University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Libero/DS
/ Volleyball
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Meet the Freshmen: Skylar Gray
8/4/2021 12:00:00 PM | Volleyball
Gray is a libero/ds from Maple Grove, Minn.
Skylar Gray is a freshman libero/ds from Maple Grove, Minn. She played for Maple Grove High School and Minnesota Select Club Volleyball Team. A five-year volleyball letterwinner, Gray has also been a team captain since her freshman year and was a three-time player of the year. A 2020 Under Armour All-America nominee and a four-time All-Northwest Suburban Conference selection, Gray was named to the Minnesota Class 3A All-State First Team in 2020.
GS: Why did you choose Minnesota?
SG: I chose Minnesota because of the people, everybody was so nice to me. I felt like the atmosphere was very welcoming and the coaching staff cared about me as a person, not just as a player.
GS: How did you first get into volleyball?
SG: I got into volleyball when I played soccer actually. There were volleyball courts in the same facility as the soccer field and I would always get distracted by the players. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to play and the rest is history.
GS: How have summer classes been going so far? Do you know your major yet?
SG: Summer class has been great, I met so many new people and gained a lot of skills I will need for college. As of right now, I am planning on majoring in neuroscience, we'll see if it changes, but so far I'm looking forward to it.
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player for someone who has never seen you play before?
SG: I love celebrating on great plays, whether it's my own or my teammates. I am also very supportive and I try to always give to my team either verbally or physically whenever I can.
GS: Why did you choose number 15?
SG: I've had No. 15 through club and in high school. I chose it because I liked that it was perfectly in between 10 and 20.
GS: What's the best piece of advice you've gotten so far from your new teammates?
SG: To go for every ball even if you know you won't get it. Having that mentality, even just in practice and open gyms will carry over into games for sure.
GS: What are you most looking forward to in your freshman season?
SG: I am looking forward to building the team chemistry, I feel like everyone has blended really well together so far. I'm excited to see how far we can make it this year because of that.
GS: Is there a team you're most excited to play against?
SG: I'm excited to play against Wisconsin. I remember watching the games and the atmosphere seems like so much fun. With all the fans and the rivalry it makes me really excited.
GS: What goals do you have for yourself as a player?
SG: I want to become a better leader. It doesn't necessarily need to be in a captain's role, just as someone who leads by example.
Superlatives:
Favorite Food: Cashew chicken
Favorite Spot on Campus: Athletes Village
Favorite Sport (Other Than Volleyball): Figure skating
Best Vacation Spot: Key West, Fla.
Favorite Netflix Show: Criminal Minds
Person You Admire Most: My parents
GS: Why did you choose Minnesota?
SG: I chose Minnesota because of the people, everybody was so nice to me. I felt like the atmosphere was very welcoming and the coaching staff cared about me as a person, not just as a player.
GS: How did you first get into volleyball?
SG: I got into volleyball when I played soccer actually. There were volleyball courts in the same facility as the soccer field and I would always get distracted by the players. As soon as I saw it, I knew I wanted to play and the rest is history.
GS: How have summer classes been going so far? Do you know your major yet?
SG: Summer class has been great, I met so many new people and gained a lot of skills I will need for college. As of right now, I am planning on majoring in neuroscience, we'll see if it changes, but so far I'm looking forward to it.
GS: How would you describe yourself as a player for someone who has never seen you play before?
SG: I love celebrating on great plays, whether it's my own or my teammates. I am also very supportive and I try to always give to my team either verbally or physically whenever I can.
GS: Why did you choose number 15?
SG: I've had No. 15 through club and in high school. I chose it because I liked that it was perfectly in between 10 and 20.
GS: What's the best piece of advice you've gotten so far from your new teammates?
SG: To go for every ball even if you know you won't get it. Having that mentality, even just in practice and open gyms will carry over into games for sure.
GS: What are you most looking forward to in your freshman season?
SG: I am looking forward to building the team chemistry, I feel like everyone has blended really well together so far. I'm excited to see how far we can make it this year because of that.
GS: Is there a team you're most excited to play against?
SG: I'm excited to play against Wisconsin. I remember watching the games and the atmosphere seems like so much fun. With all the fans and the rivalry it makes me really excited.
GS: What goals do you have for yourself as a player?
SG: I want to become a better leader. It doesn't necessarily need to be in a captain's role, just as someone who leads by example.
Superlatives:
Favorite Food: Cashew chicken
Favorite Spot on Campus: Athletes Village
Favorite Sport (Other Than Volleyball): Figure skating
Best Vacation Spot: Key West, Fla.
Favorite Netflix Show: Criminal Minds
Person You Admire Most: My parents
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