University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Goehner and Handley
12/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
The season is quickly coming to a close. How do you think it has been going?
Alyssa Goehner: It has been great. We have learned so much through the weeks, both from wins and losses. Each day we become better and more unified. I'm excited to see what we can do down the stretch.
Erica Handley: The thing I love about this team is that after every weekend of competition we come into practice looking at how we can improve. We have continuously gotten better each week and I think it can be seen in the way we have been playing lately. I look forward to seeing what we will be capable of doing at the end of the season.
What are you doing individually to help your team?
AG: Individually, my role is in the back row where I give support with defense and serve receive. In practice our coaches do a great job designing specific drills that focus on areas where we can improve, whether it'd be working on being stopped before contact, digging with our hands, non-setter setting, reading skills, and other small parts that make up the back row defense. A large portion of practice is dedicated to serving and passing, which are the two most important parts of volleyball.
EH: I may not be a starter for the team, but I am very committed to making our team better every day in practice by being one of the leaders and pushing the starters so they are well prepared for the competition we will be facing. We have a very well-rounded team and our practices are extremely competitive, so when it comes to game time, we all know we are ready to go no matter who is on the court.
How did playing for USA Collegiate National Teams this summer help your play this season?
AG: Playing for the Collegiate National Team this summer helped make me better defensively and in the serve receive game, because I was the libero. I was able to focus on just one part of my game. It also gave me more confidence in my passing.
EH: Playing for the Collegiate National Team this summer was a great experience. It was nice because the systems were similar to the way we run things here at the U of M with Hugh being our coach. It was nice to get extra reps and to play with a great group of women and coaches.
Would you consider playing volleyball overseas after college?
AG: Yes I would. Over the years here at Minnesota I have developed a love for the back court. It would be cool to one day be a libero at the national level somewhere.
EH: I am definitely considering playing overseas after college. I do not know where I want to play yet, but it has always been a dream of mine since I was little. The fact that it is a tangible goal is very exciting and I look forward to it!
What has been your favorite moment this season?
AG: The chemistry between not just us girls, but even with the coaching staff is something I have never been a part of. Our coaching staff is hilarious!
EH: My favorite moment from this season so far would have to be just spending time with my amazing teammates. Every day we become closer and closer.Just knowing my days with them are limited is starting to sink in and I am going to miss them all so much! I believe our best is yet to come and I look forward to being a part of it.
Your hometowns are close to campus. What does the support of your family at your games mean to you?
AG: It means the world to me. It has been so wonderful to know my family has been there to support me every step of the way, through the good and the bad. It is also great to see the support from Lakeville, north and south. Thank you!
EH: I only lived in Lakeville for a year, so my "hometown" is a small town in northern Minnesota about 5 hours away. When my family drives down for my games I am very grateful for their support, and for the continuous support they have given me throughout my career.
