University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Toni Alugbue
7/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Toni Alugbue joins the Gopher volleyball team after transferring from Notre Dame. After sitting out last season, the red-shirt senior is ready to return to action, this time in the Big Ten Conference. In her first three years with the Fighting Irish, Alugbue was an AVCA All-America honorable mention and a first-team All-Big East selection in 2012. In her final year of Notre Dame competition, Alugbue was the team leader in kills (344), kills per set (2.89) and points per set (3.30). Hailing from Del Aire, Calif., and El Segundo High School, Alugbue is pursuing her master's degree from Minnesota. Here's a short question/answer session with the senior.
You already have an undergraduate degree in management consulting, but what do you want to do with it?
Toni Alugbue: To be honest with you I'm not sure yet. I think when I'm done with volleyball I'd like to go into maybe health care consulting, something along those lines. [Now] I'm in graduate school. I'm doing a master's in sports science.
After being in Minneapolis for two months, what is your favorite part about campus/the city?
TA: My favorite place on campus is the Pav, obviously. And my favorite place in the city would probably be the Stone Arch Bridge. I like the overview of the downtown skyline; I think it's really cool.
Is the U pf M a lot different from your old school, Notre Dame?
TA: Yeah, Notre Dame was a very centralized campus. Everything was within one unit. But here at the U, it's more of a city vibe. Things are more spread out, but I like it. I like the different experience.
Have you had a chance to get to know all of your teammates yet?
TA: We're all here in the summer working out. I think every person has their own different personalities which is nice, and everyone's so warm and so welcoming. Even though I'm a lot older than the other players, I feel like I'm getting closer with the younger teammates. I think that we're all getting along really well.
What do you guys do together outside of volleyball?
TA: When we're done with workouts, we have the rest of the day free so we go to lakes a lot, do a lot of exploring in the city.
What are you most excited about for this upcoming season/your last season?
TA: I'm excited for the competition, both in practice and with the teams we play. I hope to make it far in the tournament, make it far with my teammates and finish out with a bang.
Are you excited to be a part of the Big Ten?
TA: The Big Ten is arguably the best volleyball conference in the country. Like I said, I'm really excited for that competition. Every weekend, teams are going to bring it and I'm excited to battle with my teammates.
