In the Zone with Stesha Selsky
8/29/2006 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Junior setter Stesha Selsky will play her first collegiate match in her home state of California in the second week of the season, giving her family an opportunity to see her play on her home turf. Already one of Michigan's most prolific defensive players, Selsky brings a high volleyball IQ and loads of talent to the Midwest. Stesha took time to speak with MGoBlue.com about her trip to the West Coast, her first two years at U-M and the artistic Selsky daughter who still resides on the West Coast.
Going back to Cali ...
I am really looking forward to the beach and my family. I dont get to see my family very often when Im in school, and most of my family has never seen us play.
West Coast love ...
I definitely love the California weather, In-N-Out Burger (the best burger place ever the Midwest is really missing out), the Manhattan Beach pier, the Santa Monica promenade and of course Hollywood.
West Coast vs. East Coast ...
I would have to say the two coasts are different. People in the Midwest have a different attitude about life. I think people from the Midwest are very nice and dont concern themselves with looks as much as people from the West Coast do. People on the West Coast wear suits to the beach year-round and there is this overarching pressure to look a certain way. And, of course, Hollywood is right there and sometimes the fashion trend is to look too skinny, but that is starting to get a little better.
Is the West the best when it comes to volleyball
I think different volleyball is played on the West Coast. When I say different I mean that the girls know more than one position. Most of the girls play beach volleyball, which means they have to know how to pass, set and hit. In the Midwest, indoor volleyball beach is a lot more prominent. Therefore, girls are more position trained, but are excellent at their position. So, I think it depends on which team is the best that year. However, I do feel that California is the state of beach volleyball... I will argue that.
The debate rages about beach vs. court volleyball ...
I definitely like beach volleyball better! I started there and then learned about indoor volleyball, so technically beach volleyball was my first love and then indoor.
Childhood memories growing up in California ...
The Surf Festival!!! Every August the Surf Festival is held in my hometown. It is a six man tournament where everyone gets dressed up in crazy costumes. It's sort of like Halloween volleyball except the costumes are hilarious. You will have every thing from people dressed as international water polo players to the L.A. Lakers. The warm ups are different too. The Lakers will dunk volleyballs into a hoop off of a trampoline and the Army team will mud wrestle in a baby pool. I always had the time of my life.
The University of Michigan builds strong women ...
U-M means a lot to me because I worked hard academically and athletically to get here. It is far from home so I have become very independent. It has turned into the greatest experience of my life.
A mother of influence ...
My mother influenced me a lot because she was also a volleyball player and knows how much effort it takes to play good volleyball and keep your grades up.
Big digs ...
I love to make big digs. With a great dig you can frustrate the other team and our fans go wild!
Soaking up knowledge at the U ...
Psych III was one of the best classes I've taken at Michigan because it is very interesting to learn how the mind works.
Getting to know other athletes at Michigan ...
I'm a big fan of softball player Alessandra Giampaolo. She is my favorite because she was my roommate freshman year and she is an excellent softball player.
Advice for young volleyball players ...
Dont worry, everyone shanks balls.
A family's athletic success ...
My parents were both excellent athletes. My mother was a volleyball player and my dad played baseball. My parents let me pursue whatever I wanted -- they never pushed me into sports. I could have been anything I wanted to be, but athletics teaches me skills that I can use later in life. (Editor's note: Steshas mother, Lou Ann won a national championship at Long Beach State and is a member of its hall of fame. Her father, Steve, played baseball in the Chicago White Sox organization.)
The artistic Selsky ...
My sister Shana is studying to be a fashion designer. Because I her I learned what great style is and I always know whats in. Shes so good at what she does that the CEO of American Apparel wants her to work for them. I love my sisters and we are going to all live in the same city when we grow up. Im sure of it.
THIS OR THAT -- THE QUICK 10
Beach or Snow: Beach
Bus or Plane: Bus
Movie Theaters or DVD: DVD
Barefoot or Sandals: Barefoot
Apples or Oranges: Oranges
Early Riser or Stay Up Late: Stay Up Late
Bagel or Cereal: Bagel
Steak or Sushi: Steak
White Sox or Tigers: White Sox
Redheads or Blondes: Redheads
Contact: Richard Retyi (734) 763-4423
