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/ VolleyballPhoto by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Spotlight: Airi Miyabe
8/1/2019 8:04:00 AM | Volleyball
Junior Airi Miyabe joins the Gopher program after spending two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho. In her two years with the Eagles, Miyabe led the team to a 2018 NJCAA championship and a runner-up finish in 2017. In her sophomore season, she averaged 4.28 kills per set, hit .302 and averaged 2.86 digs per set. For her efforts, she was named the 2018 NJCAA Division I Player of the Year and the AVCA Two-Year College Player of the Year, the first ever in school history. Prior to her time at CSI, she was a part of the Japanese National Team from 2015-16, where she competed at the 2015 World Grand Prix. In 2014, she was a part of the Youth National Team, and was named the Asia MVP. She was also named to Team CORE, a group selected to play with Japan in preparation for the 2020 Olympic team. As she prepares for another new experience, take a look at Miyabe as we feature her in this recent Gopher Spotlight.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Airi Miyabe: I chose the University of Minnesota because of the strong volleyball program. Minnesota has one of the best volleyball programs in the nation. Academics is another reason that I decided to come here. I firmly believe I can get a high level of education here as well as improve my volleyball skills.
How did you get started in the sport and at what age did you first start playing?
AM:I started to play volleyball when I was eight years old. One day, my friends asked me to help her volleyball club team because they only had five players at the moment and they only had four days left until a game. I was going to help them just one game, but I couldn't quit the volleyball team because I felt really bad for them. If I left the team, they couldn't play. I stayed with the team and still playing today.
You played at Southern Idaho prior to Minnesota. Can you talk about your experience there?
AM: Last two years were tough seasons for me, but also an irreplaceable experience at Southern Idaho as it helped me mentally grow. I was leaving my country, going through a language barrier, new teammates and school, different volleyball style and a new culture. In practice and off of the court, every day was a learning experience for me. The most unforgettable experience in CSI was losing coach Heidi (CSI head coach Heidi Cartisser passed away in December 2017). It happened during winter break after we got second place at nationals in 2017. After the winter break, it was really hard to go to the gym where I used to practice with her. She was a strong woman, a great coach and mother. She showed me love and gave me a family. The team played together for the past two years and had people always around to support us. I am grateful to be a part of the CSI family and meet Heidi, who made a huge change in my whole life in Twin Falls, Idaho.
How has that transition been for you playing in Japan to then coming to the United States to play here?
AM: There are many differences between Japanese volleyball style and USA volleyball style. The libero doesn't serve in my country and we only can switch player six times per game. I really like how coaches and players communicate, build a team together and have a close connection here in the US. I have never had a conversation with coaches other than volleyball or school before. I like both volleyball styles, they are just different. Japanese players respect their coach. The US volleyball style integrates a lot of statistical strategies. I am enjoying both styles.
What is some good advice you've gotten from your fellow Minnesota teammates so far?
AM: It wasn't necessarily advice, but I remember when CC (McGraw) and Bayley (McMenimen) said "we are here to help you and we are teammates now," when they came to my room to say hi to me. I was extremely nervous at the time and made me feel more at ease.
Since being in Minnesota, have you gotten a chance to site see or do anything fun in the area?
AM: Bayley, Shea (Rubright) and I went to Vintage Market. It was really fun and l do love vintage clothes!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
AM: I am looking forward competing this season in the hopes of winning a national championship!
Favorite campus spot: I like the view of the east and west banks of campus crossing the Mississippi river from the bridge. (Washington Ave Bridge)
Favorite emoji to use: 🙃
Favorite Minneapolis place to visit: Vintage shop and market
If you could play any other sport, what would it be? I would like to play "Sepak takraw". It is also called kick volleyball. This sport is popularly played in South Asia. It is similar to volleyball but only allowing players to use their feet, knee, chest, and head to touch the ball.
Why did you choose the University of Minnesota?
Airi Miyabe: I chose the University of Minnesota because of the strong volleyball program. Minnesota has one of the best volleyball programs in the nation. Academics is another reason that I decided to come here. I firmly believe I can get a high level of education here as well as improve my volleyball skills.
How did you get started in the sport and at what age did you first start playing?
AM:I started to play volleyball when I was eight years old. One day, my friends asked me to help her volleyball club team because they only had five players at the moment and they only had four days left until a game. I was going to help them just one game, but I couldn't quit the volleyball team because I felt really bad for them. If I left the team, they couldn't play. I stayed with the team and still playing today.
You played at Southern Idaho prior to Minnesota. Can you talk about your experience there?
AM: Last two years were tough seasons for me, but also an irreplaceable experience at Southern Idaho as it helped me mentally grow. I was leaving my country, going through a language barrier, new teammates and school, different volleyball style and a new culture. In practice and off of the court, every day was a learning experience for me. The most unforgettable experience in CSI was losing coach Heidi (CSI head coach Heidi Cartisser passed away in December 2017). It happened during winter break after we got second place at nationals in 2017. After the winter break, it was really hard to go to the gym where I used to practice with her. She was a strong woman, a great coach and mother. She showed me love and gave me a family. The team played together for the past two years and had people always around to support us. I am grateful to be a part of the CSI family and meet Heidi, who made a huge change in my whole life in Twin Falls, Idaho.
How has that transition been for you playing in Japan to then coming to the United States to play here?
AM: There are many differences between Japanese volleyball style and USA volleyball style. The libero doesn't serve in my country and we only can switch player six times per game. I really like how coaches and players communicate, build a team together and have a close connection here in the US. I have never had a conversation with coaches other than volleyball or school before. I like both volleyball styles, they are just different. Japanese players respect their coach. The US volleyball style integrates a lot of statistical strategies. I am enjoying both styles.
What is some good advice you've gotten from your fellow Minnesota teammates so far?
AM: It wasn't necessarily advice, but I remember when CC (McGraw) and Bayley (McMenimen) said "we are here to help you and we are teammates now," when they came to my room to say hi to me. I was extremely nervous at the time and made me feel more at ease.
Since being in Minnesota, have you gotten a chance to site see or do anything fun in the area?
AM: Bayley, Shea (Rubright) and I went to Vintage Market. It was really fun and l do love vintage clothes!
What are you most looking forward to this year?
AM: I am looking forward competing this season in the hopes of winning a national championship!
Favorite campus spot: I like the view of the east and west banks of campus crossing the Mississippi river from the bridge. (Washington Ave Bridge)
Favorite emoji to use: 🙃
Favorite Minneapolis place to visit: Vintage shop and market
If you could play any other sport, what would it be? I would like to play "Sepak takraw". It is also called kick volleyball. This sport is popularly played in South Asia. It is similar to volleyball but only allowing players to use their feet, knee, chest, and head to touch the ball.
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