In the Zone with Erin Moore and Wil Turner
11/28/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
No program can be as successful on and off the floor as Michigan volleyball without key members of the support staff who may not get their names in print but are integral to the day to day life of the team. The job of helping run the gameday experience at Cliff Keen Arena falls in part to Michigan's Director of Volleyball Operations, Wolverine All-American Erin Moore. Moore earned NCAA All-America honors in her senior season at U-M, leading the Wolverines to the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2003 before going off to play professional volleyball in Spain. Moor returned in the summer to take her current post with the team and has had a positive impact on many aspects of the program. Just ask the Blue Aces. Erin took some time out of her day while packing for the NCAA Tournament to answer some questions about her return to Ann Arbor.
What has it been like coming back to U-M What makes volleyball different than other sports you've covered
"It's been good to come home. I forgot how much I enjoy Ann Arbor. I had a great experience here and now am getting the opportunity to see the business side of athletics so I am learning a lot."
How has your relationship with the Rosens changed from player to colleague
"I think we've moved from a player-coach relationship to being friends. There is a mutual respect on both ends and I think all of us see different aspects of the team so we all bring something to the table when we talk about practice or upcoming matches."
How has the Michigan volleyball experience changed since you graduated
"That's a hard question to answer because everyone's experience so personal. I think you always grow individually and develop strong friendships with your teammates. If you play here, you are always part of something greater than yourself, even greater than your team. Those aspects of the Michigan experience don't change."
What are you doing after the season
I am looking into joining some pro teams either halfway through their seasons (in Europe) or starting up in January in Puerto Rico. Things are a bit hazy as to the details but we'll see."
Michigan prides itself on being the Leaders and Best in a number of areas, one of which is Athletic Medicine. Michigan volleyball is fortunate to have the services of Wil Turner, in his sixth year at the University and his third with the volleyball program. Wil's experience spans a number of sports and some of his luck has already rubbed off on one Michigan team -- the U-M softball team. In Turner's first year with the Michigan softball team, the Wolverines captured the national championship. Wil took time out of his busy schedule to give a glimpse into the life of an athletic trainer and tell us all what it's like to be an Ohio State graduate whose wardrobe is predominantly maize and blue.
What are some of the challenges of the volleyball season from your standpoint
"The challenge I face every year is covering two sports at once. Since I work directly with both volleyball and the softball team, I have to make myself very accessible to all student-athletes on both teams. It's all about time management and I have great co-workers who are able to help whenever they can."
What are some common ailments among people who volleyball
"Every year is different. One year you might see a lot of ankle sprains and another year you might see a slew of shoulder injuries. Some of the most common injuries I have seen so far include ankle sprains, ACL tears, meniscal tears and shoulder tendinitis."
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Does being a Buckeye ever pose a problem while working with a Michigan team
"Honestly, no. I enjoy working in Michigan athletics. Sometimes the team may tease me here and there but it's all in fun. While I will always treasure the education/experience I received in undergrad at OSU, working at Michigan has shaped me into the person I am today."
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
