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Gopher Spotlight: Ellie Husemann
8/22/2019 9:19:00 AM | Volleyball
Ellie Husemann has grown up watching Gopher volleyball. Since she's been young, looking up to Tori Dixon, Husemann is looking to make her own path with the Gophers. The Eagan, Minn., native played for Eagan High School and Northern Lights. She helped the Wildcats to two state championships and two state runner-up titles. Named to the Minneapolis Star Tribune all-metro first team in 2018, she was also a Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year candidate. Husemann finished her career as Eagan's all-time block leader with 379 career blocks. She also helped Northern Lights to a 2017 USA 17-Open national champion and a 2015 runner-up accolades. Get to know one of our newest Gophers in this recent spotlight.
Why did you choose Minnesota?
Ellie Husemann: I chose Minnesota because ever since I was little, I've been coming to watch the Gophers play and I've been around the campus. It's been my dream since I was a little girl so it worked out really well. I love it here.
When did you start playing the sport?
EH: I started playing when I was in sixth grade because the varsity coach at my high school pulled me out of my middle school class and told me I should try and play for our club team and our city. I was playing basketball too, but then realized volleyball was less running and it's more exciting after each play, so I made the switch.
You arrived here in the summer to start taking classes. How has this summer been going for you?
EH: I took the freshman orientation class this summer with all the freshmen student-athletes and it was super cool to start to get to know people and create relationships with all those other student-athletes. We know we're all transitioning, on the same tough schedule and know what each other are going through. The class was more about how to be a good student-athlete and learn about all the resources the athletic department and the University of Minnesota has to offer. It was a good class to take. I feel a lot more prepared and less stressed entering my freshman season.
Any idea what you want to major in or still undecided?
EH: Still undecided. I want to do something in business, but I'm open to the other majors this place has to offer. I want to continue in Spanish and minor in that.
How has your transition been going so far from the high school game to college?
EH: The game is definitely faster. So just trying to keep up with the pace of it. It's been really easy because my teammates have been so helpful and welcoming that I don't feel as nervous as I was. It's more just getting used to the high speed and the different style of the college game.
What's it been like working with the Gopher coaching staff?
EH: They've been awesome. Coming in, we are kind of relearning volleyball. What you learned all growing up, it's a lot different here. The coaches are teaching it from a technique standpoint. They have been really nice in teaching it to you and holding you accountable, but also being there to support you along the way. All and all, it's been really good. They push you to be the best and it's good to have that.
What has been some of the best advice you've gotten from your teammates so far?
EH: The big thing that Regan (Pittman) told me is to have self-confidence. She always comes over and pushes up my shoulders and tells me to stand up straight and stand tall. Have that confidence and tell yourself "you've got this" for every single ball. I think just knowing that they have my back, but also have my own back and knowing that I can do this has been really helpful. I always remind myself of that especially when it gets tough in practice. Nothing personal, it's all good information and everyone is here to help you.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
EH: I'm looking forward to the game days. Running out of the locker room to thousands of fans cheering for you. I'm just excited to represent Minnesota and compete with my team. I think it's going to be awesome.
Quick Hits
Favorite food: Anything Mexican. I also love Chipotle, I could eat it every day.
Favorite pro team or professional athlete: I love baseball, so I love the Minnesota Twins and my baseball player is Bryce Harper.
Favorite binge show: New Girl. It's so funny!
Favorite campus spot: Athletes Village. It's cool to go on the sixth floor and look out at the view. I have also sat in some of the study rooms and it's just peaceful and nice.
Favorite place to visit: California. I went there last spring break and it was awesome.
Why did you choose Minnesota?
Ellie Husemann: I chose Minnesota because ever since I was little, I've been coming to watch the Gophers play and I've been around the campus. It's been my dream since I was a little girl so it worked out really well. I love it here.
When did you start playing the sport?
EH: I started playing when I was in sixth grade because the varsity coach at my high school pulled me out of my middle school class and told me I should try and play for our club team and our city. I was playing basketball too, but then realized volleyball was less running and it's more exciting after each play, so I made the switch.
You arrived here in the summer to start taking classes. How has this summer been going for you?
EH: I took the freshman orientation class this summer with all the freshmen student-athletes and it was super cool to start to get to know people and create relationships with all those other student-athletes. We know we're all transitioning, on the same tough schedule and know what each other are going through. The class was more about how to be a good student-athlete and learn about all the resources the athletic department and the University of Minnesota has to offer. It was a good class to take. I feel a lot more prepared and less stressed entering my freshman season.
Any idea what you want to major in or still undecided?
EH: Still undecided. I want to do something in business, but I'm open to the other majors this place has to offer. I want to continue in Spanish and minor in that.
How has your transition been going so far from the high school game to college?
EH: The game is definitely faster. So just trying to keep up with the pace of it. It's been really easy because my teammates have been so helpful and welcoming that I don't feel as nervous as I was. It's more just getting used to the high speed and the different style of the college game.
What's it been like working with the Gopher coaching staff?
EH: They've been awesome. Coming in, we are kind of relearning volleyball. What you learned all growing up, it's a lot different here. The coaches are teaching it from a technique standpoint. They have been really nice in teaching it to you and holding you accountable, but also being there to support you along the way. All and all, it's been really good. They push you to be the best and it's good to have that.
What has been some of the best advice you've gotten from your teammates so far?
EH: The big thing that Regan (Pittman) told me is to have self-confidence. She always comes over and pushes up my shoulders and tells me to stand up straight and stand tall. Have that confidence and tell yourself "you've got this" for every single ball. I think just knowing that they have my back, but also have my own back and knowing that I can do this has been really helpful. I always remind myself of that especially when it gets tough in practice. Nothing personal, it's all good information and everyone is here to help you.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
EH: I'm looking forward to the game days. Running out of the locker room to thousands of fans cheering for you. I'm just excited to represent Minnesota and compete with my team. I think it's going to be awesome.
Quick Hits
Favorite food: Anything Mexican. I also love Chipotle, I could eat it every day.
Favorite pro team or professional athlete: I love baseball, so I love the Minnesota Twins and my baseball player is Bryce Harper.
Favorite binge show: New Girl. It's so funny!
Favorite campus spot: Athletes Village. It's cool to go on the sixth floor and look out at the view. I have also sat in some of the study rooms and it's just peaceful and nice.
Favorite place to visit: California. I went there last spring break and it was awesome.
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