on a road trip... yet... (knock on wood)."
What is the most rewarding thing about playing volleyball for Michigan
"The best thing about playing volleyball for Michigan is definitely the relationships that I make with my teammates. I love everyone on the team so much, and I have already made friendships that I'm sure will last for years to come."
THIS OR THAT
Steak or Sushi: STEAK
Cereal or Bagel: CEREAL
Sandler or Chappelle: CHAPPELLE
Early Riser or Late to Bed: LATE TO BED
Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny: BUGS BUNNY
Big House or Yost: BIG HOUSE
Water or Soda: SODA
Bus or Plane: PLANE
Beach or Poolside: POOLSIDE
Mayo or Hold the Mayo: MAYO
Dig or Ace: KILL
Halloween or Valentine's Day: HALLOWEEN
Coffee or Tea: NEITHER
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
