University of Minnesota Athletics
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Middle Blocker
/ VolleyballPhoto by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Spotlight: Shea Rubright
7/15/2019 9:49:00 AM | Volleyball
Shea Rubright (Yakima, Wash.) completed her West Valley High School career with 927 kills and hit over .470. The Under Armour All-American was named as the No. 12 recruit in the nation and competed within the USA Volleyball circuit. In high school, she helped her team to a title in 2018 and was named the West Valley High School Female Athlete of the Year. After Rubright completed her high school season, she joined the Gophers in January 2019. She competed with the Gophers in the spring season and went on the international trip to Japan back in March. Getting ready to begin her freshman year with the Gophers, take a look as we connect with the 6-foot, 5-inch middle blocker in this recent spotlight.Â
Why did you choose Minnesota?
I chose Minnesota because of the great coaches and the culture they have built here. Just that winning mentality that they have.
When did you start playing volleyball and how did you get into the sport?
I started playing volleyball when I was in eighth grade so about 14 or 15 years old. I started playing because all my friends were doing it and I wanted to try it. A lot of my friends are still playing volleyball, some are playing Division II volleyball, which is really cool and one of my closer friends is a setter at Gonzaga. I played with her since the very beginning and she's the one that really got me into it.
You started your Gopher career early when you joined this past January. Why did you decide to start then and what have you already learned with the team?
I chose to come in January academically and athletically. Academically, it did it so I could get a head start on my degree. I wanted to start earlier so I could finish earlier and then get a master's degree. Athletically, I came so I could get used to that skill jump earlier and just know the program. That way, in the fall, it wasn't that big of an adjustment.
Even though you came here early, you were still able to graduate with your class from high school and go to prom.
It was really fun that I got to fit it all in. At first I was worried that graduation would be earlier and I wouldn't be able to make it back. It worked out and I got to walk with my group of friends that I have been really close to my freshman year. Being able to go to my senior prom was great as well.
You went with the team to Japan, talk about how that trip helped you.
Japan was a great experience. From the food, the different culture, and even playing against an amazing team, I learned so much about myself individually. Also as a team, just to see how we grew and were able to compete against the Japanese team. It was interesting to see how we were able to make that shift in a short amount of time.
What's been the best piece of advice you've received already from your teammates?
Just to work hard. Whether it's weights, practice, open gym, you really have to give everything you have on every rep to be the best that you can be.
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What has it been like working with the Gopher coaching staff?
It's amazing. It's literally a dream come true. They know everything and I trust them. They are so technical and that's really something I look for in a coach.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Traveling and playing in the Big Ten. I'm really looking forward to go to play in places like Penn State and other places. Just to be in that environment with thousands of people watching.
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Quick Hits
Favorite Food: Pad Thai
Favorite sports team or sports person: I really like watching Serena Williams play.
Favorite campus spot: Walking over the Washington Ave Bridge that connects the East Bank and West Bank.
Favorite holiday: Fourth of July
Your role model and why: My dad. It's cliché, but he's been there for me and pushes me to be the best that I can be. It may be tough love sometimes, but I know he will always there and always support me no matter what.
Why did you choose Minnesota?
I chose Minnesota because of the great coaches and the culture they have built here. Just that winning mentality that they have.
When did you start playing volleyball and how did you get into the sport?
I started playing volleyball when I was in eighth grade so about 14 or 15 years old. I started playing because all my friends were doing it and I wanted to try it. A lot of my friends are still playing volleyball, some are playing Division II volleyball, which is really cool and one of my closer friends is a setter at Gonzaga. I played with her since the very beginning and she's the one that really got me into it.
You started your Gopher career early when you joined this past January. Why did you decide to start then and what have you already learned with the team?
I chose to come in January academically and athletically. Academically, it did it so I could get a head start on my degree. I wanted to start earlier so I could finish earlier and then get a master's degree. Athletically, I came so I could get used to that skill jump earlier and just know the program. That way, in the fall, it wasn't that big of an adjustment.
Even though you came here early, you were still able to graduate with your class from high school and go to prom.
It was really fun that I got to fit it all in. At first I was worried that graduation would be earlier and I wouldn't be able to make it back. It worked out and I got to walk with my group of friends that I have been really close to my freshman year. Being able to go to my senior prom was great as well.
You went with the team to Japan, talk about how that trip helped you.
Japan was a great experience. From the food, the different culture, and even playing against an amazing team, I learned so much about myself individually. Also as a team, just to see how we grew and were able to compete against the Japanese team. It was interesting to see how we were able to make that shift in a short amount of time.
What's been the best piece of advice you've received already from your teammates?
Just to work hard. Whether it's weights, practice, open gym, you really have to give everything you have on every rep to be the best that you can be.
Â
What has it been like working with the Gopher coaching staff?
It's amazing. It's literally a dream come true. They know everything and I trust them. They are so technical and that's really something I look for in a coach.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Traveling and playing in the Big Ten. I'm really looking forward to go to play in places like Penn State and other places. Just to be in that environment with thousands of people watching.
Â
Quick Hits
Favorite Food: Pad Thai
Favorite sports team or sports person: I really like watching Serena Williams play.
Favorite campus spot: Walking over the Washington Ave Bridge that connects the East Bank and West Bank.
Favorite holiday: Fourth of July
Your role model and why: My dad. It's cliché, but he's been there for me and pushes me to be the best that I can be. It may be tough love sometimes, but I know he will always there and always support me no matter what.
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