Q&A with Kayla Fitterer
8/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Aug. 24, 2009
Throughout the season, Rolltide.com will sit down with various members of the volleyball team and staff and ask a series of questions to get to know them better. Today, we caught up with freshman outside hitter Kayla Fitterer. Fitterer is a PrepVolleyball.com High School All-American and holds her high school career kills record with 1,259.
RT: You played basketball in high school as well as volleyball. What made you pick volleyball over basketball?
KF: Once I reached high school I realized that if I wanted to compete at a high level I'd have to focus my attention on one sport. It came down to the fact that I just enjoyed volleyball more than basketball.
RT: You currently hold your high school's record for most kills in a career with 1,259. What does it mean to you to leave a legacy on your high school program like that?
KF: It feels great to hold the record for most kills. Even more rewarding is knowing that I was part of a team that won two conference championships and made it one game away from the state tournament which is something that had never been done before.
RT: You had a transition halfway through high school where you switched school. What did you learn from that experience that can help your transition from high school to college?
KF: Not only did I make a transition during high school, but I also moved from Seattle to St. Louis the summer before entering my freshman year. Both experiences have had a huge impact on me. I quickly learned how to adapt to different environments and make new friends. I also learned that having a good attitude and open mind was very beneficial. Since I did it twice before, I'm hoping that the college transition will be a good one. I'm extremely happy to be here!
RT: When and why did you start playing volleyball?
KF: I started playing volleyball when I was in fifth grade. My older sister, Sarah, played and I would watch all of her matches. I loved watching it, so I thought I'd give it a shot!
RT: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions?
KF: Well, I don't have any superstitions before games, but one thing I always do is say a prayer during the National Anthem.
RT: Who, if anyone, have you tried to model your game after?
KF: I really haven't modeled my game after anyone in particular. Although, while in grade school in Seattle, I admired many of the collegiate players who also played in my club.
RT: Of all the road trips this season, where are you most looking forward to traveling to?
KF: St. Louis! And also many of the SEC schools. I grew up in the Northwest and am familiar with that part of the country, but I am really looking forward to visiting more of the South.
RT: What's the most embarrassing this you have done during a volleyball match?
KF: Umm…I can't remember anything.
RT: If you could create you dream volleyball team who would be on it?
KF: My dream team would be made up of my sister, Sarah, my 6'5 brother, Eric, my best friends from high school, Maddi Croft and Mary Marty. I guess I would also include Misty May, Kerry Walsh and Phil Dahlhauser to round out the team.
RT: Why did you choose the University of Alabama?
KF: After visiting several schools from across the country I came here and knew it was for me! The combination of academics, the team, coaches, campus and the school's history made up the perfect fit. Everyone really made me feel comfortable here. And…it doesn't get extremely cold down here.
FAVORITES
Musician: Carrie Underwood
TV Show: One Tree Hill
Movie: The Holiday and Remember the Titans
Sport (other than volleyball): Basketball
Place on Campus: My dorm and bed
Play in Volleyball: Outside attack - 4
