University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: Brittany McLean
10/19/2017 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Brittany McLean had an opportunity of a lifetime to compete with the USA College National Team in June, a group of women she used to watch when she was a younger player. She was able to learn and grow as a player while practicing on her home court and playing in her home state surrounded by family and friends to top off the experience. McLean and the rest of the Gopher squad is ready to battle through the rest of conference play, taking it one match at a time.
GopherSports.com: How have you grown on and off the court since last season?
Brittany McLean: One thing I have learned is becoming a smarter player. The team pushes us to hit different shots and become smarter and effective players. A low seam shot against our defense wouldn't do anything because they will pick it up.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this season?
BM: I'm looking forward to the rest of Big Ten competition. I won't pick out a certain match because as you can see, the Big Ten has proven to be a tough match every time, so we need to be ready for the long haul. We need to take it one match at a time and see how we will grow as a team and come together.
GS: What is one thing you thing the team is doing well?
BM: I would say being unified. We have each others backs and have connections on and off the court. I feel that this year is different than years prior, we really can talk about anything. On the court, you can see that we have our teammate's backs and are all doing our jobs to help the team. Our unity off the court shows when we are on the court.
GS: How was playing on the USA CNT team this summer?
BM: Overall it was super fun. Getting to meet and connect with others who play different positions from different schools was awesome. It was a blast. Getting to play in Minnesota was a plus because my family was able to watch me play. In the Big Ten, all of the players are really good, and the women that were on this team are just as good as the women in this conference. It was great competition all the way around.
GS: How has school been going this semester? Have you declared a major?
BM: I am hopefully declaring kinesiology. School is going great, I've gotten in a routine now with classes and I'm getting to explore more major based classes. One class that I'm taking is anatomy. it is a lot of work, but learning how the body moves and functions is really cool.
Interview conducted by student communications assistant Jordyn Anderson.
