University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Spotlight: CC McGraw
11/4/2019 3:53:00 PM | Volleyball
The in-game presence of sophomore CC McGraw can be seen and felt by everyone on the court and in the gym. The libero from Prior Lake, Minn. not only commands the back court, but serves as the ultimate hype woman for her teammates after big plays.
"I think in those big matches, or in any match, it's just really important to recognize the successes of other people and really celebrate that," McGraw says.
After big plays, McGraw can be seen jumping and cheering for her teammates, an action that gets the team and fans even more excited. That energy can make a big difference for the Gophers throughout the match.
"Especially in those tight matches, I think those types of celebrations and when I hype them up is something really important that can really help to maintain that momentum and keep the team going," she says.
McGraw has also had big matches to celebrate, as she became the first Gopher since 2010 to have over 30 digs in a game. On Oct. 19, McGraw recorded 32 digs in a win over ranked Illinois. Though McGraw says it's cool to have such a big game, she's just happy that they were able to pull out the win.
"Any team in the Big Ten is amazing and on any given night someone could play the game of their life against us," she says. "So I'm just really happy I was able to do that for the team so we could get those wins and keep this momentum going."
McGraw's control of the back court has helped the team find success throughout the season. In her second year as starting libero, she has been able to take on a larger leadership role on the team. She says she has embraced that role, and tries to lead by example. McGraw does whatever she can to help the team succeed defensively, and she pushes her teammates to be the best that they can be in every match.
Often being the first point of contact, the back court can set the tone for the rest of the play. McGraw says she is able to lead the defense by being the spark plug and main communicator. In order to transition and get the play, she makes sure that everything is flowing correctly and that everyone knows their responsibilities.
McGraw keeps this behavior going from week to week by focusing on one game at a time.
"The Big Ten season can get long and it's exhausting at times, but just making sure every day I'm coming into practice and working on those incremental improvements that I can make throughout the season so that I can help my team," she says.Â
The Gophers have been able to find a good amount of success so far the season. They are 15-3 overall, and 9-1 in the Big Ten. Their only loss in conference play came from ranked Wisconsin.Â
As the rest of the season progresses, McGraw wants to continue embracing her leadership role. She also hopes to get more consistent defensively, so she's able to make the play in the back court. As a team, McGraw hopes to get some rings by the end of the season.
"I'm really optimistic about the growth that our team has had," she says. "We're heading in the right direction, so I'm excited."Â
Feature written by Emma Henzi
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
"I think in those big matches, or in any match, it's just really important to recognize the successes of other people and really celebrate that," McGraw says.
After big plays, McGraw can be seen jumping and cheering for her teammates, an action that gets the team and fans even more excited. That energy can make a big difference for the Gophers throughout the match.
"Especially in those tight matches, I think those types of celebrations and when I hype them up is something really important that can really help to maintain that momentum and keep the team going," she says.
McGraw has also had big matches to celebrate, as she became the first Gopher since 2010 to have over 30 digs in a game. On Oct. 19, McGraw recorded 32 digs in a win over ranked Illinois. Though McGraw says it's cool to have such a big game, she's just happy that they were able to pull out the win.
"Any team in the Big Ten is amazing and on any given night someone could play the game of their life against us," she says. "So I'm just really happy I was able to do that for the team so we could get those wins and keep this momentum going."
McGraw's control of the back court has helped the team find success throughout the season. In her second year as starting libero, she has been able to take on a larger leadership role on the team. She says she has embraced that role, and tries to lead by example. McGraw does whatever she can to help the team succeed defensively, and she pushes her teammates to be the best that they can be in every match.
Often being the first point of contact, the back court can set the tone for the rest of the play. McGraw says she is able to lead the defense by being the spark plug and main communicator. In order to transition and get the play, she makes sure that everything is flowing correctly and that everyone knows their responsibilities.
McGraw keeps this behavior going from week to week by focusing on one game at a time.
"The Big Ten season can get long and it's exhausting at times, but just making sure every day I'm coming into practice and working on those incremental improvements that I can make throughout the season so that I can help my team," she says.Â
The Gophers have been able to find a good amount of success so far the season. They are 15-3 overall, and 9-1 in the Big Ten. Their only loss in conference play came from ranked Wisconsin.Â
As the rest of the season progresses, McGraw wants to continue embracing her leadership role. She also hopes to get more consistent defensively, so she's able to make the play in the back court. As a team, McGraw hopes to get some rings by the end of the season.
"I'm really optimistic about the growth that our team has had," she says. "We're heading in the right direction, so I'm excited."Â
Feature written by Emma Henzi
Athletic Communications Student Assistant
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