University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Volleyball Spotlight: Kellie McNeil
10/18/2011 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Oct. 18, 2011
Freshman setter Kellie McNeil has seen action at both the outside hitter and setter position this year. Playing in 19 sets this season, McNeil has 12 blocks, 35 assists and 10 digs. Graduating early from high school, McNeil played spring volleyball last year and has been on campus since January 2011. Here's a short question and answer as well as a video interview with the rookie.
Q: You were a high school standout at Lakeville North. What were some of the best moments during
that time?
A: Definitely winning the state championship my senior year. We had so much momentum and really felt unstoppable. I was so glad that my sister, Taylr, and I could share the moment together!
Q: How did you know that Minnesota was the best "fit" for you?
A: Everybody wants that perfect college fit. There was something about the U of M that made my decision easier. The coaches were very nice and welcoming and the facilities made me feel like I was destined to be here.
Q: You're a freshman but you graduated early so you were here for some spring classes?
A: I did. Yes, I graduated, I think it was the 13th or 14th of January and then over that weekend I moved into college and the next week started classes in the spring semester. So I have a semester of classes under my belt right now.
Q: How did you come to the conclusion to leave high school early?
A: One of the players jokingly said I should graduate early! So I thought about it and realized it was a great choice. I had already taken enough credits to graduate high school early, and realized it would be nice to know the campus and how things work around here. To this day, I do not regret my choice at all!
Q: Were you happy to go straight to college or did you wish you had a summer off?
A: I thought it was one of the best decisions I've made. Of course I would've liked a summer but training here was worth it.
Q: From that spring to this fall semester, what has been the best part of your freshman experience?
A: I think getting to know the other freshmen that came in because when I came early I was the only one and it was weird. Everyone has their little class and so it was exciting to meet the other girls and now we're like our own group too.
Q: What's your favorite place to eat on campus?
A: I love Pagoda and I love Raising Cane's. Those are probably my top two besides Mesa and Annie's. There's a bunch of good places.
Q: What do you usually get when you're at Raising Cane's?
A: I get the three finger combo with extra Canes sauce.
Q: What's your favorite class?
A: My favorite class would be my intro to sport management class. We have a lot of different speakers come in from the Timberwolves and the Twins and from here in athletics. It's really interesting.
Q: You have a niche for setting. In the Northwestern game you played a match at setter and how was
that? Were you nervous? Excited?
A: I wasn't nervous. I was ready to take on the task. However I can help out the team out there was what I was going for and I just needed to get them going the right direction.
Q: You also do a little outside hitting. How's is that transition-wise? Is it difficult to move from setter
to outside?
A: I like cross training, which is playing different positions. I've never been a hitter before. I practically have never been taught how to hit so I think it's really fun and I'm open to learning anything in any position.
