Q&A with Sarah Machen
9/14/2009 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Sept. 14, 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 redshirt sophomore middle blocker Sarah Machen. Machen is new to the Crimson Tide having spent the past two seasons at the University of Oklahoma.
RT: You are new to the Alabama program but not new to the college game, how will your experience help the Tide (in practice and in games) this season?
SM: I was able to compete at a high level against talented girls every day in practice. I had to have the right mind set so I could continue to work hard. I hope that I can bring this same energy and passion to help us win in the cave.
RT: You are from Mobile. How excited are you to start playing volleyball in Alabama again?
SM: Being from Mobile has made this adjustment easy. I grew up a serious Alabama fan, so I feel honored to be wearing an Alabama jersey. Although life took me away from Alabama for a few years, Alabama has always been in my heart.
RT: You have three brothers, which must have been tough growing up, were you able to hold your own? Did you guys play sports a lot growing up?
SM: I wouldn't say it was too tough growing up with three brothers. I'm a daddy's girl, and he made sure I was not touched! Sure, there were times when my Dad wasn't around so I had to learn quickly to hold my own. Sports were huge in my household. We tried everything there is. Competition fuels my family and everything we did turned into a show of who was better. My brothers still think they can beat me at volleyball. I love them and wouldn't want anything different!
RT: When and why did you start playing volleyball?
SM: I started playing volleyball in the fifth grade with my mom as the coach. It was new to both of us, but it was just the next sport to try out. Obviously it became my favorite.
RT: Do you have any pregame rituals or superstitions that you do before every game?
SM: I'm not very superstitious but I like to pump myself up by listening to my iPod. Before every game I also say a prayer that I've said since my high school team.
RT: Who, if anyone, have you tried to model your game after?
SM: Since the early days of my career I have looked up to girls older and more experienced than me, but I don't have anyone in particular.
RT: Where are you most looking forward to traveling for away games?
SM: I'm looking forward to traveling to all the SEC schools. I have friends that go to almost all of them and some that even play. It will be fun getting to compete in front of friendly faces and to beat their teams! If I had to choose one though, it would have to be Auburn because of the rivalry.
RT: What's the most embarrassing thing you have done during a volleyball game?
SM: I don't have one…
RT: If you could create your dream volleyball team, who would be one it?
SM: I'm on the dream team!
RT: Why did you choose to come to the University of Alabama?
SM: I choose to come to Alabama because it truly felt like a family. The girls and coaches all really care about one another and that's important to me.
Favorites
Musician: Dave Mathews Band, Lil Wayne
TV Show: Family Guy, Project Runway
Movie: The Holiday
Book: Redeeming Love Pregame
Meal: McAllister's
Sport (other than volleyball): Baseball
UA Athlete: Shaun Alexander (my family lab is named after him)
Place on campus: The Ferg
Play in volleyball: Slide Attack
