In The Zone With Kerry Hance
11/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
California sophomore Kerry Hance is one of the best defensive players on the Wolverine roster, known for her proficiency is passing and her ability to frustrate the defense with her big digs. High school teammates with Michigan junior Stesha Selsky, Kerry took time out of her busy schedule to talk about her Michigan experience, how she copes with homesickness and why she loves Ann Arbor so much.
How did you balance athletics and academics in your first year of college
"Coming into college, I knew that it would be very difficult to balance both academics and athletics, but after my first year, I realized that you just need to know how to manage your time wisely. When you have a day off or some extra time, you really do have to use it to study and get ahead or to catch up on what youve missed while traveling."
What does the University of Michigan mean to you
"The University of Michigan means a lot of things to me, but the thing that sticks out most in my mind is its great tradition. It is such a unique university and I love being a part of one of the top academic and athletic universities in the country."
Who has influenced you most in your life
"My parents are definitely the biggest influences in my life. They support me in everything that I do, they are always there for me when I need their help and they remind me to keep a positive outlook on life."
What did you work on most in the off-season to prepare for the upcoming season
"This past off-season, I primarily worked on defense. I trained very hard to work on my footwork and improve my quickness. I also worked on expanding my range in the back row so that I would be able to dig more balls."
What is the best thing about getting a really good dig
"The best thing about getting a really good dig is to know you just made the hitter on the other side of the net really, really frustrated because they werent able put it away."
What are some of the favorite classes youve taken at U-M
"I really enjoyed my sociology class because I learned a lot about different aspects of our world today. I also really enjoyed my American culture class, where I learned a lot about the different races, and their development from pre-Columbus to today."
Who is your favorite non-volleyball athlete at U-M and why
"I have met a lot of non-volleyball athletes who are good friends at U-M, but my favorite non-volleyball athlete would have to be my roommate, Madison Gates. She is a terrific soccer player and shes so much fun to be around. She has a lot of energy and always has the ability to put me in a good mood."
How did you get into volleyball
"In fifth grade, I decided I would try out for our volleyball team because a lot of my friends were trying out as well. I continued to play other sports for a while, but I quit softball, track and tennis my freshman year in high school and decided to concentrate solely on volleyball and Ive been hooked ever since."
What do you like most about Ann Arbor
"I love the restaurants in Ann Arbor, the football Saturdays, and the student diversity. I love State Street, especially since there is always so much activity going on."
What is the gameday experience like when you play at home
"The atmosphere at home is unbelievably exciting. It is so much more comfortable playing at home than it is playing in an away gym, and I love playing in front of the dedicated and supportive fans and the hilarious ZONE. I love everything about playing in Keen Arena, especially when the gym is full and the fans are really into our match."
What are some of the challenges of road trips
"The road trips arent too bad, considering we are provided with great travel amenities, but it is a disadvantage not to be in our own comfort zone, without our familiar routines like sleeping in our own beds or practicing in our own gym."
What is the most rewarding thing about playing volleyball for Michigan
"I love being a part of the Michigan athletic community. I think the biggest reward for me, is to know that I am playing my favorite sport at such a prestigious institution as the University of Michigan."
When you get homesick, what helps you cope
"When I am feeling a little homesick, I try to make myself busy at that moment or maybe give a very quick call home. Being homesick usually doesnt last for long because when I miss my friends and family back home, I try to think about all the friends I have made at Michigan, and go out with a few of them and it always makes me feel a lot better. I get to see my parents fairly often, which is about once or twice a month when they come out for games, and that helps a lot too."
What does your familys support mean to you
"My familys support means everything to me because they have been behind me every step of the way in my life. My parents have helped me make important decisions, yet let me learn my own lessons as well. They gave the confidence to go so far from home and really enjoy this wonderful U-M experience. Whether its a quick phone call, or a care package in the mail or a visit to see some of my games, one of my family members always seems to make my day. It is so nice to know that I always have family back home that loves and supports me. "
What are the challenges faced by liberos and defensive specialists
"Everything starts with the touch of the libero or DS, either by a pass or by a dig. If the pass is not good, youve automatically created chaos and youve put the success of the play in jeopardy. It is a hard to position to be in, but the defense that these two positions provide make a huge, and sometimes, game-changing, impact."
What do you miss most about California
"I miss my family and friends, I miss sleeping in my own bed, my dog, my moms home cooked meals, the beach, the warm weather and plenty of other things. I always look forward to going home because it is a completely different life for me."
What was it like to play your first collegiate volleyball matches in the stats of California at the Irvine Classic
"Playing volleyball in California was a huge treat for me. Family members and friends who would never be able to fly out to Michigan to see us play, got to see my team, and me, play for the first time in my college volleyball career and that was pretty amazing. We played some teams where I knew a lot of the players as former teammates or opponents from southern California which was really fun. We won all three of our matches which, of course, made the trip even more enjoyable."
THIS OR THAT
Steak or Sushi: SUSHI
Cereal or Bagel: CEREAL
Sandler or Chappelle: SANDLER
Early Riser or Late to Bed: EARLY RISER
Daffy Duck or Bugs Bunny: DAFFY DUCK
Big House or Yost: BIG HOUSE
Water or Soda: SODA
Bus or Plane: PLANE
Beach or Poolside: BEACH
Mayo or Hold the Mayo: HOLD THE MAYO
Dig or Ace: DIG
Halloween or Valentine's Day: VALENTINES DAY
Coffee or Tea: NEITHER
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
